The sun has officially set in Utqiagvik, Alaska, marking the beginning of an extraordinary natural event in which the town will not see another sunrise until January 22, 2026. Located far above the Arctic Circle, Utqiagvik enters this long stretch of darkness every year, but its dramatic transition continues to capture global attention.
This phenomenon is known as the polar night — a period when the Sun remains completely below the horizon for weeks or even months. Because Earth is tilted at about 23.5 degrees, the Arctic is angled away from the Sun during winter. As a result, sunlight never reaches high enough to rise over the horizon, even at noon.
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During this period, Utqiagvik does not experience total pitch-black darkness all day. Instead, residents see a few hours of soft, blue twilight, when the sky glows faintly but never becomes bright. The rest of the day is spent in deep winter darkness, with the community relying heavily on artificial lighting.
For the people living in Alaska’s northernmost town, the polar night is both challenging and familiar. Daily routines shift, mental health awareness becomes a priority, and many residents embrace traditions that help them stay active and connected during the long winter.
The return of the Sun in late January is always a powerful moment for the community. The first sunrise on January 22, 2026, will mark the end of the long dark season and the gradual arrival of brighter days and warmer light. For many, it is an emotional and uplifting reminder of the Arctic’s unique rhythm and resilience.
Until then, Utqiagvik settles once again into its remarkable winter months — a peaceful yet surreal landscape where the Sun disappears, the sky glows blue, and life continues in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
