Polar Night Descends on America's Northernmost Town
Utqiaġvik, Alaska, to Experience 66 Days Without Sunlight
America's northernmost town, Utqiaġvik, Alaska, will enter polar night on Monday, November 28th. This means that the sun will not rise above the horizon for 66 days, plunging the town into darkness until January 23rd.
Polar night is a natural phenomenon that occurs at the Earth's poles during the winter months. As the Earth's axis tilts away from the sun, the sun's rays do not reach the poles. This results in long periods of darkness, which can have a significant impact on the people and wildlife that live in these regions.
How Do People Survive Polar Night?
The people of Utqiaġvik have adapted to living in polar night over many generations. They have developed special ways to stay warm, find food, and navigate in the darkness.
- Staying Warm: The average temperature in Utqiaġvik during polar night is -20 degrees Fahrenheit. To stay warm, the people of Utqiaġvik rely on heavy clothing, heated homes, and traditional Inuit clothing made from animal skins.
- Finding Food: During polar night, the sun does not provide any light for photosynthesis. This means that plants cannot grow, and animals that rely on plants for food must find other sources of sustenance. The people of Utqiaġvik hunt seals, walruses, and other marine mammals for food.
- Navigating in the Darkness: The darkness of polar night can make it difficult to navigate. The people of Utqiaġvik use traditional knowledge and modern technology to find their way around. They use landmarks, snowmobiles, and GPS devices to travel safely in the darkness.
The Impact of Polar Night on Wildlife
Polar night also has a significant impact on the wildlife that lives in Utqiaġvik. Many animals migrate south during the winter months to find food and shelter. However, some animals, such as polar bears and Arctic foxes, stay in the area during polar night.
Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals. During polar night, the sea ice is often covered in snow, making it difficult for polar bears to find food. As a result, polar bears often lose weight during polar night and may even die if they are unable to find enough food.
Arctic foxes also rely on sea ice to hunt. However, they are able to survive during polar night by scavenging for food and eating small rodents.
Conclusion
Polar night is a challenging time for the people and wildlife of Utqiaġvik, but it is also a time of great beauty and wonder. The darkness of polar night can be disorienting and frightening, but it can also be a time for reflection and introspection. As the sun sets on Utqiaġvik for the last time until January, the people of the town will gather together to celebrate the coming of polar night and to prepare for the long winter ahead.
