8 Best Astronomy Online Courses

Best Astronomy Online Courses
Disclaimer: Fully supported by its users, TangoLearn earns a commission every time you make a purchase via our site. This does not influence the price you pay nor it affects our ratings, course selection methodology or partners.
Reading Time: 12 minutes

with fun filled astronomy classes

The solar system is one of the most fundamental topics that we learn in school. For many of you, the subject may be intriguing. However, when you wish to understand and explore your neighborhood from the more factual and scientific aspect and understand how it came into existence, you must enroll yourself in astronomy online courses.

 

There is an array of courses that can teach you astronomy. Of this vast number of courses, how do you find the best course for you that perfectly suits your requirements?

 

Well, fret no more. We did some research and scoured through the internet, searching for online astronomy courses for beginners such as yourself. Based on our research, we came across multiple courses.

 

How Did We Select These Courses?

Then we picked the best classes from various platforms, such as Udemy, Coursera, edX astronomy, and many others. These courses were selected following a thorough screening of over 50 courses and were hand-picked based on 4 key disciplines.

 

  1. The offerings of the course
  2. The ratings of the course
  3. The fee that you pay
  4. The experience of the instructor

 

Then the selected 20 courses were presented to renowned astronomy experts from around the world. They reviewed these courses and then picked the below-listed eight best astronomy online courses. So, you can be assured that these are genuinely the best astronomy courses on the internet. However, before we get to the courses, we would like to give you a quick disclaimer.

 

Best Astronomy For Beginners Course: Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space

This is a 100% online course to study astronomy. Consequently, the deadlines are flexible and can be decided according to your schedule. F

 

Further, after you are through with the Coursera astronomy course, you will be awarded a shareable certificate of completion.

 

Some More of The Best Astronomy Classes Online

  1. Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space – Offered by University of Arizona – [Coursera]
  2. Analyzing the Universe – Offered by University of Rutgers – [Coursera]
  3. Backyard Astronomy – [Udemy]
  4. Backyard Astronomy II – [Udemy]
  5. Astronomy: Exploring the solar system – [Udemy]
  6. Astronomy Without Telescope – [Udemy]
  7. Cosmology and astronomy – [Khan Academy]
  8. Astronomy – State of the Art – [Udemy]

 

8 Best Astronomy Online Courses and Classes

Now, let us get started and address these astronomy classes one by one.

 

1. Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space – Offered by University of Arizona – [Coursera]

Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space

 

Course overview

Ranked on top of the list is this Coursera course. This astronomy course is presented to you by a renowned top instructor, Chris Impey. The course has a rating of 4.8 and is offered in association with the University of Arizona.

 

Who should take this course?

The astronomy course is ideal for anyone who aspires to learn about modern astronomy.

 

Prerequisites

It is an introductory level Coursera astronomy course, so there are no prerequisites. So, people sans any background in science can also take this course. All you need is to have an interest in astronomy.

 

Further, it is a long course of 43 hours. So, you must be willing to put in that time to complete the course.

 

This is an English language course. However, you can find the subtitles in Spanish, Arabic, French, English, Italian, Portuguese (European), Vietnamese, German, and Russian.

 

Why this course?

You should take this course to learn astronomy online because of the impeccable career outcomes associated with the course.

  1. Eighteen percent of people who took this  course were able to step into new career avenues.
  2. Twelve percent of people who took this astronomy course received a pay hike or career up-gradation upon completion.

 

All in all these astronomy classes online should be on your radar.

 

Reviews by AM:

I really enjoyed working through the modules of this course. The material was interesting and enlightening. The self-paced format worked well for me and I will look for similar courses going forward.

 

 

2. Analyzing the Universe – Offered by University of Rutgers – [Coursera]

Analyzing the Universe - Offered by University of Rutgers

 

Course overview

Next on our list is another Coursera astronomy course. The course has a rating of 4.7 and is brought to you in association with the University of Rutgers. Over 13000 students have already availed of this course.

 

Taking this astronomy course, you will appreciate the excitement that the astronomers felt when they made any significant discoveries related to supernovae and their remnants, periodic binary x-ray sources, and extragalactic sources shaped our cosmology understanding.

