Valoaikas

Valoaikas is a term of Finnish origin that translates to "light time" or "time of light." It is most commonly used to describe the period of extended daylight experienced in the Arctic and Antarctic regions during their respective summers. This phenomenon is a direct result of the Earth's axial tilt. As the planet orbits the sun, its tilt causes different parts of the globe to receive more direct sunlight at different times of the year. During the summer months in polar regions, the tilt positions these areas so that the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours or more.

The duration of valoaikas varies depending on latitude. Closer to the poles, the period of continuous daylight is longer, lasting for several months. Conversely, at latitudes closer to the Arctic or Antarctic Circle, the valoaikas is shorter, with the sun dipping below the horizon for brief periods. This extended period of light has significant ecological and cultural impacts on regions experiencing it. It influences plant growth, animal behavior, and traditional lifestyles of indigenous communities. For many, the valoaikas is a time of increased activity and opportunity. The opposite phenomenon, where darkness prevails for extended periods, is known as kaamos or polar night.