All content
Hundreds of educational interactives, games, quizzes, videos and podcasts, plus 1000s of articles written by academic experts and guest contributors.

Science, Maths & Technology
Astrobiology on OpenLearn
Astrobiology explores whether there might be life elsewhere in the Universe. We've got a fantastic range of FREE resources on OpenLearn so that you can learn more about this fascinating area.

Science, Maths & Technology
Moons of our Solar System
In this free course, Moons of our Solar System, explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?

Science, Maths & Technology
A new mission to the icy moons of Jupiter
In April 2023, the European Space Agency launched the JUICE (JUpiter ICy Moons Explorer) mission. JUICE will explore the environment around Jupiter and study its three icy moons (Ganymede, Europa and Callisto). Could moons like these, orbiting giant gas planets, be habitable?

History & The Arts
Star Wars: May the Course be with you
You don't have to be in a galaxy far, far away to learn more about Star Wars. Let the force awaken your curiosity and explore now...

Science, Maths & Technology
Between humanity and space
Dr Natalie Trevino recently joined AstrobiologyOU at the Open University as a post-doctoral researcher in space ethics. Her research considers the future of space exploration and the relationship of humans and space. She reflected on how she came to AstrobiologyOU and her plans for future work, in conversation with Ann Grand, a fellow member of ...

Science, Maths & Technology
From Astrobiology to Parliament
Devyani Gajjar is a PhD student with AstrobiologyOU. Her research focuses on how space technologies could be used to support social justice and inclusive innovation. However, in spring 2022, she put her PhD on pause while she undertook a three-month-long fellowship with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). In this article, ...

Science, Maths & Technology
Modelling the planets
Dr Julia Semprich is a Research Fellow with AstrobiologyOU. She is interested in the processes that occur deep below the surface of planets and how the interactions of fluids and rocks might create habitable environments. She talked with Dr Ann Grand, Senior Lecturer in Astrobiology Education, about her route to astrobiology, her current ...

Science, Maths & Technology
Big moon rising
David Rothery doesn't think the supermoon we're due to see on 12th August 2022 deserves that much attention...

Science, Maths & Technology
Supporting sustainable and responsible space exploration
Silvio Sinibaldi explores some of the current challenges and opportunities in planetary protection.

Science, Maths & Technology
What do scientists really do? My experience interviewing researchers
Inka Maskiewicz, a Year 11 student, interviews scientists at AstrobiologyOU and the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. These videos explain what they research and do at the university...

Science, Maths & Technology
Bywyd y tu hwnt i'r Ddaear: Y Ddadl Fawr
Mae panel o arbenigwyr Y Brifysgol Agored yn mynd benben â'i gilydd i drafod a yw bywyd yn fwy tebygol ar y blaned Mawrth neu ar leuadau rhewllyd y planedau nwy.

Science, Maths & Technology
Life Beyond Earth: The Big Debate
A panel of Open University experts go head-to-head to debate whether life is more likely on Mars or on the icy moons of the gas planets.