Space

Stargazing Could Be Key To Your Well Being, And A Clear Sky Is All You Need To Reap The Benefits

Research shows that feeling a sense of awe can make you feel better. So can being outside in nature. Some scientists point to a combination of the two as a potential way to improve mental health - specifically by gazing at a dark, star-filled, wondrous night sky.

Could Stargazing Be Good For Your Health?

Few things in the world are more awe-inspiring than staring up at a dark, starry sky and now science says it could be good for your mental health, too.

It all has to do with that sense of wonder that comes with gazing out into the universe.

Some scientists equate awe with emotions like joy and love, which are key to human survival. Awe can calm our minds and, and realizing just how small we are can make us feel a closer connection to our fellow humans and the world as a whole.

There is limited research on the subject of the night sky and mental health, but what there is points to a positive correlation.

How Stargazing Could Help Us Feel Better

Mampho Ledimo is a psychology and sociology student working on a project called Astronomy For Mental Health.

"Thinking about the scale of the universe, how old the universe is, how old the Earth is … to some extent this can [help us] get rid of the idea that we have control over every single aspect of our lives," Ledimo told the BBC's Sky At Night Magazine last year.

"It allows you to say, ‘you know what? I don’t have control over everything. I can only control the small things that I have influence over.’"

What's The Best Time Of Year To See The Stars And Planets?

All you need to see the show are a blanket on your lawn and clear skies. And while you can catch an amazing night sky any time of the year, some seasons put it over the top.

"The best time of year for stargazing is usually in the late fall and early winter when the nights are longer and the air is cold and stable. This reduces cloud coverage and allows you to see the stars," weather.com graphics meteorologist Briana Waxman said. "You also want to be in an area with low light pollution so that you can see the light from the stars clearly. That means getting away from the big city, which can be good for your mental health, too."