Alaskan Town Prepares for 66 Days of Polar Night

Utqiaġvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, is preparing for its annual "polar night" where residents will experience 66 days of complete darkness. As of November 17, 2025, the sun will set at around 1:36 PM on November 18 and not rise again until 1:23 PM on January 23.

Located some 320 miles within the Arctic Circle, Utqiaġvik's high northern latitude means the town experiences this extended period of darkness each winter as the Earth tilts away from the sun. The approximately 4,300 residents will bundle up as temperatures plummet to single digits on numerous days during this time.

Local schoolteacher Robin Reeves, who has lived in Utqiaġvik for several years, emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the community to survive the polar night. She and her friends engage in activities like board games to keep themselves occupied. Reeves also takes a vitamin D supplement to combat the lack of sunlight.

Despite the challenges, the Utqiaġvik community celebrates the return of the sun with a special "welcome back the sun" dance. Reeves says the town is culturally diverse, and each culture is encouraged to celebrate in its own way. The first sunrise after the polar night is a joyous occasion for Reeves, who is thankful to see the sun again.