Awe-inspired encounters with natural phenomena strengthen people's connection to science and boost their sense of belonging in the scientific community, according to research published in People and Nature.
The study examined participants in citizen science activities centered on awe-inducing events, particularly solar eclipses. Citizen science projects invite public members to actively contribute to scientific research rather than passively consume it. Researchers found that people who engaged in these nature-based participatory activities reported stronger identification with science as a discipline and greater feelings of inclusion within scientific communities.
The paper, titled "Awe in Nature Fosters Science Identity and Belonging in Participatory Scientists During an Eclipse," appears in the May 27 issue of People and Nature. The findings underscore how emotional responses to natural wonders can reshape how people perceive their relationship to scientific inquiry and their place within it.
This result carries practical implications for science communication and education. Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction or abstract concepts, exposing people to direct experiences with spectacular natural events appears to deepen their engagement with science. The eclipse context provides a powerful case study, as such events naturally inspire awe while simultaneously offering concrete opportunities for scientific observation and data collection.
The research suggests that participatory science programs benefit from incorporating experiences that trigger genuine wonder and emotional connection to the natural world. When people feel awe, they become more receptive to scientific thinking and more likely to see themselves as part of the scientific enterprise. This addresses a persistent challenge in science education: helping diverse populations develop science identities and feel welcome in fields that historically have struggled with inclusion.
The study's focus on citizen science proves particularly relevant. Public participation in research democratizes scientific activity while simultaneously improving scientific literacy and engagement. The addition of awe-inspiring natural phenomena to these projects appears to create an optimal combination for fostering lasting connections to science.