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Introduction to Astronomy
International Open Academy

CPD UK Certified | ICOES International Accreditation | 30 CPD Points | FREE 1-month membership to 300+ courses

Summary

Price
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£19 inc VAT (was £20)
Offer ends 28 January 2026
Study method
Online
Duration
30 hours · Self-paced
Access to content
60 days
Qualification
No formal qualification
CPD
30 CPD hours / points
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389 students purchased this course

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Overview

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are.” Next time you look up at the starlit night sky, you’ll know exactly what stars and constellations you’re seeing.

It's hard to imagine something that's billions of years old. But the Universe is believed to be around 13 billion years old. So there's an endless amount of fascinating information to discover about planets, stars, comets, galaxies, meteors, asteroids and black holes, and so much more!

What is astronomy?

Astronomy is defined by NASA as the study of stars, planets, and space. It’s a huge topic and one where you’ll never stop learning. New planets, stars, and moons are being discovered all the time. New theories are put forward about the Universe, life on other planets and whether humans can live on Mars.

You can join in these amazing debates once you’ve studied Introduction to Astronomy.

Look up at the sky and read the stars

In our fascinating course, you'll look at the night sky in a whole new light! Find out:

  • How to read the sky to understand more about the moon and planets
  • How to identify those amazing shooting stars
  • About observing meteor showers
  • More about the Big Bang theory
  • About the Zodiac and astrology
  • How to know what stars are in the sky

BONUS:

As part of your 1 FREE month membership access, you also gain free access to 300+ professional and personal development certified courses.

KEY COURSE BENEFITS:
• Course access: 60 days – Study at your own pace
• Internationally-recognized CPD accredited course
• Start learning straightaway from any laptop or mobile device in any country

CPD

30 CPD hours / points
Accredited by The CPD Certification Service

Course media

Description

How does the Universe affect you?

Could there be life on other planets? What are black holes? Are asteroids dangerous? You’ll find out once you delve into our course.

The Earth is a tiny speck in the colossal Universe. Find out how activity in Space has an impact on our lives. Learn to read the ‘clues’ by seeing the bigger picture that’s all around us.

Enjoy the sky at night with a greater understanding of how the universe impacts us all. Be able to tell engaging stories about the history of the planet. Easily identify some stars and planets with the naked eye and others with astronomers’ equipment. Know more about the various structures of the solar system.

Learn astronomy online in your own time.

We’re your flexible learning partner. Our course is online so you can study at any time and from anywhere, on any device.

Start studying our Astronomy for Beginners course online today. Your friends and family will be astounded by your newfound knowledge of life and the universe.

Students who complete this course in Astronomy and Sky Watching will be able to:

  • name and identify planets and dwarf planets and their location in the solar system

  • know the names of the various star formations in the night sky

  • understand the difference between astrology and astronomy

  • understand how the Zodiac calendar and map interacts with the planets

  • identify how the Earth is affected by moon phases, how the calendar predicts the type of moon that will occur, and how to best view the lunar eclipses that take place in the sky

  • really tell if you are witnessing a shooting star, a comet, or some other structure from the Earth’s atmosphere

  • gain a greater understanding and knowledge of astronomical history and major events such as the Big Bang, Halley’s Comet, and if black holes and asteroids are truly a danger to life on Earth

  • What life forms exist on other planets

  • You will gain a greater understanding of the world above and around you. Gain an understanding of cosmology and how the stars in the sky impact on your life

  • You’ll get a greater enjoyment from looking up at the sky and recognizing the stars and planets

Course Breakdown

Module 1: The Night Sky

  • What is Astronomy?
  • A brief history of Astronomy
  • Branches of Astronomy
  • Astronomical phenomena
  • Basics of the Celestial Sphere
  • Becoming an amateur sky watcher
  • How to read the night sky
  • Stargazing equipmen

Module 2: The Moon And Planets

  • Facts about the moon
  • Lunar phases
  • Observing the moon
  • The planets of the solar system
  • Planetary facts
  • Identifying characteristics to observe planets
  • Dwarf planets

Module 3: Meteors, Comets, And Asteroids

  • Characteristics of meteors, comets, and asteroids
  • Observing meteor showers
  • Haily’s Comet and other famous cases
  • Identifying “shooting stars” and other comets
  • The dangers of Asteroids
  • How to view evidence of asteroids in the night sky

Module 4: The Stars And Zodiac

  • Facts about stars
  • Star formation
  • Star clusters and supernova
  • Identifying the constellations
  • The 13 Zodiac constellations
  • Astronomy vs. Astrology

Module 5: A Greater Understanding Of The Universe

  • Black holes
  • The Milky Way
  • Galaxies
  • The Big Bang
  • Extrasolar life forms
  • Sighting mysterious activity in the night sky

Who is this course for?

  • Everyone who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars! It doesn't matter if you've never looked through a telescope, all you need is your curiosity to be able to start learning about the stars

  • People with a curiosity of the solar system and how the universe works

  • You, if you’d like to be able to identify major star patterns such as The Big Dipper, Ursa Major, The Northern Cross, and more

  • Anyone with an interest in the history, theories, and topics in astronomical studies

  • People who need to know more about the many mysterious structures of comets, planets, asteroids, and more

  • Students who want to become further educated in how the acts of the universe impact life on Earth

Requirements

This Introduction to Astronomy course is open to all, with no formal entry requirements.

