Tromsø, Norway, doesn't have only night, but it experiences a period known as the Polar Night, where the sun doesn't rise at all for a few months.
While no city experiences only night year-round, Tromsø is a well-known example of a place with significant periods of darkness. This occurs because of its location more than 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
Tromsø's Light Variation
Tromsø experiences extreme variations in daylight throughout the year:
- Polar Night: From approximately November to January, the sun remains below the horizon, resulting in 24-hour darkness.
- Midnight Sun: Conversely, from May to July, the sun never sets, resulting in 24-hour daylight.
Other Locations with Prolonged Darkness
While Tromsø is often cited, other cities and towns within the Arctic Circle also experience the Polar Night. These include:
- Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska
- Murmansk, Russia
- Other communities in northern Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, and Greenland.
It is important to understand that even during the Polar Night, these locations aren't in complete darkness. There's often a twilight period around midday. The intensity and duration of the twilight depend on the specific location and time of year.
Conclusion
While no city experiences only night 365 days a year, Tromsø, Norway, and other locations within the Arctic Circle experience prolonged periods of darkness during the Polar Night. These periods are balanced by the Midnight Sun, when the sun remains above the horizon for extended durations.
