Astronomy and Planetary Science
The universe is awaiting your exploration
The Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University offers various bachelor’s degrees, and a doctoral degree.
The department has a small, family feeling. At NAU, your instructors will know you by name; they are easily accessible, and they genuinely care about student success. Lecture courses are taught almost exclusively by full-time faculty. Both undergraduate and graduate students are routinely and deeply involved in faculty research.
– graduate who is now a PhD
Our Classroom is the Cosmos!
Join us: we’re looking for a few good students!
NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.
The Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science strives to build a diverse and inclusive community at Northern Arizona University; more information on our EDI policies can be found here.
Northern Arizona University sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region.
We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.
Explore our degrees
Research spotlight
Crater of Mars named of impact cratering scientist, Dr. Nadine Barlow
Mary Lara is the 2025 recipient of the Carolyn Warner Legacy Award
Congratulations to Dr. Anna Engle
Nasa funding research on melting Swedish glaciers to understand climate change on Mars
Colloquium
Nov. 4, 3:30 pm
The Enceladus-Exoplanet Connection: How Molecular Hydrogen on Ocean Worlds Could Support Life
Physical Sciences (Bldg. 19), Rm. 103
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Syllabi for the Current Semester's Courses