Expanding universe. Expanding mind.

Think outside the world

If you are interested in solving large problems with big ideas, Astronomy has a degree program for you.

In our programs, you will expand your mind using tools that can be applied to multiple problems.

Undergraduate Admissions Faculty Research

Astronomy News

Successful Thesis Defense from Dr. Cail Daley

We want to congratulate the successful thesis defense of the newly minted Dr. Cail Daley. He is pictured during his thesis defense presentation. The committee members that joined the celebration are Professor Gilbert Holder, Professor Paul Ricker, Professor Gilbert Holder, Professor Jeffrey...

Successful Thesis Defense from Dr. Melanie Archipley

We want to congratulate the successful thesis defense of the newly minted Dr. Melanie Archipley. She is pictured celebrating the amazing news. The committee members that joined the celebration are Professor Joaquin Vieira, Professor Felipe Menanteau, Professor Gilbert Holder, Professor Thomas...

Come Explore New Horizons With Us! Grades 10-12; Free registration; Girls encouraged to apply, open to all; Learn to code with real data! Tour observatory, Hands-on science! July 22-26 2024. gasc.cosmology.illinois.edu

Girls' Astronomy Summer Camp 2024

This summer camp for high school students will be focused on hands-on astronomy projects. Join this...

Professor Gautham Narayan promoted to Associate Professor

Professor Gautham Narayan has been approved by the Urbana-Champaign Campus Promotion & Tenure Committee for promotion to Associate Processor with indefinite tenure! Let us take a moment to congratulate Professor Gautham Narayan on this great accomplishment.

Founding NCSA Director to receive honorary degree at Commencement

Astronomers and astrophysicists including Tony Wong, Helvi Witek, Athol Kemball, Fred Lamb, Jon Thaler, and Inga Karliner meet with founding NCSA director Larry Smarr at the Institute for Genomic Biology. Smarr will receive an honorary degree at Commencement.

Astronomy Events

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Real data, real experiences

The universe provides plenty of room for exploration. Astronomy classes make use of vast, modern datasets to give you hands-on experience with real data.

Undergraduate programs Graduate programs

Help celebrate our centennial by reaching for the stars.

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100 gifts for 100 years

In celebration of the department’s centennial, we’re asking for your help to replenish the department’s annual fund. Our goal is 100 gifts for 100 years.

Celebrate with us Give to astronomy

Introduction to Astronomy

Learn the basic concepts of modern astronomy, from the Solar System to the Big Bang.

ASTR 100

Introduction to Astrophysics

Survey of modern astronomy for students with background in physics.

ASTR 210

The Big Bang, Black Holes, and the End of the Universe

Studies the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe, and the scientific tools used to study these issues.

ASTR 350

Galaxies and the Universe

Explore elementary aspects of physical cosmology, including galaxies in our Local Group, starburst galaxies, and quasars.

ASTR 406

Computing in Astronomy

An introduction to the use of computers in astrophysics research.

ASTR 310

Astronomy picture of the day

Discover the cosmos with NASA.gov. Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

Learn about today's picture