Kathmandu. The city of Utqiagvik, Alaska, has run out of its last sunshine of 2025 after sunset Nov. 18. The city has now entered the Polar Night. This means that the sun will not rise for 65 days. As the northernmost city in the United States, it happens every year. People will now wait for the sun to appear until January 2026.
What is Polar Knight?
Polar night is a polar night. When the sun does not rise above the horizon and is dark all day. Utkiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) is located within the Arctic Circle. Where the sun remains invisible for many days due to the tilt of the earth. This year, the sun set at 1:36 p.m. on Nov. 18 and will only rise on Jan. 22, 2026. This period is exactly 64-65 days.
Why is this city dark?
The earth is tilted 23.5 degrees on its axis. In winter, the North Pole turns away from the sun. Therefore, the sun does not reach the Arctic regions. In summer, it’s the opposite. It’s a polar day. When the sun never sets. Utkiagvik experiences 80-85 days of continuous sunshine from May to August. According to the Meteorological Department, this became even more pronounced after the daylight saving time this year.
What is life like in the city?
About 4,500 people live in Utkiagvik. Most of them are ethnic Inuit.
Health Effects: Dark can cause fatigue, sadness, or depression. This is called seasonal emotional disorder. People use special light treatments.
Daily Life: School, work, and outdoor activities continue. However, street lights and house lighting are used. The temperature drops to -20 to -30 degrees. That’s why people stay indoors for a long time.
Positive aspects: People party and celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. The Arctic Aurora is blessed with the beauty of the Borealis (Northern Lights). Which shines in the sky like colored lights.
Tourism: Some tourists come for this unique experience. But the cold is freezing.
{{TAG_OPEN_strong_38}History and Interesting Facts
Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the United States. This solar phenomenon occurs annually. It was formerly called Baro. However, the name was changed in 2016. Scientists do Arctic research here. Such as the study of climate change. Global warming is causing the ice to melt. Which can affect the polar night.
What will happen now?
In January, after sunrise, Utkičavík will be bright again. By May 2026, Polar Day will begin. When the sun never sets. Experts say that climate change can bring changes in such areas. But for now, it’s a natural cycle.
