White Nights

Categories / City Topography/Nature and Natural Phenomena
WHITE NIGHTS, the name of a natural phenomenon connected with the high geographic latitude of the region, the city is situated at latitude of 59.5 degrees north. The sun drops only seven degrees beneath the horizon at midnight during the days surrounding the summer solstice, leading to an early evening-glow which continues until dawn, twilight lasts the entire night. The duration of the period of White Nights is depends on a several factors. Officially they are considered to occur in St. Petersburg from 11 June until 2 July. However, the period of very light nights lasts from the end of May till the middle of July. As a rule, there is no street lighting in St. Petersburg in the first half of summer because the sky light at midnight is close to the evening sky light. White Nights have become a symbol of St. Petersburg. Various festivals are held in this period, and many people enjoy spending the evenings and nights outside, revelling with friends. The image of White Nights is widely used in art and in literature.

Y. P. Seliverstov. Seliverstov Yury Petrovich
White Nights, festival