Lecture Notes: The Midnight Sun and Polar Night

Introduction

• Norway is referred to as the "land of midnight sun."
• Areas north and south of the polar circles experience phenomena known as midnight sun and polar nights.

What is Midnight Sun?

• Occurs when the sun remains visible at local midnight.
• Results in 24 hours of continuous sunlight for about 6 months.

What is Polar Night?

• Opposite of midnight sun.
• The sun stays below the horizon, leading to 6 months of total darkness.

Causes of Midnight Sun and Polar Night

• Earth's Axis Tilt: The Earth’s axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees.
• This tilt affects the amount of sunlight different parts of the Earth receive, causing the seasons.

Seasonal Effects

• Northern Hemisphere (April - September):
  • Tilts toward the sun.
  • Receives more heat and sunlight → experiences summer.
  • Opposite in the Southern Hemisphere, leading to winter.
• Southern Hemisphere (September - April):
  • Tilts toward the sun.
  • Experiences summer.
  • Northern Hemisphere experiences winter during this period.

Impact on the Poles

• Polar Regions:
  • Experience the most extreme contrasts in daylight.
  • Summer: Uninterrupted sunlight due to Earth's tilt, resulting in the midnight sun.
  • Winter: Sun does not rise, leading to polar night.

Conclusion

• The phenomena of midnight sun and polar night are direct results of Earth’s axial tilt.
• When one pole experiences midnight sun, the opposite pole experiences polar night.
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End of Notes