The Crossing the Arctic Circle Ceremony

We crossed 66° 33" 45' N, 054° 06.5" W at 06:52hrs 20th August

If the world was spinning on a vertical access with respect to the sun, then there would be 12hrs day and 12 hrs night.

Because the world is tilted, (23°) the amount of day and night time varies with where you are in the world.

On 21st December, (the Winter Solstice) the sun is lowest in the sky in the Northern hemisphere. The point on the globe where the suns rays skim the northern edge of the planet defines the latitude of the Arctic Circle.

So, 24 hour night in the Arctic and 24 hour day in the Antartctic.

Anyway, all this astro shenanigans allows some mirth to unfold on the poop deck as the Captain is summoned forth by a man in a wig to dispense hearty congrats in the form of an ice ladle challenge.

Neptune invites the Captain to pour ice down the backs of first timers....

Whilst in the background, tasty, reviving shots of cod liver oil and Aquavit are prepared

And for the youngest member of the crew...