Utqiagvik, Alaska Embraces Annual Polar Night Phenomenon

Utqiagvik, the northernmost town in the United States, is on the cusp of embracing its annual polar night—a natural occurrence marked by the absence of sunlight for an extended period. Starting at 1:27 p.m. on a Monday, the sun sets for the final time of the year, leaving the town in darkness for 64 consecutive days.

Mark Mahaney, a photographer who visited Utqiagvik in 2019, documented this unique phenomenon over 12 days. Set approximately 500 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Utqiagvik experiences complete darkness, unlike its southern neighbor.

During this period, the sun sets beyond the frozen expanse of the Arctic Ocean, creating a stunning visual landscape. Despite the sun not rising, the town does not plunge into complete darkness; civil twilight provides a dim glow during what would typically be daytime. This time is ideal for stargazers, as the absence of daylight allows unobstructed views of celestial wonders.

The extreme darkness can have significant effects on the residents, both mentally and physically. To counter these effects, many locals turn to vitamin D supplements and light therapy lamps. However, the eventual return of daylight, marked by the first sunrise on January 22 at 1:15 p.m., rejuvenates the community.

Bonnie Jo Mount, a photographer for The Washington Post, captured an image of the sun setting beyond the snow-covered Arctic Ocean in April 2019, providing a visual testament to the enchanting yet challenging reality faced by Utqiagvik’s inhabitants.