Research has shown that experiencing something beyond our comprehension gifts us the ability to break out of our everyday thinking and assumptions, see the world afresh and come up with new ideas. Which worlds will open up for you when you go stargazing?

Studies have shown that people who have experienced awe are happier and less stressed, even weeks later. Although the research is in its early stages, when scientists looked at the relationship between the cytokine system (triggered when stressed, leading to inflamation) and various positive emotions, they found that of all the positive emotions, only awe seemed to show reduced levels of cytokines.

Viewing the night sky is a way to connect with something greater than ourselves. To realise we are part of something much bigger – so vast we can barely comprehend it. This realisation helps to take us out of ourselves and focus on a bigger picture, feeling more connected to each other and to the messy, beautiful universe in which we find ourselves.

The feeling of connectedness awe triggers in us has been shown to have a knock on effect on our actions, making us more altruistic and ready to help others. Other studies have found that awe—more so than emotions like pride or amusement—leads people to cooperate, share resources, and sacrifice for others, all of which are requirements for our collective life.