AMATEUR astronomer Mary Spicer, from Tackley near Bicester, captured the Northern Lights above Oxfordshire in the early hours today.

The photographer took this image of the green, blue and red natural lights – known as the Aurora Borealis - from Tackley shortly after 1am. 

Miss Spicer, 42, photographed the lights with her fiance Mark McIntyre, 49.

She said: "It was the first time I have seen Aurora with the naked eye - it was incredible - all the apps on my phone were going crazy because there was a very high level of aurora activity.

"Aurora was visible from around 12.45am once the cloud cleared, and remained visible until we packed up at 2.30am.

"I have photographed Aurora five times from Tackley but this is by far the best display I've seen!

"The pillars in the purple region were clearly visible to the naked eye, although they looked more grey than purple. The green glow below was also visible naked eye.

"It's possible it could happen again tonight."

Did you capture the Northern Lights? Send us your pictures news@oxfordmail.co.uk 

 

 

 

 

 

A short video of last night's Aurora. This is 15 mins compressed into 12 seconds. Spot the bonus meteor about 3 frames in.

Posted by Mark McIntyre on Tuesday, June 23, 2015