You don’t need to be an astrophysicist—or even know the names of the constellations—to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. In fact, stargazing has been found to reduce stress and ease anxiety.
A new Night Sky Connectedness Index, published in The Journal of Environmental Psychology in February 2024, revealed a positive link between a person’s connection to the night sky and their mental health and happiness, according to a report by the BBC.
Meanwhile, the Office of Astronomy for Development—a joint initiative of the International Astronomical Union and the South African National Research Foundation—is exploring how astronomy can be used as a tool to improve mental wellbeing among vulnerable populations. Early findings are promising.
So the next time you look up and see a sky full of stars, take a moment. Breathe. Let the universe remind you how small worries can seem beneath something so vast.
