Koillistuetut

Koillistuetut, also known as the Northern Lights, are a natural light display that typically occurs in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic. The phenomenon is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the thermosphere. These particles are funneled towards the Earth's poles by the planet's magnetic field, where they interact with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, releasing photons and creating the characteristic auroral displays.

The Northern Lights are most commonly observed in countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. They appear as curtains of light in various colors, including green, pink, red, yellow, blue, and violet. The most frequent color, green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the Earth's surface. Rarer colors like red and violet are generated by high-altitude oxygen, while nitrogen produces blue and purplish-red auroras.

The Northern Lights are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to witness this natural spectacle. They are also a subject of scientific study, as they provide valuable insights into the Earth's magnetosphere and the interaction between the sun and the Earth. The Northern Lights are not only a visual phenomenon but also a cultural and historical significance in many Arctic communities, often featured in folklore and traditional stories.