What are the best astronomy courses on Coursera?

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.

Can I learn astronomy for free on Coursera?

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.

What will I learn in an astronomy course?

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.

Do I need a science or math background to study astronomy on Coursera?

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.

Can studying astronomy on Coursera help me in my career?

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.

Top Astronomy Courses - Learn Astronomy Online

Find the Best Astronomy Course for Your Goals

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
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Arizona
Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, European History, Science and Research, World History, Scientific Methods, Biology, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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, Laboratory Research, Computer Displays, Technical Communication, Data Storage, Data Analysis Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Life Sciences, Environment, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Research, Physical Science, Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Chemistry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Rocket Science 101
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Global Positioning Systems, Environmental Science, Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Environment, Physical Science, Geographic Information Systems, Research, Scientific Methods, Manufacturing and Production, World History, Chemical Engineering, International Relations, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Business Modeling, Political Sciences, Timelines
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Waves and Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Vibrations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Integral Calculus
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Astronomía básica
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, General Science and Research, Biology, Systems Of Measurement, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Geospatial Information and Technology, World History, Chemistry
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Digitalisation in Aeronautics and Space
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Human Factors, Manufacturing Processes, Digital Transformation, Aerospace Basic Quality System Standards, Environmental Monitoring, Control Systems, Production Process, Automation, Manufacturing and Production, Structural Analysis, Leadership, Big Data, Human Machine Interfaces, Cybersecurity, Mathematical Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Design Process, Threat Detection, Network Architecture
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
455 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Geneva
The Diversity of Exoplanets
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Scientific Visualization, Physical Science, Research, Quantitative Research, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Simulations, Chemistry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Physics, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Geometry, Trigonometry
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
255 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Vibrations, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Differential Equations, Simulation and Simulation Software, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Verification And Validation, Advanced Mathematics, Estimation, Matlab
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
427 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Physics, Electrical Systems, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Components, Mechanics, Electronic Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
210 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months