Midnight Sun

polar regions · sun · summer

Sun never sets. During summer months near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, the sun stays visible all day and night, never dipping below the horizon. This happens because of the tilt of Earth, which makes places so far north or south lean toward the sun for weeks at a time.

Happens at both poles. The midnight sun occurs north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. Both polar regions experience this same amazing phenomenon during their summer seasons, just at opposite times of the year.

Trickier than you'd think. The midnight sun doesn't start exactly at the Arctic or Antarctic Circle lines on a map. It actually begins a little closer to the equator, around 65 degrees latitude, because Earth's atmosphere bends light from the sun and makes it visible even when it's technically below the horizon.

Not just one hour. The midnight sun isn't just a quick moment. In places near the poles, the sun can stay visible for weeks or even months without setting, giving people continuous daylight during summer.