The midnight sun has returned to Finland’s northernmost regions, marking the start of a period when the sun no longer sets above the Arctic Circle.
In Utsjoki, the phenomenon began this week and will continue for more than two months. During that time, the sun will remain above the horizon around the clock.
The midnight sun zone in Finland stretches north of the Kemi–Kuusamo line, covering large parts of Lapland.
In the far north, daylight continues through the night as summer approaches its peak.
Even in southern parts of the country, nights remain bright during the summer months despite the sun dipping briefly below the horizon.
According to the Finnish astronomy association Ursa, Finland will not experience a fully dark night again until 2 August.
The longest period of continuous daylight is recorded in Nuorgam, Finland’s northernmost village and the northernmost settlement in the European Union.
There, the midnight sun lasts for 74 days. Depending on the year, it begins on either 15 or 16 May and continues until late July.
The phenomenon occurs because of the Earth’s tilt during its orbit around the sun. Areas above the Arctic Circle receive uninterrupted daylight around the time of the summer solstice.
This year’s summer solstice falls on 21 June, when daylight reaches its annual maximum and the night becomes shortest.
The summer solstice takes place each year between 20 and 22 June.
HT