When the Sun Disappears: Understanding the Global Phenomenon of Polar Night.
When the Sun Disappears: Understanding the Global Phenomenon of Polar Night Every year, as winter approaches in the far northern and southern latitudes of the Earth, a remarkable and almost mystical event unfolds: the polar night. In these regions, the sun slips below the horizon and does not rise again for days, weeks, or even months. To those living closer to the equator, the idea of a sunless sky for such long periods is almost unimaginable — yet for many communities around the world, this rhythm of darkness is a natural part of life. This article explores the science behind polar night, the regions where it occurs, how people adapt to the long darkness, and why this phenomenon is essential to the planet’s unique climate cycle. What Is Polar Night? Polar night occurs when the sun stays entirely below the horizon for 24 hours or more, a condition that happens only in places located above the Arctic Circle (66.5° N) or below the Antarctic Circle (66.5° S). Because of the Eart...