Aurora borealis: Northern lights sparkle on Causeway coast

The Giant's Causeway is given a fresh perspective in this photograph by Alistair Hamill

Stargazers on the County Antrim coast received an unexpected surprise on Monday night when the aurora borealis loomed into view.

Last week, Nasa astronaut Terry Virts captured the northern lights over Scotland from the International Space Station.

Local photographer Alistair Hamill remained on terra firma to capture these images near the Giant's Causeway.

But the result still offers a glimpse of another dimension.

Dunluce Castle is looking particularly mystical in this image

The selfie is taken to a new level in this picture taken at Whiterocks beach, Portrush