A note on tone: the rest of this site jokes about space rocks. This page is the straight bit. If space makes you anxious, the anxiety is real even when the rocks are not.
What is cosmophobia?
Cosmophobia is the fear of cosmic phenomena: an anxiety that can show up as an intense fear of outer space, celestial events or the sheer size of the universe. Feeling small when you look at the stars is normal. For some people those thoughts tip into real distress.
It is a hard phobia to live with now, because space news arrives constantly. Approaching asteroids, solar flares and the expanding universe all make headlines, and for someone with cosmophobia every one of them is a trigger.
Common triggers and symptoms
- News about asteroid approaches or solar events
- Looking at the night sky, or thinking about how big space is
- Reading about cosmic threats or end-of-the-world scenarios
- Space-related media and documentaries
The body reacts like it does to any phobia. People describe a racing heart, dizziness, nausea, shaking or breathlessness, and in severe cases panic attacks. Many avoid space films and news altogether.
Coping strategies
Education and understanding
Learning about space in a calm, factual way can take the mystery out of it. Knowing the real probabilities, and the monitoring already in place, can be a relief. (This is also, in fairness, why this site exists.)
Professional support
Cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy, with a professional, can be effective for cosmophobia and related anxiety.
Mindfulness
Meditation, slow breathing and grounding exercises can help when space-related thoughts or news set you off.
Community
Talking to others who share the fear gives comfort and practical tips from people who have been there.
Finding balance
Staying informed is fine. Doomscrolling is not. Stick to factual, scientific sources and steer clear of sensational headlines, which are written to make you click and not to make you accurate.
Modern astronomy gives us far more knowledge and warning of cosmic events than we have ever had. That makes the universe easier to live alongside, and slightly less of a surprise party.
Cosmophobia questions
What is cosmophobia?
Cosmophobia, also called astrophobia, is an intense fear of outer space, celestial events or the sheer size of the universe. Feeling small under the stars is normal. For some people it becomes real distress.
What are the symptoms of cosmophobia?
A racing heart, dizziness, nausea, shaking, breathlessness and sometimes panic attacks when thinking about or seeing space-related things, plus avoiding space films, documentaries and news.
What triggers a fear of space?
Common triggers are news about asteroids or solar events, looking at the night sky, reading about cosmic threats or end-of-the-world scenarios, and space documentaries.
How is cosmophobia treated?
Like other specific phobias: cognitive behavioural therapy and exposure therapy with a professional are the usual approaches, alongside mindfulness, slow breathing and talking to others who share the fear.
Is it normal to be afraid of asteroids?
It is common to feel uneasy when asteroid news hits the headlines. Looking at the real data usually helps: nearly every near-Earth asteroid is tracked, and none this week is on an impact course.
Seeking help
If cosmic fears are causing you serious anxiety, you are not alone, and help makes a real difference.
- Anxiety and Depression Association of AmericaResources and support for anxiety disorders
- Psychology Today therapist directoryFind mental health professionals near you
- The Leone CentreSpecialised counselling and psychotherapy