Polar Night Blankets America's Northernmost Town

Barrow, Alaska, Plunges Into Darkness for Almost Two Months

Sun Won't Rise Again Until January 22

From Monday November 18th, America's northernmost town, Barrow, Alaska, will experience polar night. Barrow, which has a population of about 4,500 people, has not seen the sun since November 18th, and the sun will not make another appearance until January 22, 2020. For 66 days the Arctic town will experience complete darkness.

The phenomenon of polar night occurs when the Earth's axis tilts away from the sun, blocking out sunlight from reaching certain regions. Polar night is common in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where it can last for several months during the winter. During polar night, the sun remains below the horizon for the entire day.

For the people of Barrow, polar night is a time of adjustment. The lack of sunlight can affect people's sleep patterns and mood, and it can be difficult to stay active and motivated. However, the people of Barrow have found ways to adapt to the long winter nights. They often participate in indoor activities such as reading, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.

Polar night can also be a time of great beauty. The darkness can provide a unique opportunity to see the stars and the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field. The Northern Lights can be seen in the sky over Barrow from late August to early April.

Polar night is a challenging time for the people of Barrow, but it is also a time of beauty and wonder. The people of Barrow have adapted to the long winter nights and found ways to make the most of the darkness.