There is no single country where day never occurs, but rather specific regions within some countries experience extended periods of darkness known as polar nights.
Regions Experiencing Polar Nights
While no entire country lacks day, certain areas of the world experience prolonged periods without sunlight, primarily due to their geographical location near the Earth's poles. These periods are known as polar nights.
Here's a breakdown:
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Greenland: According to the provided reference, northern regions of Greenland, particularly towns such as Ilulissat and Qaanaaq, experience polar nights. This means they go through extended periods without seeing the sun.
- It is worth noting that Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Antarctica: The continent of Antarctica undergoes a prolonged polar night during its winter. The entire continent experiences this phenomenon due to its position at the South Pole. Antarctica is not a country but is governed under an international treaty system.
Polar Night Explained
Polar night is a phenomenon that occurs in regions located within the Arctic and Antarctic circles. During these periods:
- The sun remains below the horizon for more than 24 hours.
- The length of the polar night depends on the latitude; the closer to the pole, the longer the duration.
- It is important to note, even during the polar night, it is not completely dark. There can be some twilight due to the sun's position just below the horizon.
Why This Happens
The primary reason for polar nights is the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. During certain times, areas near the poles are tilted so far away from the sun that it remains below the horizon for extended periods.
Summary
While there isn't a single country entirely devoid of daylight, specific regions, most notably in Greenland and the entire continent of Antarctica, experience extended periods of darkness called polar nights.
