Solar System for Beginners — From the Sun to Distant Exoplanets

Astronomy for Beginners is a learning path on Breni. It runs to 6 courses. It starts at beginner level. You finish able to identify every planet, the Sun, and the Moon along with their distinct characteristics. You finish able to explain the mechanics behind lunar phases and solar and lunar eclipses.

  • 6 courses
  • 0 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Identify every planet, the Sun, and the Moon along with their distinct characteristics.
  • Explain the mechanics behind lunar phases and solar and lunar eclipses.
  • Trace the historical and scientific debate that reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet.
  • Describe the methods scientists use to detect and study exoplanets orbiting distant stars.
  • Synthesize knowledge of our solar system with discoveries in extrasolar astronomy to contextualize Earth's place in the universe.

Full curriculum

Part 1 · The Sun, Moon, and Earthly Shadows

1. The Sun as Our Center — How Nuclear Fusion Powers Our Solar System

I look up at the Sun and wonder what actually keeps it burning so brightly — I want to understand the nuclear engine at the heart of our solar system.

2. Lunar Phases and Eclipses — Reading the Shadows of the Earth and Moon

I always get confused by why the Moon changes shape and how eclipses happen — I want to visualize these movements clearly.

Part 2 · The Planets and the Edge of the System

3. From Rocky Worlds to Gas Giants — Comparing the Eight Planets

I know the names of the planets, but I want to grasp what makes each one uniquely fascinating, from Mercury's heat to Saturn's rings.

4. Pluto and the Kuiper Belt — Redefining What Makes a Planet

I grew up thinking Pluto was the ninth planet and felt confused when it was demoted — I want to understand why scientists changed the rules.

Part 3 · Worlds Beyond Our Sun

5. Exoplanets and Alien Worlds — Finding Planets Orbiting Other Stars

I hear news about astronomers finding thousands of new planets, and I want to know how we can possibly detect worlds so far away.

6. Our Cosmic Neighborhood — Connecting Our Solar System to the Wider Universe

I want to tie together everything I've learned about our Sun, planets, and alien worlds to see how our solar system fits into the grand scale of the galaxy.

Questions about Astronomy for Beginners

What will I be able to do after this Astronomy for Beginners path?

Identify every planet, the Sun, and the Moon along with their distinct characteristics. Explain the mechanics behind lunar phases and solar and lunar eclipses. Trace the historical and scientific debate that reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet.

What does the Astronomy for Beginners curriculum cover?

The path is 6 courses, starting with The Sun as Our Center — How Nuclear Fusion Powers Our Solar System and ending with Our Cosmic Neighborhood — Connecting Our Solar System to the Wider Universe. Each course is graded across 5 tiers, from Novice to Expert.

How long does the Astronomy for Beginners path take?

About 6 courses at a steady pace, across 6 courses. It is self-paced, so you can go faster or slower.

Do I need experience before starting Astronomy for Beginners?

The path is pitched at beginner level. The first course opens with: I look up at the Sun and wonder what actually keeps it burning so brightly — I want to understand the nuclear engine at the heart of our solar system.

Is the Astronomy for Beginners path free?

The Astronomy for Beginners path is part of a Breni subscription, which starts with a free trial. All 6 courses are in the Breni app on iPhone, Android and the web.

Related learning paths

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