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

A pair of people looking into a telescope in an observatory.
Astronomy announces 2025 award winners
The astronomy department is proud to announce its Spring 2025 Academic Awards. The winners were recognized in an online ceremony on May 2nd, 2025. The ceremony was led by Department Chair Tony Wong and Director of Undergraduate...
Phill Jewell
From basement beginnings to radio astronomy leader
The University of Illinois Department of Astronomy welcomed students, faculty, and alumni to its annual Astrofest event on April 25. Hosted at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, the day-long celebration of research and discovery featured a mix of poster sessions, lightning talks,...
Grant Merz standing in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Illinois Astronomy receives NASA funding for AI-Astronomy research led by graduate student Grant Merz
NASA has awarded $1 million to DeepDISC-Euclid, a groundbreaking interdisciplinary research project spearheaded by the Department of Astronomy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This innovative project was significantly driven by graduate student Grant Merz, whose leadership and key...
Mike Svec standing with the telescope.
Preserving the stars: alumni-led effort revitalizes historic observatory
Beneath its weathered dome, the Campus Observatory has housed groundbreaking discoveries and served as a gathering place where generations of students have explored the cosmos and built lasting bonds. But...
Prof Leslie Looney
Dean's Teaching Award to Prof. Leslie Looney
Congratulations to Prof. Leslie Looney, one of this year's recipients of the Dean's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching!  Leslie is not just a captivating and popular teacher, but has long been the driving force behind innovation in our curriculum.  He will be honored at a...

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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.

ASTR 100

 heat map of universe

Introduction to Astrophysics

Survey of modern astronomy for students with background in physics.

ASTR 210

 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.

ASTR 350

 Stephens quartet galaxy

Galaxies and the Universe

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

ASTR 406

 Computer generated model

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