Free online courseHow the Universe works

Course Description

Take a bigger view of the night sky and learn how the universe works through a journey that connects breathtaking cosmic phenomena with real scientific reasoning. Designed for curious minds and astronomy enthusiasts, this free online course helps you build a clearer understanding of what shapes our solar system, how extreme space events unfold, and why certain cosmic threats matter for life on Earth.

You will explore the fragile balance that makes our planet habitable and the kinds of space-driven disruptions that could change it. From the behavior of the Sun to the effects of energetic events on Earth’s protective atmosphere, the course highlights how interconnected our world is with space weather. You will also develop a stronger sense of scale and perspective by examining the structure and dynamics of our solar neighborhood, refining your grasp of planetary characteristics and what makes each world unique.

As the course expands outward, it moves into some of the most fascinating and extreme objects known to science: black holes. You will learn what defines them, what happens near their boundaries, and how astronomers can infer their presence through observation and evidence rather than direct sight. The course also focuses on the supermassive black hole believed to sit at the heart of the Milky Way, offering an accessible way to understand how scientists support these conclusions using measurable signals and patterns.

To round out the experience, you will shift from cosmic hazards to cosmic possibilities by considering the search for life beyond Earth. By looking at intriguing locations such as icy moons with hidden oceans, you will understand why certain environments are promising, what conditions scientists look for, and how these discoveries could reshape our view of life in the universe.

With short assessments to reinforce key ideas, you will finish with a more confident, science-based understanding of the universe and a stronger astronomy foundation you can apply to documentaries, news, stargazing, and further learning.