 

What will you learn?

When you wish to learn astronomy, you can take this one of the top-rated astronomy online courses. A few things that you will learn in this course are:

 

  1. Exploring some of the cosmo mysteries, such as black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, and quasars, while employing some vital publicly available data from the NASA of actual satellite observations.
  2. Analyzing the time series data and energy spectra to comprehend how the incredible things function.
  3. You will learn all about the imaging tool DS9 to make astronomical observations.
  4. Exploring a new facet of X-ray astronomy every week throughout the course
  5. Nature of image formation
  6. Comprehension of the actual data, which the scientists use when performing their work

 

Why is this one of the best courses?

This is one of the best astronomy online courses with flexible deadlines. So you can start and end the course on your schedule.

 

This is a 100% online beginners course. So, you can view the course on the go. Lastly, once you are through with this course, you will earn yourself a shareable certificate of completion.

 

Who should take this course?

This is a beginner-level course to learn astronomy. So, regardless of your background and prior knowledge, you can take this astronomy course.

 

Prerequisites

In this course, there are no prerequisites as such. However, please know that this astronomy for beginners course is a long 22-hour.

 

So, it would help if you were willing to dedicate this time and effort to take the course. Further, this course is taught in the English-language. But, you can find the subtitles in French, Portuguese (European), Russian, English, and Spanish.

 

Review RF:

We learned this fantastic method for analyzing astronomical images using ds9. Dr. Matilsky is a great teacher, he made the difficult topics fun and correctly showed how to solve the problems.

 

 

3.Backyard Astronomy – [Udemy]

backyard-astronomy

 

Course overview

At number third on our list for the best astronomy online courses are these lessons from Udemy. It is a bestseller beginners course and has a rating of 4.6.

 

This astronomy course presents an overview of what you can see from your backyard or the most liked observing site with the naked eye. Further, you will also be taught about telescopes and binoculars. Overall, through this course,you will establish that there is a lot more in the sky than just the stars.

 

What will you learn?

If you wish to learn astronomy online, this is a good astronomy course for beginners. A few things that this course will teach you are:

 

  1. Observing the Moon, Planets, Star Clusters, Nebula, and even the Galaxy, you can see with the naked eye
  2. Understanding why the stars follow a certain pattern and move the way they do
  3. Comprehending the celestial coordinate system, the Meridian, and the Plane of the ecliptic
  4. Understanding how to use a basic star chart
  5. These astronomy classes online help you tour the night sky as it shows in each of the four seasons.
  6. Discovering the different kinds of telescopes and binoculars available to accentuate the observing experience.
  7. Knowing ten most vital things before shopping for a telescope
  8. Exploring how the eye perceives color and light
  9. Understanding how the pupil adapts to the dark and the dilation of the pupil
  10. With the free planetarium software, you will traverse through the Heavens in all four seasons in the southern and northern hemispheres.

 

What do you need?

As such, there are no prerequisites for you to take this course. You should merely be willing to explore and learn, and you will find this one of the best astronomy online courses.

 

Further, since this is a 100% online course,it would be vital for you to have a computer printer.

 

Why is this the best beginners course?

In this course, to learn astronomy online, you will be viewing twenty-three video lectures. In addition to that, there are several handouts, which are drafted to introduce you to this phenomenal science.

 

Study material

Further, this astronomy class online is divided into nine sections, which makes it easier for you to accommodate them in your schedule and learn. Overall, if you wish to learn astronomy in a more fun and engaging manner, this is the best course.

 

The course includes 1.5 hours of on-demand video and four downloadable resources. All of the resources of this course come with lifetime access, and you can view them on your TV and mobile. After you are through with these astronomy online courses, you will be lauded with a certificate of completion.

 

Refund policy

Further, it is an excellent course to learn astronomy as it comes with a 30-day moneyback guarantee. So, it is a risk-free course. You can request your money back if you do not like what’s taught.

 

Who should take this course?

This is one of the best astronomy for beginners courses and is a good choice for everyone who is into stargazing and backyard astronomy.

 

Review Raphael W Stephens:

I’m a long-time retired educator and Orthodox Jeweled Archpriest. I love to hear someone teach who has a handle on our language and knows their subject. This course is taught by someone who truly, and I believe, “professes” their stuff accurately for their students.

