revontulista

Revontulista is a Finnish term that translates to "fox fires" and refers to the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. The name originates from a Finnish folklore belief that the lights were caused by a mythical fox running across the fells, its bushy tail brushing against the snow-covered hills and creating sparks that shoot up into the sky. This captivating natural phenomenon is most often observed in polar regions, including Finland.

The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun, known as the solar wind, interacting with the Earth's atmosphere. When these particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they emit light in a variety of colors, most commonly green, but also pink, red, yellow, and blue. The intensity and visibility of the aurora depend on the strength of the solar wind and the clarity of the night sky.

In Finland, the best chances to witness the revontulista are during the dark winter months, from late August to April, in the northern parts of the country like Lapland. Regions away from city lights offer the most spectacular views. The sighting of the aurora is a significant tourist attraction and a cherished experience for many Finns, often associated with wonder and magic.