Sun Sets for the Final Time in Alaska

news image
Special Stories
19 Nov 2021 6:06 PM
Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly known as Barrow) has entered what is known as "polar night". That means the sun has set for the final time and won't rise again for another 65 days! Set your calendar reminder for January 22nd, 2022 because that's when Utqiagvik will see the sun again (pending cloud cover!) https://twitter.com/NWSFairbanks/status/1461478544987492353 On Thursday as the sun was setting around 1:30 p.m. local time, the city had a very decent sunset and night sky! https://twitter.com/Climatologist49/status/1461481301106561027 Right now, we are about two-thirds of the way between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice. In this image above, just go about two-thirds of the way left of where it says Sep 22-23 and that’s where you’ll find where we currently sit. Note the Northern Hemisphere, where Utqiagvik is, and how the location tilts away from the sun at this point of the year. The tilt is so great that, relative to ground level in northern Alaska, the sun never lifts above the horizon during parts of the winter. So it’s a goodnight to the folks in Utqiagvik until next year. Conversely, northern Alaska experiences non-stop daylight around the Summer Solstice where the sun never sets for weeks on end.
All Weather News
More
Farthest Humans Ever from Earth: Artemis II

Farthest Humans Ever from Earth: Artemis II

NEW RECORD - At 1:56 PM ET on Monday, April 6

6 Apr 2026 9:35 PM
Florida: Rain Coming to Drought-Stricken State

Florida: Rain Coming to Drought-Stricken State

A low-pressure system that moved over Texas b

6 Apr 2026 9:30 PM
West Pattern: Moisture Returns

West Pattern: Moisture Returns

The drought conditions have started to increa

6 Apr 2026 9:15 PM
Severe Threat Looms This Weekend

Severe Threat Looms This Weekend

Here we go again. After what looks like a lar

6 Apr 2026 9:10 PM
Windy System Blows in Midweek

Windy System Blows in Midweek

If it's not a foot and a half of snow in the

6 Apr 2026 9:00 PM
Severe Storms Push East Easter Sunday

Severe Storms Push East Easter Sunday

Several rounds of severe storms have tracked

5 Apr 2026 10:55 PM
Cold Front Ends Record Heat

Cold Front Ends Record Heat

Unseasonably warm air is taking over much of

5 Apr 2026 10:20 AM