• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
Log In
Join for Free
Coursera
  • Browse
  • Astronomy

Astronomy Courses

Astronomy courses can help you learn how to explore celestial objects, understand cosmic phenomena, and study the structure and evolution of the universe.

Skip to search results

Filter by

Subject
Required
 *

Language
Required
 *

The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

Learning Product
Required
 *

Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.

Level
Required
 *

Duration
Required
 *

Skills
Required
 *

Subtitles
Required
 *

Educator
Required
 *

Find the best Astronomy course for your goals

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Arizona

    Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Ancient History, Chemistry, General Science and Research, Global Positioning Systems, Scientific Methods, Scientific Visualization, Research, Simulations

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.9K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Rochester

    Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Biology, Environment, General Science and Research, Simulations, Scientific Methods, Scientific Visualization, Systems Of Measurement, Chemistry

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    497 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free
    Free
    U

    University of Alberta

    Astro 101: Black Holes

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Storytelling, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, General Science and Research, Simulations, Scientific Visualization

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Arizona

    Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy

    Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Physics, Mechanics, Physical Science, Science and Research, World History, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Biology, Life Sciences, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Applied Mathematics

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    41 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Arizona

    Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds

    Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Research, Environment, Environmental Science, Scientific Methods, Microbiology

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    516 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    P

    Politecnico di Milano

    Archaeoastronomy

    Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Architectural Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, World History, Physical Science, Cultural Diversity

    4.5
    Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.4K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Edinburgh

    AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Science and Research, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Image Analysis, Data Storage, Computer Science, Data Analysis Software

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    C

    Caltech

    The Evolving Universe

    Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Spatial Analysis, Mathematical Modeling

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    836 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    S

    Stanford University

    Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Timelines, Verification And Validation, Scientific Methods, Research, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Of Measurement

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.2K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Tokyo

    From the Big Bang to Dark Energy

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Materials science, Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Scientific Visualization

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.7K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    T

    The University of Edinburgh

    Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

    Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Research, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Chemistry

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.7K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Rocket Science for Everyone

    Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Wireless Networks, General Networking, Communication Systems, Mechanics, Telecommunications, Technical Communication, Physics, Environmental Monitoring

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    646 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Astronomy learners also search

astrophysics
astrobiology
earth sciences
science
natural sciences
geosciences
optics
space
1234…13

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular astronomy courses

  • Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space: University of Arizona
  • Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy: University of Rochester
  • Astro 101: Black Holes: University of Alberta
  • Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy: University of Arizona
  • Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds: University of Arizona
  • Archaeoastronomy: Politecnico di Milano
  • AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery: The University of Edinburgh
  • The Evolving Universe: Caltech
  • Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
  • From the Big Bang to Dark Energy: The University of Tokyo

Frequently Asked Questions about Astronomy

Top options include Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space from the University of Arizona and The Evolving Universe from the Caltech. These courses cover stars, galaxies, planets, black holes, and the scientific methods used to explore the universe.‎

Yes. Many astronomy courses offer a free audit option, allowing you to access lectures and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

You’ll learn about celestial objects, the life cycle of stars, planetary motion, space exploration, and cosmology. Some courses also explore topics like exoplanets, telescopes, and the possibility of life beyond Earth.‎

Not necessarily. Many courses are designed for beginners and focus on conceptual understanding, with optional math-based content. More technical courses may include physics or calculus, but course descriptions will indicate prerequisites.‎

Yes. These courses are great for preparing for STEM studies, science educators, or lifelong learners. While they don’t replace a formal degree, they can support academic growth, strengthen scientific literacy, and fuel interest in careers in science and space research.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Manage Cookie Preferences
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok