Blogs and Websites:
- Bad Astronomy – Astronomer Phil Plait discusses new discoveries in astronomy, as well as countering common misconceptions. Many beautiful images, with full explanations. Highly recommended.
- Slacker Astronomy – A blog (previously a podcast) about recent news in astronomy.
- The Planet Hunters Blog, part of a “citizen science” effort to identify transiting planets in the Kepler data.
Podcasts:
- StarTalk Radio – Hosted by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC, and the host of the series Cosmos.
- 365 Days of Astronomy – Produces new podcasts every day on topics from amateur observing to the layers of the sun.
Courses:
Note that not all of these courses are currently running. You may be able to see the material for completed courses, or you may have to wait until the next time the course is offered.
- Relativity and Astrophysics – a conceptual and mathematical course from Cornell, for people who have taken introductory physics and calculus. Also on edX.
- The Chemistry of Life – a prerequisite-free look at the intersection of biology and chemistry, from Kyoto University. Also on edX.
- Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life – a course offered by the University of Edinburgh through Coursera, with many topics similar to this course.
- HabWorlds Beyond – an online course that teaches students about space exploration, climate science, and the search for life on other planets.