The town of Utqiagvik in Alaska, earlier known as Barrow, has entered its annual period of complete darkness after witnessing its last sunset of the year on Tuesday, November 18. This marks the beginning of what is known as “polar night”, a phase during which the sun does not rise above the horizon for around 65 days.
Utqiagvik is the northernmost community in North America and lies about 483 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. During this time of year, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, causing daylight in far northern regions to slowly disappear. The sun drops lower each day until it no longer appears at all, reaching its lowest point around the December solstice.
Throughout the polar night, residents receive no direct sunlight. The only brightness comes from a faint glow along the southern horizon and, at times, from the Aurora Borealis lighting up the dark sky.
The town, which is home to roughly 4,600 to 5,000 people, will not see the sun again until January 22, 2026.
Life during this period can be challenging. Temperatures often fall far below zero degrees Fahrenheit, and the lack of daylight affects daily schedules, mood and outdoor activity. Despite this, locals are accustomed to the cycle and prepare for it every year.
This extended darkness is temporary. When spring draws closer, daylight slowly returns. By mid-May, Utqiagvik experiences the opposite condition. The sun stays above the horizon around the clock, creating continuous daylight until early August. This time is known for its bright and active summer season, a stark contrast to the long winter night.
In India, such a phenomenon does not occur. Even in the coldest regions such as Drass, Leh or Gulmarg, the sun continues to rise and set every day. The hours of daylight may shorten during winter, but the sun never fully disappears. This is because India is located far from the polar regions, where the sun always climbs high enough to cross the horizon.
Utqiagvik’s location deep within the Arctic Circle makes its experience very different. During winter, the Earth’s tilt pushes the sun so low that it remains hidden below the horizon for weeks.
A similar process takes place in the Southern Hemisphere, but it is even more extreme at the South Pole. There, a single night can last nearly six months. When the Arctic lives through darkness, the South Pole is bathed in constant daylight, and when the Arctic enjoys the midnight sun, the South Pole enters its long stretch of night.
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