ööpäikese

Ööpäikese is an Estonian term that translates to "midnight sun." It refers to the natural phenomenon where the sun remains visible at the local midnight during the summer months in locations north of the Arctic Circle or south of the Antarctic Circle. This occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted relative to its orbital plane around the sun. During the summer solstice, the hemisphere tilted towards the sun experiences continuous daylight.

The midnight sun is a significant attraction for tourists in regions like northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia. It allows for extended periods of daylight for outdoor activities, exploration, and photography. The light during the midnight sun period is often described as having a unique quality, casting long shadows and creating a surreal atmosphere. Many festivals and events are organized around this phenomenon to celebrate the extended daylight.

While the term "ööpäikese" specifically refers to the sun being visible at midnight, the broader concept of continuous daylight is experienced for varying durations depending on latitude. The closer one is to the poles, the longer the period of midnight sun. Conversely, during the winter months, these same regions experience polar night, where the sun does not rise above the horizon for extended periods. The interplay of midnight sun and polar night defines the extreme light conditions of Earth's polar regions.