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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Astronomy News

Locally Growing Astronomy at the Farmer's Market

UIUC Astronomy graduate students Liam Nolan, Alex Green, Margaret Shepard, and Tanner Murphy and Astronomy undergrad Ferdinand Ferdinand hosted the Science at the Market booth at the Urbana Farmer's Market, allowing more than 380 visitors to participate in safe solar viewing and other astronomy...

Successful Thesis Defense by Dr. Kedar Phadke

We want to congratulate the successful thesis defense of the newly minted Dr. Kedar Phadke. He is pictured celebrating the amazing news. The committee members that joined the celebration are Professor Joaquin Vieira, Professor Felipe Menanteau, Professor Paul Ricker (Remote), and Department Chair...

Charles Gammie: Capturing Black Hole Image, Astrophysics, and Interstellar | The UIUC Talkshow #42

The UIUC Talkshow recently interview Professor Charles Gammie, who was recently endowed the Ikenberry Chair.

Congratulations to Graduate and Undergraduate Award Winners

We want to take a moment to congratulate our graduate and undergraduate students for their well deserved awards. Layla S. Ryan Scholarship Award 2024 Winner: Holly Wingren...

Crowds Throng the Quad for the April 8th Eclipse

It was a day to remember, as nearly 98% of the Sun was blocked by the Moon in a partial solar eclipse visible from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. The Department of Astronomy quickly distributed its remaining supply of about 800 eclipse glasses and a long queue of eclipse-...

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.

Undergraduate programs Graduate programs

Help celebrate our centennial by reaching for the stars.

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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

Introduction to Astronomy

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

ASTR 100

Introduction to Astrophysics

Survey of modern astronomy for students with background in physics.

ASTR 210

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.

ASTR 350

Galaxies and the Universe

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

ASTR 406

Computing in Astronomy

An introduction to the use of computers in astrophysics research.

ASTR 310

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