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.

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Orange and Blue Days Are Here!

On March 4, 5 & 6, the Department of Astronomy and the Friends of the University of Illinois Observatory are seeking your help to raise funds to renovate the historic campus observatory's interior!

The Friends' Board has committed to matching every dollar donated up to a total of $70,000.

Join us to help carry on our 130-year tradition of making the universe accessible for our students and the public.

Help us share the sky!
Find Out How You Can Help View Other Campaigns

Astronomy News

Illinois Physics Professor Nicolás Yunes
Yunes group finds mysterious signals were likely not caused by passage of dark matter clumps through Earth
Scientists have been able to detect the presence of gravitational waves since 2015, when the first instruments capable of doing so were set up. However, these instruments capture many other signals as well. Sometimes these signals’ sources are easy to identify—perhaps there was a small earthquake,...
A diagram showing how the observatory discovered the megamaser.
Farthest-known cosmic OH ‘megamaser’ found
An international team of astronomers led by Dr. Thato Manamela at the University of Pretoria has identified the most distant hydroxyl (OH) megamaser ever detected — a powerful...
Illinois astronomy student Sude Baltaci with their award-winning AAS poster.
Undergraduate Sude Baltaci wins national AAS award for research on active black holes in merging galaxies
Sude Baltaci has been named a Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award winner by the American Astronomical Society, recognizing the excellence of their poster...
Illinois and the block I on a brick wall in the snow.
Bryan Dunne recognized for excellence in undergraduate advising
The College of LAS has selected 19 professors, graduate students, lecturers, and advisors as the recipients of this year’s teaching and advising awards. “It is a privilege to celebrate these remarkable educators and advisors who fulfill our educational mission within the College of LAS,” said...
An astronomer gives a speech to a packed house.
A decade of curiosity: Ten years of Astronomy On Tap
 As one might expect on a bitterly cold Thursday evening, the bar fills up early. Conversations overlap, beer is served, glasses clink. Then things get interesting. Someone sets up a projector. As the crowd jockeys for a good view, in walks ...

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. 

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Help celebrate our centennial by reaching for the stars.

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

Astronomy Courses

Illustration of observable universe

Introduction to Astronomy

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

Introduction to Astrophysics

Survey of modern astronomy for students with background in physics.
Hubble image of universe

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.
Stephens quartet galaxy

Galaxies and the Universe

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

Computing in Astronomy

An introduction to the use of computers in astrophysics research.

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