Astronomy Education

Detailed profiles of schools for Astronomy from the EdRef college search portal.

Astronomy programs allow students to study one of the oldest sciences known to humans. They observe stars, planets, galaxies, and an increasing number of new celestial phenomena. Astronomy has a rich history, starting with ancient cultures, continuing into the ancient Greek period, and finally into the modern era with its rapid expansion of knowledge and discovery. Students make observations and study physical theories and mathematics in order to gain an understanding of cosmic forces. Some of the topics covered in astronomy include the origin of the universe, the evolution of galaxies, the birth of stars, solar planets, and the beginnings of life itself.

There are a wide array of specialty areas within the field of astronomy, such as observational cosmology, theoretical cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, galactic structure, interstellar matter, stellar evolution, and planetary astronomy. Students must develop a strong background in physics and mathematics. They graduate prepared to work in laboratories, government, or industry, as well as to go on to graduate school and continue study in the field.