Just imagine that on one island, you are seeing tomorrow. Then on the other side, there is another island that was seen yesterday. The Tomorrow and Yesterday Islands also known as Diomede Islands are facing each other across 2.4 miles of sea in the Bering Strait. It is about 2.4 miles apart from each other in the Bering Strait. These two islands, Big Diomede in Russia and Little Diomede in the USA offer a virtual time-travel-like situation. It is because they straddle near the International Date Line.
Let us dive into the mystery of the two islands. We will dive into their geographic significance, and how these islands came to be a symbol of time and history.
The Unique Time Divide Between Tomorrow and Yesterday Islands
The Diomede Islands’ proximity belies their significant temporal separation. The Diomede Islands are located in the middle of the Bering Strait which is between mainland Alaska and Siberia and they are positioned uniquely in respect to the International Date Line. Big Diomede, or Tomorrow Island, belongs to Russia and it is 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede (20 in summer). The Little Diomede, or Yesterday Island, belongs to the USA. This time difference exists even when the islands are apart by only 2.4 miles of ocean.
The International Date Line’s placement means that when it’s Monday on Little Diomede, it’s already Tuesday on Big Diomede. This phenomenon allows observers on Little Diomede to view “tomorrow” by simply gazing across the water. The islands represent not only a time divide but also the closest physical point between the U.S. and Russia, symbolizing both geographical and political boundaries.
Standing on Little Diomede, one can see across the water to Big Diomede in a different day. It might be Monday over there and Sunday here. The International Date Line splits the two worlds, providing the dividing line where time shifts. This sets up the rare situation in which you could see tomorrow and yesterday at the exact same time.
“When you look at the Big Diomede Island, you’re looking into the future!”
Earth Observatory reader Jim Andersen
Big Diomede and Little Diomede: A Tale of Two Nations
Visiting Tomorrow and Yesterday Islands: Is It Possible?
Yet to the intrepid traveler, being able to stand on both “tomorrow” and “yesterday” in one day is an opportunity that is simply too good to pass up. In point of fact, visiting the islands is anything but easy. Big Diomede belongs to Russia and is closed to civilians; it has limited functions other than as a military base. Little Diomede, while more accessible, is nonetheless a very challenging destination for travelers. Its very remoteness implies there are no flights or ferries, and visitors must take the route of helicopters or boats to get there.
To the few who make it to Little Diomede, the scene is entirely different. You can stand on the shores of the USA, look across the water, and see Russia a day ahead. A place where time and geography meet, perhaps at their most incredible intersection. Tourism might not be widespread. Either way this set of islands has continuously made a capture into the imagination of explorers and geographers alike.
Conclusion
The Islands of Tomorrow and Yesterday are among those odd and interesting wonders. The 2.4 miles of ocean separating both islands show the world what it looks and feels like when time literally stands still. Big Diomede and Little Diomede might be separable by politics, geography, and time. However, together they signify one moment in history and nature.
The Diomede Islands offer the ultimate adventure for those dreaming of exploring time and space. These islands bring into perspective just how little the size of the world is in comparison with just how big and wide the concept of time really can be.
The Diomede Islands stand as a testament to the complexities of time, geography, and human resilience. Their unique position offers a tangible glimpse into the interplay between natural boundaries and human-imposed divisions.
While the islands remain largely inaccessible and inhospitable, they continue to captivate the imagination of those intrigued by the world’s most extraordinary places.
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