Northern lights display over Newgrange and the Boyne

There was a nice is somewhat shortlived display of the aurora borealis (northern lights) over Ireland tonight. I was unable to get out with the camera during the peak of the display, but did get out along the Boyne just in time to capture the aurora before it faded from view. This is the best of my shots, showing the greenish aurora to the right of Newgrange, with the Boyne river and (close foreground) the Boyne canal also in the view. The W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia is in the centre of the view, with Aries and Triangulum about to set over Newgrange. High up to the left is Perseus. Of course these constellations had very different names in ancient Ireland.

Magical light over the Emerald Isle - Winter Solstice aurora borealis shines over Newgrange

With the Winter Solstice here, and the shortest days and longest nights having arrived, the aurora borealis (northern lights) treated us to a timely and magical display over Newgrange tonight. I hope I have captured some of this magic for you to enjoy. Happy Winter Solstice from the Boyne Valley!

Newgrange and Mound B (left) with an emerald green sky filled with winter solstice aurora tonight.

Green is the Irish gold . . . northern lights over Newgrange on the longest night of the year.

The bright green bands of the northern lights viewed from Red Mountain, with Newgrange to the lower left.

Emerald Isle . . . green aurora with the Plough over the Boyne river and canal at Newgrange tonight.

The aurora subdued after a while but the green still made for a great contrast with the orange clouds.

Bright green auroras shine over the Boyne Valley on winter solstice 2015.

A faint band of green to the right of Newgrange.