that a predicted shower of shooting stars lights up the sky.

From 11 p.m. on, residents may be able to see dozens of minute stars travelling across the sky at 150,000 miles an hour -- or they may not.

Scientists are split just where and when the shower may pass earth, but local expert Eddie McGonagale says it could be worth a look above at this once-in-33 years experience.

"There is certainly a very good chance that someone on earth will get an excellent show,'' he said. "Those interested should get a comfortable chair and face slightly northeast. If it's a tremendous show it could last longer than an hour.'' Those whose homes have an eastern aspect may have the best view but Mr.

McGonagale says just about anybody will get a look, if the shower, which could be a prelude to the Leonid meteor shower, appears as predicted.

It's predicted the best volleys of stars will be tonight in N. Africa, Middle East and Europe.

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