Inverness astronomer captures atmospheric aurora over the Black Isle

A Highland mathematician and astronomer captured the Aurora Borealis over Inverness last night.

Stephen Mackintosh (45) took the photo while gazing at the night sky, and is encouraging others to do the same.

Mr Mackintosh runs Highland Astronomy and publishes a blog about his work.

Mr Mackintosh said: "This is a photo of the Aurora Borealis while I was looking over the Black Isle on Monday night from the west of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands."

The astronomer encouraged others to get out to spend time under the night sky, he said: "Just getting outside more in the dark evenings to stargaze will help to see the aurora as you'll see the glow if there's a display on. Also make sure to look north. Auroraa alerts can help but can also be very unreliable."

Mr Mackintosh posts his photographs on facebook.com/highlandastrotours and also writes a blog about his work.

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