Free Online Astronomy Courses & MOOCs

Coursera

University of Rochester

Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on a journey through the cosmos with 'Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy'. This course offers an engaging introduction to some of modern astronomy's most intriguing questions. From the potential for life beyond our planet to the lifecycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies, this course is designed to captivate your curiosity about the universe.

Sep 28th 2026

4 Weeks

Astronomy Universe Physics

Coursera

Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil

Origens da Vida no Contexto Cósmico (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Explorando os fundamentos do surgimento da vida, o curso 'Origens da Vida no Contexto Cósmico' oferece uma jornada através das últimas descobertas científicas. Este curso desenvolvido pela Universidade de São Paulo mergulha nos mistérios da origem da vida na Terra e em potenciais planetas habitáveis do universo.

Sep 28th 2026

4 Weeks

Earth Astronomy Universe

Coursera

University of Amsterdam

Big History - From the Big Bang until Today (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on an extraordinary journey through time with 'Big History - From the Big Bang until Today.' This unique course, offered by the University of Amsterdam, takes you from the very beginning of our universe to the present day. Led by renowned scientists and scholars, this course provides a holistic understanding of how everything around us has evolved over billions of years.

Sep 28th 2026

4 Weeks

Earth Life Astronomy

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017 (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total eclipse with 'The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017' course. Delve into the science behind these celestial events, exploring the solar corona, prominences, and their profound effects on Earth and its inhabitants. This course is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and anyone fascinated by the wonders of our universe.

Sep 28th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Astronomy Physics Sun

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physics

Dive into the fascinating world of spacecraft motion with 'Kinetics: Studying Spacecraft Motion'. This course unravels the complexities of how objects move in space, focusing on essential topics like angular momentum, kinetic energy, and dual rigid body systems. Gain insights into modeling these motions to ensure safe and effective mission development.

Sep 28th 2026

4 Weeks

Astronomy Physics Gravity

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

Control of Nonlinear Spacecraft Attitude Motion (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physics

Discover how to program specific orientation and achieve precise aiming goals for spacecraft in three-dimensional space. This course delves into stability definitions, Lyapunov's Direct Method, nonlinear 3-axis attitude pointing control laws, and more.

Sep 28th 2026

4 Weeks

Astronomy Physics Engineering

Coursera

University of Alberta

Science & Religion 101 (Coursera)

Humanities

Embark on a thought-provoking journey through 'Science & Religion 101', an insightful online course designed to explore the intricate relationship between science and religion. This course aims to bridge the perceived gap between these two powerful forces of human understanding, demonstrating how they can complement each other rather than clash.

Sep 28th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Science Astronomy Philosophy

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

Our Place in the Cosmos (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on an extraordinary journey through space with 'Our Place in the Cosmos'. This course delves into the mysteries of our universe, from the planets that make up our solar system to the potential for human exploration beyond. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just beginning your cosmic adventure, this course offers engaging content and expert insights to help you understand our place within the cosmos.

Sep 28th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Astronomy Space Astrophysics

FutureLearn

University of Edinburgh

The Discovery of the Higgs Boson (FutureLearn)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on an exciting journey through the world of particle physics with 'The Discovery of the Higgs Boson'. This course takes you to the heart of the action at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider where scientists recently confirmed the existence of a new fundamental particle – the Higgs boson. Learn why this discovery is so significant and how it helps us understand the universe's most basic building blocks.

Self Paced

5-12 Weeks

Science Astronomy Cosmology