Today is Meteor Watch Day. Meteors are particles from space that burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, causing flashes of light as they vaporize. Both asteroids and comets can provide some of the material that make up meteoroids, which are generally less than a meter wide. If a meteoroid survives its fall through the atmosphere, you could be lucky enough to find a meteorite.

Several times a year, clusters of cosmic debris will pepper the planet in events called meteor showers. Most of these meteor showers occur between October and January in the Northern Hemisphere. But check the Time and Date website for peak times in your location.

Find a spot away from city lights, grab a blanket or chair, and scan the sky in your area tonight. If you’re lucky, you’ll make a wish on a falling star.