Residents in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, have been documenting the slow return of daylight by sharing photos of sunrises and sunsets on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, 2026. The images, posted to local Facebook groups, show vibrant pink and orange skies as the community moves past the shortest days of the winter.
Even though the sun is staying up longer, the town still faces very short days during this time of year. According to Timeanddate.com, Rankin Inlet saw roughly 5 hours and 20–30 minutes of daylight in early January 2026, which is more than communities further north such as Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska, that experience Polar Night (total darkness) for several weeks in winter.
The online photo sharing led to a larger community discussion about the difficulties of winter, specifically the psychological effects of the “dark season” and the reliability of local electricity. Residents shared concerns about how the aging power grid will hold up during future winter storms and cold snaps.
In January 2025, Ernest Douglas, president and CEO of Qulliq Energy Corporation, acknowledged that aging equipment has partly contributed to increased power outages in the region. Many people in the community say that while the winter views are beautiful, dependable heating and power remain their biggest priorities.
