This American Town Won’t See The Sun For Next 65 Days: The Science Behind Alaska’s Polar Night | World News

Arctic Darkness: On November 18, 2025, the sun disappeared from Utqiagvik, Alaska, marking the beginning of the city’s polar night. Residents of the neighborhood experienced the last day of the year at 13.36. The sun will not rise here for 65 days. Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the United States. Every year he experiences this long period of darkness. The wait for the next sunrise will continue until January 22, 2026.

This event is called polar night. During this period, the sun remains below the horizon. Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, is located inside the Arctic Circle. The tilt of the Earth causes the sun to disappear for weeks.

In 2025, the last sun was seen on November 18 at 13.36. The next sunrise will occur on January 22, 2026. The darkness lasts exactly 64-65 days.

The Earth is tilted 23.5 degrees around its axis. During the winter months, the North Pole moves away from the sun. Arctic regions do not receive sunlight. In the summer, the opposite happens. The polar day brings constant sunlight.

In Utqiagvik the sun remains visible for 80-85 days from May to August. This year, daylight saving time has made this situation even more evident.

Approximately 4,500 people live in the city, most of whom belong to the Inuit community. Life becomes challenging in the dark. Lack of sunlight affects health. Residents experience fatigue, sadness, or seasonal depression. This condition is known as seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy provides relief.

But daily life goes on. Schools are opening, work continues and people go out. Street lights and home lighting guide daily activities. Temperatures drop to minus 20 to minus 30 degrees Celsius. Citizens spend more time indoors.

The polar night also has its positive aspects. People celebrate parties, Christmas and New Year. The Arctic showcases its beauty. Aurora Borealis or northern lights shine like colorful ribbons in the sky. Tourists visit to witness the unique experience. Extreme cold limits tourism.

In 2016, the city received its current name. Scientists conduct Arctic research here. They study climate change. Melting ice due to global warming may affect the polar night in the future.

Experts say that climate change may lead to changes in the region. The natural cycle continues for now.