 

 

4. Backyard Astronomy II – [Udemy]

backyard-astronomy-2

 

Course overview

At number fourth on our list is again an Udemy course. This course has a rating of 4.2. Anyone curious about the night sky and aspires to learn about astronomy and the stars in your backyard in a fun and engaging manner will find this one of the best astronomy online courses very helpful. 

 

What will you learn?

In these astronomy classes, there are a bunch of things that you can learn. A few of them have been listed below:

 

  1. Discovering the constellations
  2. Learning about the Zodiac
  3. Origination of the constellations
  4. Touring the 48 Greek Constellations from Ptolemy’s Almagest
  5. Exploring the Constellations’ Mythology
  6. Examining the Mythology of the Constellations
  7. Touring different exciting objects visible in every constellation
  8. Using a small telescope and binoculars to view the sky
  9. Examining the Key Constellations Month by Month

 

Prerequisites

To learn with this course, there are some prerequisites. Firstly, you should know that this is part 2 of the previous course (listed above). So, it would be beneficial if you took the last course before beginning with this astronomy class online.

 

Beyond that, you do not need anything. Some dedication, sincerity, and willingness to learn and explore will suffice.

 

Why is this course?

This is the best course as it includes detailed twenty-three video lectures, text handouts, and three hours of on-demand video, etc.

 

All the resources of the astronomy for beginners course come with lifetime access. You can view the course on your TV and mobile. After you are through with the course, you will win yourself a shareable certificate of completion.

 

Refund policy

The course comes with a 30-day moneyback guarantee. So, if you do not like what you are taught, you can reach out to Udemy and seek your refund.

 

Who should take this course?

This is one of the top astronomy online courses for anyone who aspires to learn more about stargazing and backyard Astronomy. Further, people, regardless of their age group, will find this course helpful.

 

Review Stephan Tribick:

Excellent course with clear and precise information which will enable stargazers to locate, identify and view the constellations in their own locations and periods of the year.

 


 

5. Astronomy: Exploring the solar system – [Udemy]

exploring-the-solar-system

 

Course overview

At number fifth on the list for the astronomy online courses is an Udemy course. The course has a rating of 3.6.

 

What will you learn?

Some of the things that you will learn in these astronomy classes are listed below.

 

  1. The Solar System Basics
  2. Formation of the Solar System
  3. Concept of Planets
  4. Details about the different contents in Solar system

 

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites per se to take this astronomy class online. However, the instructor recommends doing the “where do we stand in the universe” course before taking this course.

 

Who should take this course?

This is a course for anyone who aspires to learn about the cosmic backyard.

 

Why is this course?

This is one of the best course to learn astronomy online because it comes with zero risks. The course has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you do not like what’s taught, you can reach out to Udemy and seek your refund.

 

Study material

Also, it is a short, 42-minute course, but the good thing is you get lifetime access to these astronomy classes online. So, you can view the course anytime in the future. More so, if the instructor makes new additions to the course, you will have access to them too.

 

It is a 100% online course viewable on your TV and mobile. After you are through with the course, you will earn a certificate of completion.

 

This is a shareable certificate, and you can share it with your friends and followers on social media. Alternatively, you can even download and print the certificate to include in your CV. This can better your job prospects.

 

Review Scarlett Williams:

Amazing course! Learned a lot from this course! 🙂

 

 

6. Astronomy Without Telescope – [Udemy]

astronomy-without-telescope

 

Course overview

At number sixth on our list is again an Udemy astronomy for beginners course with a rating of 3.6.

 

Essentially, there is a prevalent notion that astronomy is a subject that one cannot enjoy without paraphernalia like binoculars and telescopes, or other pricey equipment. Many even believe that studying astronomy is a costly affair.

 

However, with this astronomy class online, all these prevalent notions have been disregarded. In this course, you learn to enjoy astronomy without a telescope, with your bare eyes.

 

What will you learn?

