On the morning of Friday 20 March 2015 the Moon will come between the Earth and the Sun and cause a shadow to be cast on Earth. Those residing in a very small band across the Earth's surface will see a full eclipse, but here in the UK we will see what is called a partial eclipse - if the sky is clear we will be able to see the Moon partially cover the Sun, which is quite a rare event and not to be missed!
If you plan on taking our advice and viewing the eclipse then please ensure you do so safely by following the guidelines below:
Eclipses in history
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How did 18th Century people react to eclipses?
With jokes, with panic, with searches for religious meaning: A collection of contemporary responses to eclipses from 18th Century publications.
Read nowHow did 18th Century people react to eclipses?Level: 1 Introductory
International Year of Light
The Open University is a “Gold Associate Sponsor” for the International Year of Light & Light Based Technology 2015. Find out all about it, upcoming events and learn about light throughout the year!
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International Year of Light 2015
The Open University "Light collection": freely available multidisciplinary light related materials.
Read nowInternational Year of Light 2015Level: 1 Introductory
All things solar
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The Sun
The Sun dominates our lives by defining our day, but how much do you know and understand about it? This free course will help you to explore the workings of what, from Earth, appears to be the brightest star in our universe by looking at its structure and the main processes taking place within it. You will also examine the phenomenon of sun spots.
Learn moreThe SunLevel: 1 Introductory
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Energy resources: Solar energy
Energy from sources other than fossil and nuclear fuels is to a large extent free of the concerns about environmental effects and renewability that characterize those two sources. Each alternative source supplies energy continuall, whether or not we use it, and most have their origins in energy generated outside the Earth, yet the potential of each is limited by its total supply set against its rate of use. The Sun will radiate energy until it ceases thermonuclear fusion, in around 5 billion years. This free course, Energy resources: Solar energy, explores the Sun as a potential source of usable energy.
Learn moreEnergy resources: Solar energyLevel: 2 Intermediate
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Build an accurate clock challenge
The science behind clocks, sundials and keeping time, part of the BBC/OU's programme website for Rough Science 2
Read nowBuild an accurate clock challengeLevel: 1 Introductory
Lunar Learning
Watch this short animated video and discover why we always see the Moon's best side. You can also view the entire collection of 60 Second Adventures in Astronomy.
Has this got you salivating for satellites? Why not try:
- Watching this video collection on Moons of the Solar System
- Taking a Mission to Titan
- Learning about Moon Rocks
- Watch us bust some Moon myths
- Reading a short article on Living on the Moon, The Rotating Moon or Lunar Mission One: A moon mission for everyone
Moon trumps
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Moon Trumps: Pitch satellite against satellite
Become a master of the universe by winning Moon Trumps.
Take part nowMoon Trumps: Pitch satellite against satellite
If we have really got you thinking out of this world, why not embark on a learning journey into our galaxy with some of our free courses:
Out of this world open courses
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The Sun
The Sun dominates our lives by defining our day, but how much do you know and understand about it? This free course will help you to explore the workings of what, from Earth, appears to be the brightest star in our universe by looking at its structure and the main processes taking place within it. You will also examine the phenomenon of sun spots.
Learn moreThe SunLevel: 1 Introductory
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The Moon
As the only planetary body everyone is familiar with seeing in the sky, the Moon has long been an object of fascination and speculation. This free course will teach you about the nearest planetary body to Earth: the missions to the Moon, the basic facts of its composition, the cratering on its surface, and the ancient eruptions that flooded many low-lying areas.
Learn moreThe MoonLevel: 1 Introductory
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Moons link
Explore the many moons of our Solar System. Find out what makes them special. Should we send humans to our Moon again?
Read moreMoons link -
Galaxies, stars and planets
This free course, Galaxies, stars and planets, is a general introduction, including scale of the universe from the very large to the very small; orbits and gravity; the Solar System; the Sun and other stars; galaxies and the composition of astronomical objects.
Learn moreGalaxies, stars and planetsLevel: 1 Introductory
Make it your own mission - Study at the OU
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Certificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science
This certificate covers basic astronomy and planetary science. You'll study two broad themes of 'Stars and Galaxies' and 'Multiwavelength Astronomy'. Learn how astronomers 'measure' the Universe ? considering spectroscopy, imaging, and time-variability as observational tools. You'll study the formation, evolution and rebirth of stars and galaxies through energetic processes, and learn about their constituents. Learn about the formation and evolution of the Solar System and other planetary systems. Consider how life arose on Earth, and whether life exists beyond Earth. You'll look at planetary processes such as volcanism and impacts in the Solar System; the structure of planets and their atmospheres; and asteroids, comets and meteorites.
Learn moreCertificate in Astronomy and Planetary Science -
Science: galaxies, stars and planets
Develop your understanding of a wide range of topics in astronomy by exploring the fascinating science behind the galaxies, stars and planets of the Universe.
Learn moreScience: galaxies, stars and planets
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