Astronomy research is no longer limited to observatories and graduate labs. Today, several structured astronomy summer research programs for high school students offer direct exposure to data analysis, telescope operations, computational modeling, and astrophysics research methodology.
If you’re a high school student interested in astrophysics, planetary science, or cosmology, participating in astronomy summer research programs for high school students can help you understand how real scientific investigations are designed and executed. You may work with telescope datasets, learn Python-based data analysis, use tools such as AstroImageJ or FITS file processors, and explore subjects such as stellar evolution, exoplanet detection, and orbital mechanics. These astronomy summer research programs for high school students emphasize literature review, hypothesis development, statistical validation, and scientific communication.
Why should you choose a research program?
A structured research program moves you beyond classroom problem sets. Instead of solving pre-defined questions, you investigate open-ended ones. You learn scientific programming (often Python-based), statistical inference, observational data processing, research documentation, and presentation. Astronomy research trains you to think quantitatively and computationally. Whether you’re analyzing light curves, calculating asteroid orbits, or modeling stellar spectra, the focus is on applied physics and data-driven reasoning.
Below is a curated list of 15 astronomy summer research programs for high school students. If you’re broadly exploring STEM research opportunities, you may also want to review our guides on biology research opportunities for high school students here and physics research opportunities for high school students here.
15 Astronomy Summer Research Programs for High School Students
1. REACH Research Experiences in Astronomy @ Northwestern University’s CIERA
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $2,500 for core program + $1,500 for REACH Further | Full or partial tuition assistance is available
Dates: Core Program: June 15–July 2 (Session 1); July 6–24 (Session 2) | REACH Further: July 6–24 (Session 1); July 27–August 14 (Session 2)
Application Deadline: March 9
Eligibility: High school students who are in grades 10–12 | Limited to ~50 students
REACH Research Experiences in Astronomy at Northwestern University CIERA introduces you to modern astrophysics through mentor-guided, collaborative research. The three-week Core Program provides structured training in Python programming, astronomy data analysis, and research methodology aligned with real astrophysics workflows. You apply these skills to mini research projects based on ongoing CIERA investigations while participating in enrichment activities such as solar observing and college and career panels. A selective extension, REACH Further, allows you to conduct an independent project under one-on-one mentorship with a CIERA researcher. This experience builds practical coding, data analysis, and research communication skills within a university research environment.
2. Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA)
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Cost: $7,800 | Financial Aid on a “needs-first” basis available for admitted students
Dates: Online: June 22–July 3 + Residential: July 5–August 2
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 15.5 years old | Limited to 32 students
The Yale Summer Program in Astrophysics (YSPA) program combines two weeks of online preparation with a four-week residential research experience at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium. You build foundations in observational astronomy, Python-based data analysis, and research methods before applying them to team-based projects using real astronomical data. Daily coursework in astronomy, physics, and mathematics is paired with hands-on telescope use, numerical analysis, and scientific writing. You complete a full research project, produce a scientific paper, and present your results in a formal mini-conference setting. The experience mirrors early undergraduate research by emphasizing collaboration, technical rigor, and structured investigation.
3. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – Astronomy track
Location: Remote or George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost: $1299 + $25 application fee
Dates: June 18–August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 and up | Must be 16 or older for “wet-lab” in-person or hybrid internships
At George Mason University, the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) – Astronomy track lets you conduct original research alongside faculty mentors over eight weeks. You work on an authentic project in areas such as astrophysics, solar space weather, exoplanet discovery, or planetary atmospheres using real datasets and computational tools. The program builds core research skills through hands-on data analysis, scientific writing, and regular mentorship. You synthesize your work into a formal research poster presented at the end-of-summer symposium. Many participants extend their work to conference presentations or research publications.
4. Rutgers Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy
Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Cost: $2,899
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25-30 students
Dates: Week I (Introduction): July 12–18 | Week II (Advanced Topics): July 19–25
Application Deadline: May 24 (domestic students) | April 12 (International students)
Eligibility: High school students completing their sophomore and junior years | Between ages 16 to 18 | Minimum 3.0 grade point average
The Rutgers University Astronomy & Astrophysics Academy is a two-week program focused on hands-on exploration of observational astronomy and data analysis. You learn to operate a telescope, collect astronomical data, and study topics such as planetary science, stellar evolution, cosmology, and exoplanet research. The curriculum combines lectures with practical sessions at observatory facilities, including visits to the Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory. During the second week, students complete a research project using real data and present their findings to peers and faculty. Completion of the program also earns a Rutgers Pre-College Digital Badge credential.
