virmalisi

Virmalisi is the Finnish word for aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. It refers to the natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. These luminous phenomena are caused by charged particles from the sun, known as the solar wind, interacting with gases in the Earth's upper atmosphere. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, they excite these atoms, causing them to emit light of various colors.

The colors of the virmalisi are determined by the type of gas molecule and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Green, the most common color, is typically produced by oxygen at lower altitudes. Red and pink hues are also from oxygen but at higher altitudes, while blue and purple are usually the result of nitrogen interactions. The intensity and visibility of the virmalisi depend on the strength of the solar wind and the transparency of the atmosphere.

In Finnish folklore and culture, the virmalisi have often been associated with various beliefs and stories. Some considered them to be spirits of the dead, while others saw them as omens or signs. The ethereal and dynamic nature of the aurora has inspired countless myths and legends across cultures that experience this celestial spectacle. Seeing the virmalisi is considered a memorable experience for many visitors to northern regions.