The darkest town in Alaska is widely considered to be Utqiaġvik (formerly known as Barrow), the northernmost town in the United States.
🌑 Why is Utqiaġvik the darkest?
- Location: 71° North latitude
- It lies well above the Arctic Circle, which means it experiences polar night.
🌌 Polar Night Facts:
- From mid-November to late January (roughly 65 days), the sun doesn’t rise at all.
- There may be a few hours of twilight each day, but no direct sunlight.
📍 Quick Utqiaġvik Facts:
- Located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean
- Population: Around 4,500
- Known for extreme cold, whaling culture, and long stretches of darkness and light
🧭 Are there other dark towns in Alaska?
Yes, but Utqiaġvik is the darkest due to its latitude. Other northern towns like:
- Point Hope
- Wainwright
- Kaktovik
…also experience extended winter darkness, but for shorter periods than Utqiaġvik.