Online Class: Astronomy 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
9Lessons
-
14Exams &
Assignments -
4,370Students
have taken this course -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
Course Description
It is quite illuminating to discover the expansiveness that can be found by studying the night skies and not only learning about the array of celestial objects that exist but also understanding the reasons behind certain formations and intergalactic activities.
Course Motivation
The universe is a vast, mysterious place.
We seem oblivious to much more than the craterous moon and sparkling stars that dot the night sky.
But that hasn’t always been the case.
Before you could simply look up Mars, Venus, comets, supernovas and the Pleiades on the Internet, the science of studying the stars was a high calling.
It’s a fascinating study, and one vital to understanding our role in the greater system of the universe. Just beyond the atmosphere there is an infinite sea of existence; stars, planets, galaxies, meteors, and more – forever changing, with many secrets to share.
The journey will take you through many wonders: black holes, quasars, brown dwarfs, the history and highlights of space exploration and a keener look at the mechanics of the optical telescopes that have made such astronomical improvements to our understanding of the universe around us.
Enrollment is open on a continuous basis, so there’s no reason you should be kept in the dark any longer. Start mastering the wonders and mysteries of astronomy today!
Astronomy 101 is an ideal course for students who are looking for a self-paced study of the stars and the heavens. While the class does offer a great deal of freedom you won’t be left all on your own. The teacher is frequently available online for discussion, and both the instructor and the students often engage one another in the Class Forums.Students of Astronomy 101 will discover the secrets of the night sky. Not only will you learn a great deal about the multitude of celestial objects contained in the heavens, you’ll also gain a solid understanding of why certain celestial formations and intergalactic activities exist.
You'll explore constellations, our solar system, our galaxy, extending on into the farthest reaches and depths of the universe. But the explorations don’t stop there. You’ll also study some past and current projects that are or have been underway in the realm of space exploration, in addition to some exciting options and ideas for the future of space travel.
Each of these lessons is focused on a primary objective. In the end, you’ll be rewarded with an in-depth understanding of the mysteries of astronomy and the universe around us.
There's no reason to let obstacles or circumstances stand in your way any longer. The keys of knowledge that you need to unlock the secrets of the night sky are waiting for you to take hold of them. Enrollment is open on an on-going basis, so there’s no reason that you can’t grasp them right now!
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Cosmic View
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Moon Landing; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Lesson 2: Constellations
Lesson 2 Video
Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lessons 1 & 2 Exam
Lesson 3: Exploring the Solar System
Lesson 3 Video
Lesson discussions: Life on Other Planets
Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Lesson 4: Planets and Moons
Lesson 4 Video
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Lessons 3 & 4 Exam
Lesson 5: Space Exploration - The Final Frontier
Lesson 5 Video
Lesson discussions: NASA; Rate Apollo 13 NASA Video; Rate the Eagle Has Landed
Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Lesson 6: Future Plans for Space Exploration
Lesson 6 Video
Lesson discussions: Space Tourism
Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lessons 5 & 6 Exam
Lesson 7: Exploring Beyond the Solar System - Black Holes
Lesson 7 Video
Lesson discussions: Life on Other Planets
Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Lesson 8: Quasars, Supernovae, Brown Dwarfs, String Theory
Lesson 8 Video
Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lessons 7 & 8 Exam
Lesson 9: Observation Made Simple
Lesson discussions: Observation Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and describe the major and minor constellations.
- Identify and describe our solar system.
- Describe and differentiate the planets and moons of our solar system
- Describe both the history and future plans of space exploration.
- Describe Black Holes, Quasars, Supernovae, Brown Dwarfs, String Theory.
- Demonstrate basic functions of using a telescope.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I really appreciated taking this course and receiving your feedback for every session. I hope to learn more from you in the future--thank you professor!" -- Kevyn A.
- "Thank you for having this course available for every person that shows in interest in outer space stuff." -- Oksana B.
- "Course was an nice overview of Astronomy. I plan on taking more advanced courses in Astronomy immediately. The recommended book "Nightwatch" is excellent." -- James M.
- "I enjoyed this course and the interesting way in which it was presented by the instructor," -- Naomi M.
- "All areas of this interesting course." -- Naomi M.
- "I wish to contiue my studing with Universal class." -- Naser N.
- "Everything was explained well and clear." -- Naser N.
- "I thought the course and instructor exceptional." -- Warren R.
- "I loved taking this course and definitely I will take another one." -- Carlos P.
- "What was most helpful were the lessons. They were very organized and easy to follow." -- Carlos P.
Related Courses
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Geology 101 $95.00
-
20 hours 2.0 CEUs Chemistry 101 $95.00
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Cosmology 101: A Simple Guide to the Universe $95.00
-
14 hours 1.4 CEUs Ecology 101 $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs UFO Studies $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs History of the Universe $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Geography 101 $95.00
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs Marine Biology 101 $95.00
-
30 hours 3.0 CEUs Microbiology 101 $110.00
-
18 hours 1.8 CEUs Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology $95.00
-
35 hours 3.5 CEUs Biology 101 $95.00