Stargazing shows promise as a mental-health tool, Stellenbosch study finds

A pioneering South African research project is revealing a surprising mental-health ally: the night sky. New findings from Stellenbosch University (SU) show that guided stargazing experiences can reduce symptoms of depression, lift mood and strengthen social connection, offering an accessible well-being tool as mental-health challenges continue to rise. The project, a collaboration between SU’s CoCREATE Health Hub and the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD), is the first in the country to scientifically measure how awe, nature and “cosmic perspective-taking” affect emotional well-being.

Researchers say the work draws on the idea that natural environments restore the mind. The night sky, vast and quiet, offers what scientists call “soft fascination”, gentle sensory engagement that helps the brain recover from mental fatigue. Growing global evidence shows that awe-filled experiences activate brain regions linked to emotional regulation and lower stress.

The team is also exploring whether stargazers can experience a version of the famous “Overview Effect”, the shift in awareness astronauts feel when viewing Earth from space. For the pilot study, 14 families took part in a guided astronomy weekend in Sutherland, home to the Southern African Large Telescope and some of the world’s clearest night skies. Participants viewed Saturn’s rings, the craters on the moon and the Milky Way, and joined reflective group discussions.

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One person later wrote: “I still picture the Milky Way when things feel heavy. It reminds me that my problems aren’t infinite.” Prof Lynn Hendricks, one of the project leads, said the impact goes beyond relaxation. “The cosmic element creates a shift that’s distinct. It doesn’t just calm people; it changes how they think about themselves and their place in the world.” Dr Therese Fish, Vice-Dean for Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU, said the project is helping families reconnect “to each other, the environment and a shared sense of humanity”.

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