revontahdun

Revontulet is a Finnish term that translates to "fox fires" and refers to the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This celestial phenomenon is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. The most common colors observed are green, which is produced by oxygen, and red, also from oxygen at higher altitudes. Other colors like blue and violet can also occur due to nitrogen.

The aurora borealis is most frequently seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic, which is why the Finnish term is so fitting given Finland's northern location. Ancient Finnish folklore attributed the revontulet to a magical arctic fox running across the fells and striking the snow with its tail, causing sparks to fly into the sky. While this is a mythical explanation, the visual spectacle remains captivating.

The intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights depend on solar activity. Periods of high solar wind can lead to more vibrant and widespread auroral displays. Observing revontulet is a popular activity for tourists in northern Finland and other Arctic countries, offering a unique and memorable natural experience. The scientific understanding of the aurora has evolved significantly from ancient myths, but the wonder it inspires persists.