Bamburgh Castle, a majestic fortress perched atop a rocky outcrop in Northumberland, England, is a prime location for witnessing the captivating natural phenomenon known as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. This awe-inspiring display of colorful lights in the night sky has drawn visitors from around the world to this picturesque coastal setting.
Capturing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle
One of the best ways to immortalize the beauty of the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle is through photography. Time Freezer, a renowned photography company, offers limited edition prints of the Aurora Borealis captured at the iconic Bamburgh Lighthouse. These high-quality images are printed on Fuji archival pro lustre paper and are available in a variety of framing options, including a 1-inch wide, 1/2-inch deep black frame. Canvasses are also offered, printed on a heavyweight 320gsm water-resistant cotton canvas using Epson printers and genuine Epson K3 inks.
For those who prefer original artwork, Crown Studio Gallery showcases a stunning painting of Bamburgh Castle with the Northern Lights, priced at £120.00.
Witnessing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle
In addition to capturing the Northern Lights through photography and painting, visitors to Bamburgh Castle have had the opportunity to witness the natural spectacle firsthand. In 2017, a Flickr user shared breathtaking images of the Aurora Borealis over Bamburgh, Northumberland, near the Bamburgh Castle Golf Club. Dr. Melanie Windridge, a renowned expert on the Aurora, also recounted her experience of witnessing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle in 2017, describing the bitterly cold and dark night with the castle lit up and looking majestic against the black sky.
Rare Phenomenon: Steve over Bamburgh Castle
Alongside the traditional Northern Lights, a rare phenomenon known as Steve has also been spotted over Bamburgh Castle. Steve, short for “strong thermal emission velocity enhancement,” is a flowing ribbon of hot plasma breaking through into the Earth’s ionosphere, appearing in the sky as a purple, red, and white arc.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle
To increase the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle, it is recommended to visit during the spring and autumn equinoxes in March and September, as the Aurora Borealis is usually most active around these times. The Northern Lights can stretch from 50 miles above the Earth to as high as 400 miles, with green auroras caused by excited oxygen particles around 60 miles high and red auroras caused by excited oxygen particles at altitudes of 100-200 miles. Nitrogen gives off blue light at lower levels but switches to purple hues when higher in the atmosphere.
Cost of Experiencing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle
The cost of experiencing the Northern Lights at Bamburgh Castle varies depending on the desired medium. The photographs from Time Freezer range from £35 to £125, while the original painting from Crown Studio Gallery is priced at £120. However, the true value of witnessing this natural wonder at the majestic Bamburgh Castle is priceless.
References:
– Time Freezer – Aurora Borealis at Bamburgh Lighthouse
– Crown Studio Gallery – Bamburgh Castle with Northern Lights Original Painting
– Flickr – Northern Lights over Bamburgh, Northumberland
– Dr. Melanie Windridge – Aurora at Bamburgh Castle
– Metro – “Steve” Northern Lights Spotted Over the UK