Dennis Lehtonen is an avid aurora chaser who found himself in the quiet village of Kilpisjärvi, deep within the Arctic Circle. He aimed to photograph the stunning northern lights. What he didn’t expect was a curious fox to join him under the glowing sky, turning a routine night into something magical. This unexpected encounter led to photos that beautifully illustrated an old Finnish myth—that the northern lights, known as “revontulet” or “fox fires,” are created by a magical fox racing across the snow.
In Finnish folklore, the northern lights are said to be the result of a fox running so quickly that its fiery tail sends snowflakes flying into the sky. Lehtonen’s photos bring this enchanting tale to life, making it feel almost real.
Lehtonen moved to Kilpisjärvi specifically for aurora photography. This remote village, with its dark skies and frequent auroras, provided the perfect backdrop for his work. He spent a year there before venturing to Greenland, captivated by the stunning natural beauty surrounding him.
One night in December 2022, while setting up his camera, a cheeky fox appeared, swiping his gloves and running off. The fox returned a week later, but with a few fingers missing from the gloves, leading to hilarious moments as Lehtonen tried to retrieve them. He joked about the fox’s antics, illustrating the playful side of nature.
Interestingly, expert opinions on the northern lights and their effects are gaining traction. According to NASA, over the past decade, scientific understanding of auroras has increased dramatically. The agency reports that solar activity can amplify auroral displays, with some years experiencing stronger storms than others. For instance, a 2021 study found that a major solar storm brought auroras visible as far south as the continental United States.
Social media is buzzing with enthusiasm for auroras, too. Platforms like Instagram highlight personal experiences, encouraging users to share their breathtaking views of the lights. The popularity of aurora photography has soared, making it a trending topic among travel and nature enthusiasts.
The magic of the northern lights continues to inspire awe and curiosity, linking ancient myths to modern experiences. Lehtonen’s joyful encounters remind us that while technology captures stunning images, it’s the unpredictable beauty of nature that truly takes our breath away. For more stunning visuals of the northern lights and further insights into their mysteries, visit NASA’s Aurora Page.
