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

Patrick Aleo. A man wearing a suit with his bangs parted, round glasses and some facial hair.
From supernovae to supply chains
 Patrick Aleo (PhD, astronomy ’24) still remembers the first time he looked through a telescope. He was in elementary school when his parents bought one for his brother, and one night, he took a turn at the eyepiece.“I looked at the full moon and...
Five men standing and posing for a picture. Paul Ricker, Joaquin Viera, Jianyang (Frank) Fu, Jeffrey Fillipini, Leslie Looney.
Congratulations to Jianyang Fu on completing his thesis defense
Please join us in congratulating Jianyang (Frank) Fu on the successful defense of his Ph.D. thesis last week!Frank will be continuing his research journey as a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University. We wish him all the best as he takes this exciting next step in his career! 
Jiayin Dong
Coming home: Jiayin Dong joins Illinois Astronomy faculty
 When Jiayin Dong walks across the University of Illinois campus this fall, it will feel familiar and entirely new.Dong, an incoming assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy, is returning to Illinois as a faculty...
Illinois Physics Professor Nicolás Yunes
Unlocking the secrets of strong gravity: A new era in black hole research
The Simons Foundation has awarded $8 million to launch the Simons Collaboration on Black Holes and Strong Gravity, bringing together 12 leading scientists from across the globe, including Illinois Physics professor and Astronomy affiliate professor...
Decker
A rising star in astronomy and mentorship
When Decker French learned she had been named a Lincoln Excellence for Assistant Professors Scholar, it was a complete surprise.“I didn’t know that I was nominated,” she said. “So it was a very pleasant surprise! It is incredibly...

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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. 

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Help celebrate our centennial by reaching for the stars.

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

Illustration of observable universe

Introduction to Astronomy

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

Introduction to Astrophysics

Survey of modern astronomy for students with background in physics.
Hubble image of universe

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.
Stephens quartet galaxy

Galaxies and the Universe

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

Computing in Astronomy

An introduction to the use of computers in astrophysics research.

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