Inside the University Observatory

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.

Astronomy News

Students display posters at Astrofest 2026.
AstroFest emphasizes collaboration and finding your path in astronomy
Researchers, students, and faculty gathered Friday, April 24, for Illini AstroFest, a daylong event designed to showcase astrophysics research, spark collaboration, and build community among scientists at every stage of their careers.Held at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, the...
A person laying in the grass with their arms behind their head wearing solar eclipse glasses.
Meet Eryn Van Wijk: an undergraduate majoring in astrophysics and philosophy
What happens at the end of science? Philosophy?It is the kind of question that can pause a conversation. Not because science fails, and not because philosophy is waiting at the edge of the laboratory to correct it, but because every discipline, if you follow it far enough, begins to run into its...
The Illinois Observatory behind the morrow plots and students walking in front of both.
Department of astronomy announces 2026 award winners
The astronomy department is proud to announce its Spring 2026 Academic Awards. The winners were recognized in an online ceremony on April 30, 2026. The ceremony was led by Department Chair Tony Wong and Director of Undergraduate...
Siegfried Eggl.
What can researchers learn from last month’s unusual meteor activity in the US?
Last month, at least two major, but unrelated, meteor events occurred in the skies over highly populated areas of the U.S. Both fireballs, often referred to as bolides, were seen — and heard — during daylight hours, suggesting they were unusually large. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign...
Leslie Looney and Bryan Dunne.
Leslie Looney and Bryan Dunne receive campus awards for instruction
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign each year presents Campus Awards for Excellence in Instruction to exceptional faculty and staff members, graduate teaching assistants, and advisors campuswide. The recipients were honored at a March 25 ceremony.Awardees are cited for sustained excellence...

Astronomy Events

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Student looking at the moon through a telescope

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. 
University observatory at night

100 gifts for 100 years

Help celebrate our centennial by reaching for the stars.

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.

Astronomy Courses
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

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