Amateur Astronomy Courses and Certifications

Astronomical Navigation

Explore ancient maritime navigation through celestial bodies, discovering how legendary explorers like Zheng He and Columbus used stars, constellations, and astronomical phenomena to traverse vast oceans.

• XuetangX
• Self-Paced
• Free Online Course

media.ccc.de

Celestial Navigation with Very Little Math

Master celestial navigation using a sextant and custom slide rule with minimal math - create your own printable navigation tool for traditional position finding without GPS or electronics.

• YouTube
• 37 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

天文航海基础

天文航海是研究在海上利用自然天体进行定位导航的理论和方法，具有悠久的历史，是一种完全独立的自主式导航方法。

• XuetangX
• Self-Paced
• Free Online Course

Basics of Astronomy

Explore celestial bodies, astronomical phenomena, and scientific principles in this comprehensive guide covering everything from planetary characteristics to stellar evolution and cosmology.

• Study.com
• 1 day 19 hours 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

DSST Astronomy: Study Guide & Test Prep

Comprehensive astronomy prep covering celestial bodies, star life cycles, galaxies, and the universe. Includes video lessons, quizzes, and practice tests for effective DSST exam preparation.

• Study.com
• 34 hours
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Introduction to Astronomy: Certificate Program

Explore the cosmos, from Earth's atmosphere to distant galaxies. Learn about celestial bodies, star life cycles, and fundamental astronomical concepts through engaging video lessons and quizzes.

• Study.com
• 1 day 19 hours 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Astronomy for Teachers: Professional Development

Comprehensive astronomy course for teachers covering celestial bodies, physics principles, and space exploration, enhancing subject knowledge for effective classroom instruction.

• Study.com
• 1 day 19 hours 20 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Backyard Astronomy

943 ratings at Udemy

Explore the wonders of stargazing, from celestial navigation to observing planets and galaxies. Learn about astronomy tools and techniques for an enhanced night sky experience.

• Udemy
• 1 hour 18 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Our Night Sky

228 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Gain a superb introduction to the wonders of the night sky with this course-taught by an award-winning astronomer-that explores the fundamentals of stargazing.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 6 hours 28 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Trial Available

3Blue1Brown

The Cosmic Distance Ladder: How to Measure the Universe - Part 2

Explore the fascinating methods astronomers use to calculate distances across the cosmos, from nearby planets to distant galaxies, through clear animations and step-by-step explanations.

• YouTube
• 26 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

Backyard Astronomical Spectroscopy - An Overview for Amateurs

Explore amateur astronomical spectroscopy with experts, covering fundamentals, terminology, scientific value, and practical applications for variable star research.

• YouTube
• 2 hours 11 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

Introductory Photometry - Techniques and Best Practices for Astronomical Observations

Explore introductory photometry techniques, from basic concepts to advanced tips. Learn about reduction, binning, filter selection, and improving accuracy. Includes expert Q&A session.

• YouTube
• 2 hours 41 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

How to DIY Your Own Astronomy Equipment

Discover how to build custom astronomy gear, from binocular mounts to spectrographs. Learn cost-saving techniques and gain insights from experienced DIY astronomers.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 34 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

Recurrent Nova T CrB: Upcoming Eruption and Amateur Contributions

Explore the history, research, and imminent eruption of recurrent nova T CrB. Learn how amateur astronomers can contribute to this historic astronomical event.

• YouTube
• 2 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

How to Observe Variable Stars with Binoculars

Learn to observe variable stars using binoculars, from selecting targets to reporting data. Gain skills in visual astronomy, contribute to scientific research, and explore the dynamic universe without expensive equipment.

• YouTube
• 2 hours 22 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video