Synopsis
Here is a summary of the key points from the research paper:
- The paper explores how experiencing Earth and celestial objects from space has influenced some astronauts’ religious/cosmological beliefs.
- It introduces two effects:
- The “overview effect” – Seeing Earth from space can increase astronauts’ sense of connection to humanity and appreciation for the planet’s fragility.
- The “ultraview effect” – Viewing stars/space from outside Earth’s atmosphere can elicit feelings of awe and smallness that transform beliefs about life and humanity’s origins.
- The author conducted ethnographic interviews with 9 astronauts. Their reactions to seeing Earth varied – some felt spiritually moved, others did not.
- More dramatic ultraview experiences came from astronauts who journeyed farther into space on Apollo missions. Being in total darkness and seeing unobstructed starfields elicited profound emotions and religious questioning.
- The author links these effects to the concept of “hyperobjects” – entities too vast and distributed to fully comprehend. Confronting hyperobjects can cause fear but channeling that into awe may yield positive outcomes like creativity and collaboration.
- More research is needed on how culture shapes reactions to hyperobjects, but astronauts seem better prepared for space than phenomena like climate change. Studying responses to space may inform how we confront other unfathomable realities.
