Astronomy for mental health Archives - IAU Office of Astronomy for Development https://astro4dev.org/category/flagship-2/astronomy-for-mental-health/ Astronomy for a better world! Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:27:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://astro4dev.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-03_OAD_symbol_colour_2-32x32.jpg Astronomy for mental health Archives - IAU Office of Astronomy for Development https://astro4dev.org/category/flagship-2/astronomy-for-mental-health/ 32 32 Looking Up Together at the End of 2025 https://astro4dev.org/looking-up-together-at-the-end-of-2025/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:27:09 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30748 By Dominic Vertue As 2025 came to a close, we had the opportunity to pause and reflect together under one of the most beautiful night sky events of the year. On 13 December, the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development, in collaboration with the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach, and astronomer and mindfulness practitioner, Dr. [...]

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]]> How Stargazing is Shaping Mental Health Research https://astro4dev.org/how-stargazing-is-shaping-mental-health-research/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:10:43 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30711 source: Stellenbosch University As mental health challenges continue to escalate globally, the International Astronomical Union Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative that leverages the cosmos. By partnering with public health researchers, the OAD is unveiling novel ways in which astronomy experiences can enhance emotional wellbeing, reduce stress, and foster [...]

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]]> Connecting Astronomy and Mental Wellbeing in Kimberley, South Africa https://astro4dev.org/connecting-astronomy-and-mental-wellbeing-in-kimberley-south-africa/ Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:25:13 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30613 On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Dominic Vertue from the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) engaged Grade 9 learners at the Maths and Science Leadership Academy (MSLA) in Kimberley, South Africa in a session titled “Under the Same Sky: Astronomy for Mental Health.” The talk explored how experiences of awe, reflection, [...]

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]]> Astronomy for Mental Health and Family Cohesion https://astro4dev.org/astronomy-for-mental-health-and-family-cohesion/ Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:47:52 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30596 An initiative of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and Stellenbosch University (SU). From 17–19 October 2025, members of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and Stellenbosch University’s CoCREATE Health Hub gathered in Sutherland on a research trip to study how astronomy experiences can support mental health and family connection/cohesion. This [...]

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]]> Empowering Young Minds Through the Cosmos: Usiko Astronomy Club https://astro4dev.org/empowering-young-minds-through-the-cosmos-usiko-astronomy-club/ Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:57:28 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30907 The Usiko Astronomy Club, under the Rite of Passage: Connection through Astronomy project, creates a space where young people can explore science, technology, and the wonders of the universe – while building confidence, curiosity, and essential life skills. The first half of 2025 was already rich with learning opportunities, exposure to world-class astronomy facilities, and [...]

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]]> Astronomy for Mental Health at Social Workers Conference https://astro4dev.org/astronomy-for-mental-health-at-social-workers-conference/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:19:07 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30414 OAD Fellow Dominic Vertue gave a presentation at the South African Association of Social Workers in Private Practice (SAASWIPP) 2025 conference. SAASWIPP is a professional association of social workers in private practice in South Africa. The presentation covered the role that astronomy can play in supporting mental health and well-being with adults. The session explored [...]

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]]> A Village of Stars: A Wellness Walk Under the Sky https://astro4dev.org/a-village-of-stars-a-wellness-walk-under-the-sky/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:50:55 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30258 Through our Astronomy for Mental Health flagship, the OAD has the privilege of connecting with amazing people from all around the world. Today, we’re excited to shine a light on the inspiring work of Troy Allen. This July, Dr. Troy Allan, Assistant Professor with Utah State University Extension, and his family were selected to participate [...]

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]]> Astronomy for Mental Health? Unravelling the role of astronomy in mental well-being. https://astro4dev.org/astronomy-for-mental-health-unravelling-the-role-of-astronomy-in-mental-well-being/ Thu, 08 May 2025 16:16:12 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=29994 How can we design scalable, astronomy-inspired interventions that integrate mindfulness and psychological insights to enhance mental well-being across diverse communities? Mental health is a cornerstone of well-being, yet it remains underserved in public health efforts. Astronomy, with its ability to inspire awe and foster connection through the night sky, offers a unique lens for supporting [...]

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]]> Looking Up, Slowing Down: Astronomy for Mental Well-being https://astro4dev.org/looking-up-slowing-down-astronomy-for-mental-well-being/ Wed, 07 May 2025 13:53:33 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=30007 Looking Up, Slowing Down: How Stargazing and Nature Support Mental Well-being by IAU Office of Astronomy for Development IAU OAD

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]]> Exploring People’s Connection to the Natural World at Night https://astro4dev.org/exploring-peoples-connection-to-the-natural-world-at-night/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:27:33 +0000 https://astro4dev.org/?p=29744 Have you ever found yourself gazing up at a star-strewn sky, listening to the chorus of nocturnal creatures, or simply soaking in the quiet mystery of the night? If the natural world after dark sparks your curiosity, the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) would love to hear from you. We’re excited to announce that [...]

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