Antarctica is a continent in the southern hemisphere spanning about 5.4 million square miles. The Antarctic Circle is the latitude 66.5 degrees to the south of the equator and is called the south pole.
The summer solstice occurs on June 21 or 22. At this time, the Antarctic Circle will experience 24 hours of darkness. Days will very gradually increase in length until the winter solstice, on December 21 or 22. At this time, the Antarctic circle will experience 24 hours of sunlight, which begins decreasing until the next summer solstice.
During periods of constant darkness, wildlife change their behaviors in accordance with the light pattern. They may hibernate or cease breeding.
