As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, DarkSky International hosted its first 2026 Community Partner Webinar, titled “Nurturing Your Well-Being Through the Great Outdoors.” The webinar featured two of DarkSky International’s community partners: the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) and Hiking My Feelings.
Representing the OAD were Flagship Coordinator Dr Joyful Mdhluli and Astronomy for Mental Health Flagship Project Lead Dominic Vertue. Dr Mdhluli provided an overview of the OAD, highlighting its mission, flagship projects, and annual Call for Proposals. Vertue presented the Astronomy for Mental Health flagship project, which explores the relationship between astronomy, dark skies, and psychological well-being. His presentation highlighted how engaging with the night sky can foster feelings of awe, wonder, connectedness, and perspective – experiences that are increasingly being recognized as beneficial for mental health. He also discussed the growing body of research examining the links between nature, outdoor experiences, and well-being, and how astronomy can provide accessible opportunities for reflection and connection.
The webinar also featured Sydney Williams, founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organisation that has hosted more than 600 events connecting people with public lands since 2018. Williams introduced the organisation’s Reciprocity RX initiative, which encourages people to build deeper relationships with six key landscapes: mountains, deserts, open spaces, water, forests, and dark skies.
The webinar explored the important relationship between outdoor experiences, dark skies, and mental health, showcasing how astronomy can serve as a powerful tool for promoting well-being and supporting healthier communities.