natural bright lights formed by a series of meteor shower events.

Bermuda Astronomical Society president, Eddie McGonagle, said from January 1-6, a meteor shower display is one of the many astronomical winter events planned to take place in the night sky this month.

Mr. McGonagle described the special circumstances surrounding the light display and noted that it was a "rare opportunity'' to see an astronomical wonder such as this.

"They happen sporadically,'' he explained. "And when a comet has passed, it leaves behind a trail of debris. That debris continues around the comet's orbit. The last comet that passed was Haley's comet, but we haven't been able to pinpoint the comet leaving this trail.'' Mr. McGonagle noted however, that the night sky spectacle would only be visible, providing the weather was clear.

But he encouraged people to look to the atmosphere between midnight and dawn, calling it "a sight not to be missed.'' "The shower can be seen by looking up toward the North East sky,'' he said, "just left of the handle of the Big Dipper.

"That's the origin,'' he continued, "but there is a far and wide sweep. It's not a guarantee, but you can see almost 100 every hour, one every minute. It makes for a very nice spectacle.'' Mr. McGonagle likened the meteor shower to that of a series of shooting stars, but more prominent because of their frequent occurrence.

He also highlighted another event this month for locals to look for in the night sky.

"There is a lunar eclipse that will be happening on January 9,'' he said.

"We would see this in Bermuda by the time the moon rises around 5.30.

"One third of the moon will still be under shadow. The moon will be nearest the earth on this night and as a coincidence of the full moon and the eclipse, the tides will be exceptionally high.'' EYES ON THE SKY Skywatcher: Eddie McGonagle says there's one day left to view this January's meteor shower.