Best Astronomy Courses Online 2026

by Anonymous

Compare online astronomy courses from beginner stargazing to advanced astrophysics. Coursera offers university-level courses from Caltech and University of Arizona, MasterClass features Chris Hadfield's space exploration class, edX provides MIT and ANU astronomy programs, and The Great Courses delivers engaging lecture series.

Coursera (Caltech)

Free (audit); $49/month with certificate
price
11 weeks
duration
Verified certificate available
certificate
Basic math helpful
prerequisites
Quizzes, peer assignments
interactive elements

MasterClass (Chris Hadfield)

$10/month (annual)
price
29 video lessons
duration
Completion certificate
certificate
None
prerequisites
Downloadable workbook
interactive elements

edX (ANU)

Free (audit); $149 certificate
price
8-10 weeks per course
duration
Verified certificate available
certificate
Varies by course
prerequisites
Lab simulations, quizzes
interactive elements

The Great Courses

$50-$300 (one-time purchase)
price
48+ hours of lectures
duration
No
certificate
None
prerequisites
Guidebook included
interactive elements

Want to make your own version?

Sign up to create your own