Final answer:
The 'midnight sun' in Alaska is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and the position of the Arctic Circle, which results in 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon of the 'midnight sun' in Alaska occurs due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and the position of the Arctic Circle. During the summer solstice, which is around June 21st, the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, causing the Sun to remain above the horizon at all times. This results in 24 hours of daylight for regions north of the Arctic Circle, including Alaska.
The tilt of the Earth's axis also affects the length of daylight hours throughout the year. During winter in Alaska, the opposite occurs, and there is a period when the Sun does not rise above the horizon, known as the 'polar night.'
This unique astronomical phenomenon is a result of the Earth's axial tilt and the rotation of the Earth around the Sun.