revontuvea

Revontulet, meaning "fox fires" in Finnish, is the Finnish name for the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This celestial phenomenon is caused by charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons and protons, colliding with atoms and molecules in Earth's upper atmosphere. These collisions excite the atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light. The colors of the aurora depend on the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Oxygen typically produces green and red light, while nitrogen can create blue and purple hues.

The phenomenon is most commonly observed in high-latitude regions, particularly around the Arctic Circle, which includes much of Finland. The Finnish word revontulet is thought to have originated from an old Sami legend that described the lights as sparks flying from the fur of a mythical arctic fox as it ran across the fells. While scientifically explained by particle physics, the aurora has long captivated human imagination, inspiring myths and folklore across cultures. In Finland, seeing the revontulet is often considered a magical and memorable experience, a breathtaking display of nature's artistry.