The Myth of the Year - Long Non - setting Sun

There isn't a place on Earth where the sun never sets for the entire year. However, there are regions near the poles that experience extended periods of continuous sunlight, known as the "midnight sun."

The phenomenon of the midnight sun occurs within the Arctic Circle (north of 66.5°N latitude) and the Antarctic Circle (south of 66.5°S latitude). This is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which is about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. During the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (around June 21), the North Pole is tilted towards the sun. As a result, areas within the Arctic Circle receive 24 - hour sunlight. The closer a location is to the North Pole, the longer the period of continuous sunlight. For example, at the North Pole itself, the sun remains above the horizon for about six months, from the vernal equinox (around March 21) to the autumnal equinox (around September 23).

Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed. During the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice (around December 22), the South Pole is tilted towards the sun, and areas within the Antarctic Circle experience continuous sunlight. Similar to the Arctic, the closer to the South Pole, the longer the period of the midnight sun. But again, this continuous sunlight does not last for a full year. After the summer solstice, the days start to get shorter, and eventually, these regions will experience periods of continuous darkness, known as the polar night. So, while there are long - lasting periods of sunlight near the poles, a year - long non - setting sun does not exist on our planet.