Astronomy for Mental Health and Wellbeing

This study discusses how astronomy may be useful for mental health and wellbeing, especially for people under quarantine. During the pandemic time, isolated nomads in the remote areas in Mongolia found the starry night sky helpful for their mental health and wellbeing. The purpose of this study is to explore potential positive impacts of astronomy for mental health and wellbeing. Mental health and wellbeing issues are major challenges faced by many people in the world during the pandemic. Astronomy as an educational methodology has much to offer to potentially mitigate these varied stress and alienation factors.

There was a workshop integrating astronomy and psychology for mental health and wellbeing in Mongolia in May 2022.We shared guidance on the immersion, enjoyment and inspiration of the night sky, and explored the impacts of understanding the vastness of the universe. The discussion included how astronomy education can help overcome such social stress factors as alienation, emotional discontent, anger, disparities, etc. This study will contribute to strategies and initiatives to develop educational psychology and astronomy for mental health.