How often do you take the time to stop and look up at the night’s sky? Or stop in general? The mental and physical benefits of connecting with nature are well known, but so often we think about exploring the greenery around us in the daytime when, in fact, the dark nights give us just as many opportunities to enjoy our natural environment. Not only calming, but research has also shown that gazing at the cosmos can actually make you a kinder, more considerate person. Albert Einstein famously said: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.” That sense of awe and calm we feel while stargazing has been found to turn us into better people. A study led by Dr. Paul K. Piff, from the Department of Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California-Irvine, found that experiencing awe helped people realize how small they are the grand scheme of things and, in turn, increased their kindness and concern for others. Novices needn’t worry, all you really need to feel the advantages of stargazing yourself is a clear night sky, a little patience and a few tips.
 

1. Pick your spot
   There are so many protected dark-sky areas (where the darkness of the sky is relatively free of artificial light pollution) in the US, from Central Idaho to California, that make ideal destinations for forays into stargazing, but you can still see some wherever you are – and when you do, even the faintest glow can be inspiring. The farther out from the city you are, the more stars you'll see, of course, but there’s still plenty to spot from your own urban backyard or balcony. Turn off your lights and shield yourself from others around you as much as possible. It might mean lying right next to your garden wall, but it’ll be worth it.
    
2. Check the weather
   Cloudy nights are the enemy. So, check the forecast beforehand and if it's looking particularly cloudy, cut your losses. While clear nights are optimal, a full moon reflects so much light that makes it harder to see the stars. The best time to see them is when there is no moon in the sky at all: in the New Moon phase when the moon is dark, or before moonrise or after moonset. Just like sunrise and sunset, you can check moon times online.

3. Keep warm
   Sitting out in the dark will be no fun if you’re chilly, so pile on the layers, pack a flask of hot chocolate and get cozy. It’s also worth keeping comfort in mind, you’ll save yourself a sore neck if you use a blanket – or a mat – to lay down, rather than sitting on a chair. That way, you can comfortably take in the sky with your full range of vision. Find a flat and dry spot, lay down and let nature do the rest.

4. Wait for it
   It takes 15 to 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness. You’ll also be looking for much smaller, fainter stimuli than you’re used to. You need your pupils to dilate as fully as possible, and this is something that they will instantly retract from if they are suddenly exposed to brightness. So, avoid looking at your phone, or turn the brightness right down if you must.

5. Be present
   The act of looking up at the stars and contemplating the vastness of the universe can put your problems into perspective and help you feel more relaxed. As you settle into the dark, quietness, try to be entirely in the moment, slowly drifting off into an almost meditative state where things around you and any stress from your day start to fade into the background.