When is the best time of year to hunt for meteorites?
In farmland, after ploughing and before crops grow; in deserts, during cooler months; in snow, after fresh falls. Low sunlight and dry weather help.
The best season depends on where you are searching.
Farmland in temperate countries. Fields are easiest to search when bare, after harvest and ploughing or before crops have grown tall. In Britain, that often means autumn and late winter. Rain can wash soil off stones, making them more visible, but fields can then be muddy. Always seek the farmer's permission, avoid damaging crops and respect livestock.
Deserts. Hot deserts such as the Sahara and parts of Australia and the United States are best searched in the cooler months, when daytime temperatures are safer. Summer heat can be dangerous.
Snow and ice. Fresh snow can reveal recently fallen meteorites as dark spots, as happened with several falls in North America and Europe. Searchers need to act quickly, before more snow or melting hides them. Antarctic expeditions take place during the southern summer, from about November to January, when there is continuous daylight.
After a fireball. The best time to look for a new fall is as soon as possible after it happens, before rain and weathering alter the stones. Many falls are recovered in the first few days.
Time of day. Low sun in the morning or evening can make dark stones stand out, though some hunters prefer midday light, which reduces shadows that can be mistaken for stones.
Whatever the season, plan for safety: weather, terrain, hydration and telling someone where you are going.