DID you see the Northern Lights last night?

An astronomy enthusiast captured stunning pictures of the northern lights as they appeared over Southampton.

James Leslie-William Oliver, from Shirley, was in awe when he saw the sky turn pink, purple, and green on Sunday night. 

The 32-year-old captured the natural phenomenon from the outdoor sports centre on Thornhill Road.

READ MORE: Northern Lights spotted in UK skies above Stonehenge

Due to a strong geomagnetic storm that hit the earth over the weekend, many city residents were also able to see auroral displays. 

James, a Daily Echo camera club member, said: "It peaked between 11pm and 12pm. 

"I have been interested in astronomy for quite a long time. 

"And when I heard that the earth would be hit by a strong geomagnetic storm, I was on the lookout for the lights. 

"I have never seen these lights before, certainly not from this location, but last night, I could see the auroral pillars too. 

"Seeing the pictures of the lights on the internet is one thing, but seeing it in person is a completely different matter."