polaaröö

Polaaröö, meaning polar night in Swedish, is a natural phenomenon occurring in polar regions where the sun remains below the horizon for more than 24 hours. This happens during the winter months in the Arctic and Antarctic circles. The duration of the polar night varies with latitude; the closer a location is to the poles, the longer the polar night lasts. At the Arctic Circle, the polar night can last for just over 20 minutes at the winter solstice, while at the North Pole itself, it can last for approximately six months.

During the polar night, daylight does not occur, but this does not necessarily mean complete darkness. Twilight, known as civil twilight, nautical twilight, and astronomical twilight, can still provide some illumination. Civil twilight is the brightest, where the sun is just below the horizon, and there is enough light to see clearly. Nautical twilight offers a fainter light, suitable for navigation, and astronomical twilight is the faintest, where the sky is almost dark.

The prolonged absence of sunlight has significant impacts on the environment and life in polar regions. Flora and fauna have adapted to these conditions. Many animals, like reindeer and polar bears, remain active, while others, such as certain insects and fish, enter periods of dormancy or migration. Plants have also developed strategies to survive the long, dark winters. For humans living in these areas, the polar night can affect mood and sleep patterns, and artificial lighting plays a crucial role in daily life. The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is often visible during the polar night, providing a spectacular display of natural light.