Northern Lights over Watergate Bay

On Sunday 26 February astrophotographer, Mark Hobbs, set up a three-hour timelapse and by luck captured the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, above Watergate Bay. A phenomenon rarely seen in Cornwall, the glow of red and green, created by particles from the sun, could be seen for miles.

A keen astrophotographer, Mark has traveled to Iceland to capture the Northern Lights, but was not been able to see them as well as he did in Cornwall!

"Being out under the stars, listening to the waves and rhythmic click of my camera is amazingly relaxing, adventures in the dark trying to find the perfect spot to shoot give great memories and stories, each photograph I take has an adventure behind it."

"Each photograph I take has an adventure behind it."

Northern lights in Cornwall

We’re no strangers to a green flash as the sun-dips beyond the horizon, but witnessing the Northern Lights in North Cornish skies, made possible by crystal clear conditions, mesmerised star gazers with fuscia displays across the south of England.

Discover more

Follow Mark Hobbs

At KernowAstro

On Instagram

Shooting stars

Watch a timelapse from night-time photographer, Aaron Jenkin.

Watch the film

Seeing green

Learn about the green flash phenomenon, is it really true?

Discover the story

Meteor shower

What might you see staring up into the darkness?

Meteor calendar

More Stories

How to photograph a sunset at Watergate Bay

Cornwall based filmmaker and photographer Ben Battell talks to us about capturing the perfect sunset. Discover Ben’s professional pointers for capturing shots that go beyond “what you see on everyone else's Instagram feeds”:

Get active with Wavehunters: Meet Andy

Carrying forward and developing what the Extreme Academy started in 1999, Wavehunters distills the surf lifestyle into lessons for all ages and abilities. We caught up with Wavehunters co-founder and director Andy Cameron.

Things to do in Cornwall

Step from the hotel straight onto the coastal path, hire a bike and explore some incredible landscapes. Walks through forgotten gardens and stepping stones for giants, there's plenty to do around Watergate and further afield.

25 years of Ski Resort on a Beach - your memories

Living for being outdoors. Feeling energetic and alive. Relaxed and social. Year round. Mountains or beach. Snow or waves. Then coming inside to good food, drink and conversation. A buzzing culture and unexpected experiences. We're celebrating 25 years of our 'Ski Resort on a Beach'.