Welcome to the Astronomy Department

Astronomy encompasses all aspects of the physical universe, from the upper atmosphere of the Earth to the edge of the cosmos. Excitement, curiosity, innovation, and new findings fill our courses and inspire our research. We use modeling, numerical simulations, telescopic and in-situ observatories to reveal what is hidden out there.

Courses

The Astronomy Department offers a wide variety of exciting and informative courses every Fall and Spring semester, as well as introductory courses during the…

Public Open Night at the Observatory

The Public Open Night at the Observatory is a chance for people to come observe the night sky through telescopes and see things they…

Perkins 1.8m telescope with the PRISM instrument

PTO Partnership Opportunity

We are seeking university- or college-level partners in the use of the 1.8m (72") Perkins Telescope Observatory (PTO), including the facility instruments Mimir and…

Fall 2025 - Course Listings

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Majors in Astronomy

See how to pursue your study of the most interesting phenomena in the universe.

Graduate Program

BU provides an exciting environment for graduate students to participate in leading-edge astronomical research and education.

Honors Program

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to conduct in‐depth research in the discipline.

Research

Our robust and thriving program has major research areas in both astrophysics and space physics.

Resources

Student Resources

Our Community