Planetary Science Courses and Certifications

American Museum of Natural History

The Solar System

Explore how the Solar System formed and works: the Sun's fusion and solar wind, planetary surfaces and atmospheres, Pluto's status, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

• Coursera
• 6 weeks, 3 hours a week
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

The Solar System for Kids

Explore Mars, the Moon, Earth, and other moons through elementary-level lessons on the Solar System.

• Study.com
• 3 hours 4 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Paid Course

Moons of our Solar System

22 ratings at OpenLearn

In this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?

• OpenLearn
• 24 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Certificate

The formation of exoplanets

4 ratings at OpenLearn

Explore mathematically how protoplanetary discs, dust, and planetary cores produce diverse exoplanets under competing formation theories.

• OpenLearn
• 6 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Certificate

The Origin and Evolution of Earth: From the Big Bang to the Future of Human Existence

122 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Explore the frontiers of science with this revolutionary course that rewrites the history of our planet as a single, compelling story involving the coevolution of rocks and life.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 1 day 1 hour 21 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Trial Available

A Field Guide to the Planets

116 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

<p>Explore planets, moons, asteroids, comets, exoplanets, and so much more with an expert guide who will show you the most cutting-edge images and research—and what the future of space exploration could be.</p>

• The Great Courses Plus
• 12 hours 39 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Trial Available

The Search for Exoplanets: What Astronomers Know

56 ratings at The Great Courses Plus

Join the search for another Earth in this 24-lecture series that explores the brand new science of exoplanets-worlds that exist outside of our solar system.

• The Great Courses Plus
• 12 hours 17 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Trial Available

An introduction to exoplanets

21 ratings at OpenLearn

This free course, An introduction to exoplanets, introduces our galaxy's population of planets, and some of their many surprises. It explains the methods used by astronomers to study exoplanets, ...

• OpenLearn
• 24 hours
• Self-Paced
• Free Certificate

Microlensing, Astrometry and Other Methods for Exoplanet Detection - Lecture 6

Explores how astronomers detect exoplanets through transits, interpret their properties, and assess planetary migration and its consequences.

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

The Royal Institution

Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Explore astrobiology findings and their implications for discovering intelligent life in the universe. Delve into the Drake equation, potential alien civilizations, and the challenges of interstellar detection.

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

The Royal Institution

Solar System Science from the James Webb Space Telescope

Explore JWST's capabilities for solar system research, focusing on ice giants Uranus and Neptune, with NASA scientist Naomi Rowe-Gurney as she discusses new images and scientific potential.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 5 minutes
• Self-Paced
• Free Video

Sebastian Lague

Planetary Fluid Simulation with Orbital Dynamics and Tidal Forces

Explore fluid simulation dynamics on a planetary scale, examining gravitational effects, tidal forces, and orbital mechanics through practical demonstrations and terraforming experiments.

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

Khan Academy

Scale of the Solar System - Scale of the Universe - Cosmology & Astronomy

Compare the scale of Earth, the Sun, planets, and outer Solar System objects to understand our place in the universe.

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

The Royal Institution

What Has the James Webb Space Telescope Discovered in Its First Year? – With Naomi Rowe-Gurney

Explore the James Webb Space Telescope's groundbreaking discoveries in our Solar System, from Mars to the Kuiper Belt, and learn about its unique capabilities, launch, and future missions in this comprehensive presentation.

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

The Royal Institution

Exoplanets and the Search for Life in the Universe - With Chris Impey

Explore the fascinating world of exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life. Learn about habitability, space exploration, and the potential for discovering Earth-like planets in our vast universe.

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