The Influence of Deep Space and the Stars on Emotions

Detailed photographs of deep space from the James Webb telescope are public, yet little is known about how such imagery might affect people. Using both face-to-face and online study designs, compared to exposure to photographs of urban environments, exposure to photographs of deep space and stars increased experiences of awe overall and also its 6 subfactors, and in particular vastness (e.g., "I felt in the presence of greatness") and accommodation ("I found it was hard to comprehend the experience in full"). Effects were generally larger for photographs of deep space than those of the stars. Mixed results were found on positive affect in general, with it sometimes increasing after exposure to deep space and the stars. No effects emerged on negative affect. Deep space and stars also led to higher ratings of pleasantness of the images, perceived restoration, and willingness to hang such photos in their room compared to urban photographs. Moderators were also assessed (i.e., feeling connected to the night sky and fear of the dark). Overall, results suggest that photographs of deep space from the James Webb telescope have similar, though not identical, effects as photographs of stars, both of which are generally more positive than urban photographs.