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Book 18, Question 27 · Video

What Is the Polar Night?

Video · 1:51 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 18

The polar night is a time in winter when the Sun does not rise at all! Near the pole, it lasts for months. But it is not as dark as you might think.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is the polar night?

The Big Idea

The polar night is a time in winter when the Sun does not rise at all! Near the pole, it lasts for months. But it is not as dark as you might think.

No Sunrise

Step one: no sunrise. In winter, places north of the Arctic Circle, and south of the Antarctic Circle, have days when the Sun does not rise. Near the pole this lasts for months. Then the Sun creeps back.

Not Pitch Black

Step two: not pitch black. It is not dark all the time. Twilight, moonlight, stars, and sometimes auroras light the sky.

Cozy Routines

Step three: cozy routines. People adjust with lamps, steady routines, and outdoor fun. They ski, skate, and gather together. Bright lights help everyone feel cozy.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Moon can light up the snow. Stars shine brightly in clear air. Sometimes green auroras dance overhead. And bright lamps make homes warm and cheerful. The polar night is quiet and beautiful. Stay warm and curious.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! At the North Pole, the polar night lasts about half the year. Twilight glows around the horizon at the start and end. The Moon can stay up for days at a time. Go out into the dark only with a grown-up. The dark season ends when the Sun returns.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, turn off the lights in a room at night. Use only a small lamp. How well can you see? Polar people use clever lighting in the dark months.

Outro

The polar night is a long winter with no sunrise. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this