Alaska: Land of the Midnight Sun by Diane Arnell

Did you ever have to go to bed before the sun went down? People in Alaska—even adults—do this for several months each year. That's because Alaska can get up to 22 hours of sunlight a day during the summer. Imagine seeing the sun at midnight! That is why Alaska is called the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Causes of the Midnight Sun

The Earth makes one complete revolution, or circle, around the sun each year. During its revolution, the Earth tilts on its axis. The axis is an imaginary line that connects the North and South Poles. The Earth circles around the axis once every day.

Because the Earth tilts on its axis, the Southern Hemisphere gets more sunshine in the winter months. December is the sunniest month in the Southern Hemisphere. The Northern Hemisphere gets more sunshine from June to August. The summer solstice, or sunniest day of the year, takes place in the Northern Hemisphere around June 21 each year.

How the Midnight Sun Affects Plants

The large amount of sunshine has a special effect on living things, especially plants. Green plants need sunshine to make food for themselves. This process is called photosynthesis. When the sun rises early, the plants go to work making their food. They keep working until the sun sets, late at night.

Parts of Alaska are known for growing record-breaking plants because of the long days during the summer. For example, a single cabbage weighed 138 pounds.

Effects of Long Daylight on Animals and People

Animals also respond to more sunlight. The longer days give animals more time to look for food. Additionally, the sunshine warms the Earth, which helps insects grow bigger. The number of insects also increases. Because animals eat insects, this change provides animals a bigger and better diet. The improved, healthier diet gives animals a better chance of surviving the harsh winter months.

People are also affected by the long days. Because darkness tells the body when to sleep, some people have trouble falling asleep. Many Alaskans use blackout curtains that block the sunlight, allowing them to get a good night's sleep.

One wonderful thing about the midnight sun is the festivals. Alaskans celebrate the long, sunny days with food and fun until the short, winter days return.