Stargazing Gains Popularity During Pandemic

City lights dimmed, schedules freed up, and anxieties soared during the COVID-19 lockdowns. It turns out, this unique confluence of factors created a perfect storm for a new citizen science phenomenon: a surge in backyard astronomy. With newfound time and clearer skies, many people turned their gaze upwards, seeking solace and wonder in the cosmos. Telescope sales boomed, astronomy apps rocketed up the charts, and online stargazing communities flourished. This newfound interest promises to leave a lasting legacy, with more people than ever looking up and appreciating the vastness of the universe.