Career path

After completing this course, you could:

  • Explore an exciting career in astronomy

  • Expand your scientific knowledge

  • Host walks and talks on the sky at night

Questions and answers

No questions or answers found containing ''.

Heather asked:

Is there any type of assessment?

Answer:

Yes, there is. Each module of your course will have an exam section. The final grade will be the average of all the modules.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Carl asked:

What do I need for this course

Answer:

Our Introduction to Astronomy course is designed for anyone with an interest in learning the wonders of the Universe.

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Trevor007 asked:

Can I use any 'point'sacquired to help towards any ,formal qualification? ie ma or degree??

Answer:

IOA offers specialist courses and once you complete your Introduction to Astronomy course, you will gain a PDF certificate of completion. Our courses are accredited by ICOES and CPD Certification Service, meaning that the course counts towards the individuals' CPD hour records.

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Wayde asked:

Hello. Will this course teach me about the solar system?

Answer:

Yes, this course is packed with lots of useful information about the solar system, the sky, astronomy, and the universe.

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Julia asked:

do you have to do the assessments I am looking for a course for someone who is buying their first telescope

Answer:

Hi Julia, Thank you for your query. Doing the assessment is compulsory for you to be able to receive your certificate. It is a short exam that includes multiple-choice questions. The final grade of your course will be the average of all the modules, and you need to receive a minimum score of 55% per module to pass. Kaoutar - IOA Team

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Millie asked:

Is this all online or is it on paper too?

Answer:

Hey Mille, thanks for your inquiry. The Introduction to Astronomy course is fully online and you get lifetime access through this deal. All course materials are available online. If you have more questions please email us through our “Contact Us” page. Thanks, Alicia

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Ken asked:

How can i log on back to my course after starting?

Answer:

Hey Ken, thank you for your query. You can log in through our website with the login details created for your account. For further information please email us through our “Contact Us” page we will be happy to assist. Regards Alicia

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Bugbabe2 asked:

Would this course be suitable for a 13 year old?

Answer:

Thank you for your query. There is no age-restriction to avail to our courses.

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Mitchell Schranz asked:

Is it possible to get a physical copy of the qualification?

Answer:

Hi Mitchell, thank you for your query. For the course Introduction to Astronomy there are 3 certificates, the CPD certificate and the certificate of completion both free and requested upon course completion, in PDF format only. And the certificate issued by International Council for Online Educational Standards (ICOES) issued as printed copy and shipped to you. The verification, printing and posting fees currently are 26.99 Annika - IOA Team

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Alex asked:

Do I have to start the course immediately or can I buy the course and start when I get my telescope for Christmas?

Answer:

Hi Alex, thank you for your query. You have a lifetime access to your "Introduction to Astronomy" course. You then can start your course when it best suits you and study according to your own planning. Kaoutar - IOA Team

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Teo asked:

If I were to complete this course , could I use the certificate for my university application ?

Answer:

Hi Teo. Thank you for your query. Our courses, including the "Introduction to Astronomy" course, are not following the university framework. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the course will count towards university credits or applications. Kaoutar - IOA Team

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Heikers asked:

Do I need a telescope to do this course? If yes, what would you recommend.

Answer:

Hi Heikers, Thank you for your query. Going through the "Introduction to Astronomy" course, you will know what materials to purchase depending on your needs. I invite you to have a look at the course syllabus on REED to learn more about the course content. Kaoutar - IOA Team

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Bella asked:

Are children allowed to do the course also?

Answer:

Hi Bella, Thank you for your query. Our courses, including the "Introduction to Astronomy" course, have no age limit, they are designed for anyone with an interest in learning and in a manner that considers the needs of all age categories. However, and due to GDPR regulations, a parental consent is requested under 16. Kaoutar - IOA Team

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Rebecca Jarmaine asked:

Do you get a certificate after finishing the course?

Answer:

Hi Rebecca, Thank you for your query. Yes, upon course completion, you will receive a PDF certificate delivered by IOA. Kaoutar - IOA Team

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Ian asked:

Do I need any equipment, such as a telescope, to study this course?

Answer:

Hi Ian, Thank you for your query. You don't need any equipment to study and complete the course. The course is an Introduction to Astronomy, it will allow you to have a better understanding of the univers and how it functions. Kaoutar - IOA Team

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Smriti asked:

Will any certificate be provided on completion

Answer:

Yes, once you complete your Introduction to Astronomy course, you will receive a certificate of completion issued by the International Open Academy. Kind Regards, Michael

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Wayde asked:

Hi I would like to know if there is a money back guarantee with this course?

Answer:

Yes, there is 14 days post purchase refund period. You can contact REED for further details.

This was helpful. Thank you for your feedback.
Trudie asked:

Hi, when I take this course how long will I have access to this course to study?

Answer:

The offer includes the Introduction to Astronomy course with unlimited access to the course content, so you can complete it on your own pace.

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Legal information

This course is advertised on Reed.co.uk by the Course Provider, whose terms and conditions apply. Purchases are made directly from the Course Provider, and as such, content and materials are supplied by the Course Provider directly. Reed is acting as agent and not reseller in relation to this course. Reed's only responsibility is to facilitate your payment for the course. It is your responsibility to review and agree to the Course Provider's terms and conditions and satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the course you intend to purchase. Reed will not have any responsibility for the content of the course and/or associated materials.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.
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