noon in November
Long before that , however , the sun had come back to gladden the Polar regions , and break up the reign of ancient night . His departure in autumn had been so gradual , that it was difficult to say when night began to overcome the day . So , in like manner , his return was gradual . It was not until Captain Vane observed stars of the sixth magnitude shining out at noon in November , that he had admitted the total absence of day ; and when spring returned , it was not until he could read the smallest print at midnight in June that he admitted there was `` no night there . '' But neither the continual day of summer , nor the perpetual night of winter , made so deep an impression on our explorers as the gushing advent of spring . That season did not come gradually back like the light , but rushed upon them suddenly with a warm embrace , like an enthusiastic friend after a long absence . It plunged , as it were , upon the region , and overwhelmed it .