Revontulissa

Revontulissa is the Finnish word for the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. This spectacular natural phenomenon is caused by charged particles from the sun, carried by the solar wind, interacting with the Earth's atmosphere. When these particles collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, they emit light, creating the vibrant colors and dancing patterns that are characteristic of the aurora.

The most common colors observed are green, which is produced by oxygen molecules at lower altitudes, and red, also from oxygen at higher altitudes. Other colors, such as pink, violet, and blue, can also be seen, resulting from interactions with nitrogen molecules. The intensity and appearance of the aurora can vary greatly, from faint glows to brilliant displays that fill the entire sky.

Revontulissa is most frequently seen in the polar regions, within an oval-shaped area known as the auroral oval, which encircles the Earth's magnetic poles. For this reason, Finland, particularly its northernmost regions like Lapland, is an excellent location for observing the Northern Lights. The best viewing conditions typically occur during clear, dark nights, away from light pollution. The aurora season in Finland generally runs from late August to April, when the nights are long enough for the aurora to be visible.