In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have unveiled the profound psychological and social impacts of engaging the public in participatory science activities centered around extraordinary natural phenomena, specifically a total solar eclipse. This innovative research highlights how witnessing awe-inspiring events while contributing to scientific data collection can fundamentally enhance individuals’ connections to science, fostering a deeper science identity and a robust sense of belonging within the scientific community.
Participatory science, often referred to as citizen science, enables members of the public to actively contribute to the scientific process, from data collection to analysis. This model not only democratizes science but also enriches scientific research by tapping into the collective observational capacity of a broad audience. The study, led by experts from North Carolina State University, leveraged the rare celestial event of the 2024 total solar eclipse, which swept across North America, as a unique context for exploring how awe influences science engagement.
Central to the research was the hypothesis that awe—an emotional response to vast, grand, and awe-inspiring stimuli—could serve as a critical mechanism that strengthens individuals’ identification with science and promotes a sense of belonging. Science identity pertains to how much individuals see science as part of their own self-concept, while science belonging relates to how comfortably individuals feel integrated within scientific communities and activities.
The study’s cohort was remarkably diverse, involving 528 participants ranging from children as young as eight years old to senior adults aged eighty. These volunteers were guided through an online training module designed to enable accurate observations of animal behavior during the eclipse day. They recorded behavioral changes that occurred before, during, and after the eclipse, contributing valuable data to a large-scale participatory science project hosted on SciStarter, a prominent platform for citizen science initiatives.
Analysis revealed compelling findings: those who witnessed the totality phase of the eclipse, when the sun was entirely obscured by the moon, consistently reported significantly higher levels of awe compared to those who observed only a partial eclipse. Importantly, the magnitude of reported awe was strongly correlated with subsequent increases in both science identity and feelings of belonging. This suggests that the emotional intensity elicited by totality plays a pivotal role in enhancing personal connections to science.
From a technical standpoint, the study utilized validated psychometric instruments to quantify awe, science identity, and science belonging, thereby ensuring rigorous measurement of these complex constructs. The experimental design carefully controlled for confounding variables such as prior interest in science and demographic differences, lending robustness to the assertion that awe itself is an influential catalyst.
An intriguing dimension emerged from the behavioral data on animals recorded by participants. Even though volunteers were not expert ethologists, the study team was able to identify unusual animal behaviors coinciding with the eclipse’s progression. Remarkably, participants who recorded these atypical animal responses also experienced elevated awe levels, indicating a bidirectional relationship where both the external environment and internal emotional reactions reinforce each other.
This research carries significant implications for science communication and education, especially in efforts to broaden participation within STEM fields. The study illustrates that profound experiences combined with participatory research can create meaningful shifts in how individuals relate to science without necessitating prolonged or formal education. The instant recognition of belonging and identity transformation suggests new pathways for inclusive and effective science outreach programs.
Moreover, the findings emphasize the adaptability of such interventions across a wide age spectrum, underlining their potential scalability. From young children who are early in their science journey to older adults, the ability of awe-inducing experiences to foster connection transcends generational barriers and educational backgrounds, democratizing access to science culture.
The authors underscore that while the solar eclipse served as a powerful exemplar of an awe-inspiring event, similar emotional experiences can be elicited in everyday contexts. Everyday nature walks, stargazing, or local environmental observations can provide moments of awe. The key lies in coupling these moments with accessible participatory science projects available on platforms like SciStarter, which host thousands of diverse citizen science opportunities tailored to different interests and skill levels.
This study is poised to redefine science outreach by integrating emotional engagement with active participation, potentially transforming passive spectators into vibrant contributors to the scientific enterprise. The alignment of psychological insights with natural phenomena paves the way for innovative practices that cultivate a scientifically engaged and inclusive public ready to tackle the challenges and wonders of contemporary science.
The full report, entitled “Awe in Nature Fosters Science Identity and Belonging in Participatory Scientists During an Eclipse,” is scheduled for publication in the journal People and Nature on May 27, 2026. The research team includes leading figures such as Caren Cooper and Kelly Lynn Mulvey from North Carolina State University, in collaboration with multiple undergraduates and graduate students, along with colleagues from the New York Institute of Technology and Illinois State University.
This landmark investigation captures the essence of how awe not only enriches human experience but also acts as a transformative force in science engagement, making it a vital consideration for future educational frameworks and participatory initiatives. As integration of emotional resonance and scientific inquiry grows, it portends a future where science is not just observed but lived and felt by an expanding community of citizen scientists worldwide.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Awe in Nature Fosters Science Identity and Belonging in Participatory Scientists During an Eclipse
News Publication Date: 27-May-2026
Web References:
DOI: 10.1002/pan3.70347
Keywords: participatory science, citizen science, awe, science identity, science belonging, solar eclipse, STEM engagement, animal behavior, science communication, public participation, psychological impact, science outreach
