Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Alaska's 65-Day Polar Night Begins
In Alaska, it's now dark for 24 hours a day for the next 65 days.
This happens because of how Earth moves around the sun.
People there use special lights and routines to cope with the darkness.
Some even enjoy it because they can see beautiful lights in the sky called the Northern Lights.
Utqiagvik, Alaska, has entered a 65-day polar night with no sunrise or sunset.
Polar nights occur when areas near the North Pole are in Earth's shadow due to its tilted orbit.
Antarctica is experiencing a polar day with continuous sunlight.
Arctic residents cope with darkness using artificial light, routines, and mental health support.
Some residents enjoy the spectacle of the Northern Lights and longer indoor time.
- Who
- Residents of Utqiagvik, Alaska
- What
- Experiencing a 65-day polar night
- When
- Now until late January
- Where
- Utqiagvik, Alaska
- Why
- Due to Earth's tilted orbit and position in relation to the sun
Challenges of Polar Nights
Enjoying the Darkness
Circadian Rhythm Disruption
Challenges of Polar Nights
The absence of familiar cues and day-night cycles can affect circadian rhythms and disrupt sleep.
Enjoying the Darkness
Energy Loss
Challenges of Polar Nights
The perpetual lack of daylight often saps energy.
Enjoying the Darkness
Spectacle of Northern Lights
Challenges of Polar Nights
Enjoying the Darkness
Residents enjoy the Northern Lights, a unique spectacle during polar nights.
Longer Indoor Time
Challenges of Polar Nights
Enjoying the Darkness
Some residents appreciate the chance to cosy up for longer at home.
Attitude Towards Darkness
Challenges of Polar Nights
Enjoying the Darkness
A positive mindset towards winter is strongly associated with wintertime wellbeing.
- Duration
- 65 days
- Cause
- Earth's tilted orbit and position relative to the sun
- Impact
- Disrupts normal life in Arctic regions
- Coping Mechanisms
- Artificial light, routines, physical activity, Vitamin D supplements, mental health support
- Unique Phenomenon
- Northern Lights visible during this period
