“Under the Same Stars” by Astronomers Without Borders (AWB) developed and launched a social media campaign to bring awareness that stargazing can uniquely aid in relieving some mental stress during a time of crisis. Their campaign effectively spread the specific messaging that we can all come together virtually and feel like a cohesive community regardless of any border. It received an overall positive response from around the world.
By leveraging all communication networks, including their newsletter (10,000 + members) and social media channels (total 110,000 followers), AWB brought awareness to the night sky and its impacts on the human psyche, and its inspirational power to build community. The messaging reach was amplified thanks to support from organizational partners like the International Dark Skies Association and Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
5 social media memes that were released on Astronomers Without Borders social media channels – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook LIVES featuring guests from around the world:
- Kick-off of Under the Same Stars Campaign (September 29, 2020)
- Sharing the Night Sky During a Pandemic (November 14, 2020)
- Geminids for All (December 13, 2020)
- Video submitted to UN75 Event on Astronomy 4 SDGs (September 29, 2020)
The feedback was very positive as per the comments and overall engagement and reach of the social posts and there was much participation with viewers during the lives, more than usual. The overall Facebook Live audience sizes grew by 800% during the lifetime of the campaign.