A few things that you will learn in these astronomy classes are listed below:

 

  1. Recognizing the constellations in the sky
  2. Differentiating between the planet and the star
  3. Spotting the International Space station in the sky
  4. Employing the Stellarium Software
  5. Understanding the changes in the atmosphere around the year
  6. Measuring the brightness of the stars
  7. Understanding the distance between the different stars
  8. Observing naked eye astronomical events like a pro
  9. Knowing about the time zones
  10. Realizing the opportunities in the astronomy field

 

What do you need?

There are some prerequisites required to take these classes learn astronomy online. These include:

 

  1. Ability to watch stars with the naked eyes
  2. Familiarity with the concepts of Sun, Moon, Planets, and the Stars
  3. Ability to install the Stellarium software on your device.

 

Who should enroll?

The astronomy class online teaches you a lot. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time under the starry night sky. Lastly, anyone wanting to learn astronomy without investing in pricey gear will find this the best course.

 

Why is this the best astronomy course?

This course comes with 30-day refund policy. You may ask for a refund if not satisfied with the course.

 

Course material

The course comprises 44 minutes of on-demand video, and it comes with lifetime access. So, even years down the lane, you can review and revise the course. It also means that you will have access to future updates from the instructor. It is a 100% online course that can be viewed on TV and mobile.

 

After you are through with these astronomy online courses, you will earn yourself a certificate of completion. This is a shareable certificate. So, you can export and share on your LinkedIn or download and print to include in your CV.

 

Review Miss Michelle Kenright:

After taking this course i can now identify constellations and stellar brightness. I really enjoyed it!

 

 

7. Cosmology and astronomy – [Khan Academy]

cosmology-and-astronomy
 

Course overview

Number seventh on our list for astronomy is this course by Khan Academy.

 

We scoured through the reviews for these astronomy for beginners courses, and it is apparent that this course truly deserves a spot. The good thing is that it is one of the free online astronomy courses. So, if you are getting to learn astronomy without spending any money, why should you be hesitant? The course has been a hit amongst the students.

 

What will you learn?

In this astronomy class online, you will learn about the scale of the stars, universe, galaxies, earth’s climate and geological history, and black holes. Further, the course also tells you about the life of the universe and the earth around you.

 


 

8. Astronomy – State of the Art – [Udemy]

astronomy-state-of-the-art
 

Course overview

The last course on our list is this Udemy astronomy class online. These are free astronomy classes and are widely appreciated by students who have availed of this class.

 

What will you learn?

Some of the things that you will learn here are:

 

  1. Familiarity with the cutting edge of astronomy research
  2. Understanding of the galaxies and the solar system
  3. Knowledge of the distant universe
  4. Learning about the exoplanets
  5. Knowledge of how astronomers address grave issues, such as black holes, dark energy, the nature of dark matter, and the presence of life on other planets
  6. Understanding of the different technological innovations in detectors and telescopes employed in the view of the universe

 

What do you need?

To take this course, all you need is some interest in astronomy.

 

This is a beginner-level astronomy class online wherein your instructor, Professor Chris Impey, and his team will address some of the most recent astronomical discoveries.

 

Why is this the best astronomy course?

It is one of the free online astronomy courses. Further, the instructors of this course are renowned professionals from the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory. Thus, they are well-equipped to help you learn astronomy online.

 

Further, this course has more than just lecture material. There will be guest lectures, live discussions, and Q&A wherein you can clear all your doubts.

 

Who should take these classes?

This course is for:

  1. Astronomy Instructors
  2. Science Center Educators
  3. Amateur Astronomers
  4. Students of Astronomy
  5. Museum Educators
  6. Science Teachers
  7. Planetarium Educators

 

Overall, everyone with interest in astronomy will find this course helpful.

 

Review Robert Turley:

About halfway through the course but the consistency, presentation and information provided have been fantastic. I was hoping for some more technical detail, but there is also a large amount of supplemental material that I haven’t reviewed yet. Thank you!

 

 
Conclusion
So, these are the eight options you have to try your hands on the best astronomy online courses. We have tried to include every detail about these classes in this article. However, to know more about these astronomy classes you can visit the attached website link.

 

Best Astronomy Online Courses is rated 4.7 and reviewed by 10 Astronomy Experts & 35+ Astronomy Classes Students

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *