ASTRONOMICAL PHENOMENA NORTH OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE… AND HOW PEOPLE RESPOND TO THEM

Abstract

We first consider how the basic astronomical phenomena of the sun, moon, and stars appear to the north of

the Arctic Circle. In general, this is a region of long twilights punctuated by bright sunlight and dark nights.

We then discuss two contrasting groups (the Inuit and the Norse) who penetrated some distance into the

Arctic and established ways of life there in equilibrium with the climate and landscape. Finally we consider

some of the effects on humans of life within the Arctic.