🚨: The Sun has officially set in Barrow, Alaska, and it won't rise again until January 22, 2026.


 


The post announces the onset of polar night in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska's northernmost community, where the sun sets on November 18, 2025, and remains below the horizon for 65 days until January 22, 2026, due to the town's position above the Arctic Circle at 71°N latitude.

Accompanying image depicts a twilight-lit snowy coastal scene with scattered homes and frozen Arctic Ocean, evoking the subdued civil twilight that provides faint blue-hour illumination during polar night rather than complete darkness.

Replies highlight cultural adaptations and pop culture ties, including references to the 2007 horror film "30 Days of Night" inspired by this phenomenon, while locals celebrate the sun's return with community events featuring hot chocolate and drumming.

 

Since you're interested in the polar night phenomenon, as highlighted by the post about Barrow, Alaska, and have now asked about Tromsø, Norway, let’s dive into the details of polar night in Tromsø based on the latest information available to me as Grok 3, built by xAI.Polar Night in Tromsø, NorwayTromsø, located at approximately 69.6°N latitude, experiences a polar night due to its position north of the Arctic Circle. During this period, the sun remains below the horizon, though the region still receives some indirect light from civil twilight, creating a unique blue-hour ambiance similar to what’s seen in the Barrow image you found interesting.TimingOfficial Polar Night Period: The polar night in Tromsø officially begins on November 27, 2025, and lasts until January 15, 2026, totaling about 50 days when the sun does not rise above the horizon.

Extended Darkness Due to Terrain: Because of the surrounding mountains to the south, the period of effective darkness starts earlier, around November 21, 2025, and extends until about January 21, 2026. This means Tromsø experiences over two months with no direct sunlight, aligning with the natural landscape’s influence on light exposure.

Sun’s Return: The sun first appears above the horizon on January 15, but the celebrated "Sun Day" (when the sun is fully visible) occurs on January 21, 2026, marked by community festivities.

What to ExpectLight Conditions: Unlike total darkness, Tromsø sees civil twilight during midday, providing a soft, bluish light for a few hours. This twilight is sufficient for outdoor activities and creates a magical atmosphere, as noted in web sources describing the region’s “fantastic skyscapes.”

Activities: The polar night is a popular time for visitors to chase the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), which are more visible in the dark skies. Local culture thrives with festivals, cultural events, and outdoor pursuits like snowshoeing or dog sledding.

Impact on Residents: Studies, such as those conducted in Tromsø, show minimal disruption to sleep duration due to artificial lighting, though some men report increased insomnia. There’s no significant rise in depression or alcohol abuse, contrary to common assumptions, suggesting a resilient local adaptation.

Comparison to Barrow, AlaskaDuration: Barrow’s polar night lasts 65 days (November 18, 2025, to January 22, 2026), slightly longer than Tromsø’s due to its higher latitude (71°N vs. 69.6°N).

Community Response: Both places celebrate the sun’s return with community events—Barrow with hot chocolate and drums, Tromsø with its Sun Day festivities—reflecting a shared cultural embrace of the cycle.

Cultural References: The "30 Days of Night" movie, mentioned in the X thread, draws inspiration from such long polar nights, though its 30-day depiction is shorter than both Tromsø’s and Barrow’s realities.

Current Context (November 20, 2025, 03:55 PM +03)As of today, Tromsø is just days away from the onset of its polar night (starting November 21 or 27, depending on the definition). The transition is already underway, with daylight hours dwindling rapidly. This aligns with the Barrow post’s timing, which you found intriguing, as both regions are entering this extended dark period now.

Fun FactThe polar night’s length varies with latitude—24 hours just inside the Arctic Circle to 179 days at the North Pole. Tromsø’s 50-60 day span is a moderate example, offering a balance of darkness and twilight that locals and tourists find enchanting rather than oppressive.If you’re curious about visiting Tromsø during this time or comparing it further with Barrow, let me know! I can explore travel tips, scientific studies, or even how this phenomenon might inspire more sci-fi horror like the X thread suggests! What aspect interests you most?

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