The nights are pretty chilly across much of Australia right now, but experts reckon that shouldn’t stop you getting out for a spot of stargazing – given it can do wonders for your mental health… British academic Chris Barnes found the higher our connection to the natural environment at night, the happier we feel with “a more positive outlook and…wellbeing.” He says he was inspired to investigate the impact of nocturnal reflections as most research on our relationship with the natural world focuses on the daytime. As a result, he’s created the Night Sky Connectedness Index to measure our connection to the cosmos. But for many it’s easier said than done as an estimated 80% of us live in areas with huge light pollution, with one third unable to even see the Milky Way. So if you’ve been mulling over a camping trip, now is the time – you might just discover something out of this world…