Observational Astronomy Courses and Certifications

CITA Presentations

Getting a Good Score in Observational Astronomy - CITA 1020

Discover essential techniques and strategies for achieving excellence in observational astronomy, from data collection to analysis methods and scoring optimization.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Radio Sky II: Observational Radio Astronomy

This course covers the principles and practices of radio astronomical observations, in particular with modern interferometers. Topics range from radio telescope technology to the measurement equation to radio interferometric calibration and imaging.

• edX
• 7 weeks, 6-7 hours a week
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Spahn's Science Lectures

Earth Science - Patterns in the Night Sky

Explore celestial patterns, constellations, and celestial sphere motions. Learn angular measurements and the small angle formula for understanding night sky observations.

• YouTube
• 23 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics

Observational Tests of Theory in Binary Systems - Part II

Explore observational tests of binary system theories, focusing on circumbinary gas evolution and its influence on embedded binaries across stellar and black hole scales.

• YouTube
• 43 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Institut Henri Poincaré

Introduction to Observational Astrophysics

Explore fundamental concepts and techniques of observational astrophysics, from celestial objects to data analysis methods.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 24 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics

Observational Constraints on High-Redshift Black Holes with JWST

Explore observational constraints on early universe black holes using JWST data. Gain insights into cosmic dawn and the formation of first stars, galaxies, and supermassive objects.

• YouTube
• 40 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

AAVSO HQ

SIGs in the Spotlight - Eclipsing Binaries, Instrumentation and Equipment, and Short Period Pulsators

Explore three specialized astronomical observation groups: eclipsing binaries, instrumentation & equipment, and short period pulsators through expert presentations and ongoing research studies.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 24 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

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
• On-Demand
• Paid Course

Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy, 2nd Edition

364 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Get a comprehensive overview of the grandest of all subjects-the universe-in this brilliant and fascinating course taught by one of America's foremost astronomers.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 2 days 2 hours 1 minute
• On-Demand
• Free Trial Available

A Visual Guide to the Universe with the Smithsonian

104 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Produced in partnership with the Smithsonian, these 18 lavishly illustrated lectures take you from our solar system to the farthest reaches of space and time.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 9 hours 9 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Trial Available

IIT Roorkee;  NPTEL

Nuclear Astrophysics

Explore nuclear astrophysics, its impact on understanding stellar processes, and experimental methods. Learn about thermonuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, and cutting-edge research facilities.

• Swayam
• 8 weeks
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course

World Science Festival

Testing the Limits of Cosmology

Leading physicists explore cutting-edge experiments and theories pushing the boundaries of cosmology, from recreating the Big Bang to searching for multiverses, challenging our understanding of the universe's origins and nature.

• YouTube
• 57 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

Black Holes, Symmetries and Impossible Triangles - A Conversation with Roger Penrose

Explore black holes, symmetries, and impossible triangles with Nobel Laureate Roger Penrose in this engaging conversation covering his groundbreaking work in mathematical physics and cosmology.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 10 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Royal Institution

A Beginner's Guide to Black Holes - With Amélie Saintonge

1 review

Explore the fascinating world of black holes with astrophysicist Amélie Saintonge, covering their formation, mechanics, and detection methods in an engaging and accessible presentation.

• YouTube
• 38 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Hubble Space Telescope

How Dark Is Space?

Explore the darkness of space beyond our solar system and discover evidence of an unknown universal light source with NASA's New Horizons probe and Dr. Tod Lauer.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 28 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video