5. Simons Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29–August 7
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: High school juniors, aged 16 years or older | Must be US citizens or permanent residents
Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University is an in-person research experience where you join a faculty-led team and take responsibility for a defined project in fields including physics and astronomy. You will work with professional laboratory techniques and tools while contributing to ongoing research and learning how university labs operate. Weekly faculty talks, workshops, and campus events help you build research skills and understand current STEM investigations. You will conclude the program by producing a written research abstract and presenting a research poster at the closing symposium. Fellows receive a stipend and gain structured exposure to research communication and academic life at a major research university.
6. NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program
Location: Hybrid (primarily virtual, with in-person options at the GMU Fairfax Campus)
Cost: No cost | Scholarships and awards of up to $2,000
Dates: June 13–August 29
Application Deadline: No specific application deadline | Limited to 50 students | Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students
The NASA Data Science Analysis and Research Paper Program is offered through George Mason University’s Young Scholars Research Program and focuses on astronomy research using real mission data. You will analyze datasets from NASA missions, including TESS exoplanet candidates and James Webb Space Telescope observations, to study potential planetary systems. Through structured mentorship, you will learn how to process telescope data using tools such as Python, Jupyter notebooks, AstroImageJ, and FITS-based analysis. The program emphasizes research methodology, statistical validation, and scientific writing as you develop a formal scholarly paper based on your findings. You will present your completed research at a conference, gaining experience in professional scientific communication.
7. Experimental Physics Research Academy
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $10,050 | Scholarships available for those attending a School District of Philadelphia public or charter high school
Dates: July 11–August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current 9–11 grade students
At the University of Pennsylvania, the Experimental Physics Research Academy is a fully residential program where you study mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum dynamics, and astrophysics through lectures, experiments, and guided discussions. You move beyond memorized formulas to understand cause-and-effect relationships in physical systems and how experimental design supports scientific reasoning. The curriculum also introduces the philosophy of science, research ethics, and academic pathways in STEM, helping you connect concepts to real research practice. Weekly faculty research talks expose you to current investigations in physics and provide opportunities to ask questions about methods and applications. By the end of the program, you gain structured experience with core physics topics, from kinematics to modern physics, within a university-style learning environment.
8. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN)
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: July 20–25
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Current high school students
The Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) program is an in-person summer experience for high school students interested in nuclear physics and its connections to astrophysics and cosmology. You attend lectures and participate in experiments hosted at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, where you explore how scientists study the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei. Through hands-on lab work, you develop an understanding of core nuclear science concepts and how they relate to processes in the universe. You also interact with researchers to learn about current investigations in rare-isotope science and related career pathways. The program introduces you to university-level physics while providing a structured view of research at a major scientific facility.
9. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of the Navy (DoN)
Location: Nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Free | New participants receive a $4,000 stipend, and returning participants receive a stipend of $4,500
Dates: 8 weeks (with the possibility of extending up to two additional weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Rising 10–12 grade students | Age 16 years or older | Must be a U.S. citizen | Check individual lab pages for specific eligibilty requirements
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is an eight-week summer research internship for high school students interested in applied STEM work within U.S. government laboratories. Through placements with scientists and engineers at Department of the Navy research facilities, you contribute to ongoing projects while gaining exposure to real-world scientific workflows. If you pursue astronomy-related placements, you may work with researchers at the United States Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station, where investigations focus on celestial positions, Earth’s motion, and precision timekeeping. Your work supports navigation, positioning, and communication systems used by national agencies, illustrating how astronomy connects to operational technologies. Throughout the program, you build practical research experience, strengthen analytical skills, and observe how large-scale scientific organizations structure their work.
10. Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy Summer Internship Program
Location: Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy (MIRA), Marina, CA
Cost: $3,000 | Scholarships are available
Dates: ~10 weeks between May and August (flexible dates)
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: High school students and college STEM majors
At Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, this 10-week summer internship places you in one-on-one collaboration with professional astronomers on active research projects. You engage with topics such as star formation, near-Earth asteroids, comets, stellar atmospheres, and astronomical instrumentation, depending on current research priorities. The experience emphasizes hands-on data analysis, computational modeling, and observational methods used in modern astrophysics. You develop research methodology, scientific communication, and independent problem-solving through sustained project work. Some projects may involve observational work linked to facilities such as the Oliver Observing Station.
11. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: Virtual + UT Austin campus, Austin, TX
Cost: None for virtual participation | $2000 for onsite participation (which includes meals, housing. tours, and local travel) | Scholarships available
Dates: May–July | Check exact dates here
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors, aged 16 years or older | Must be a U.S. citizen
STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) is a selective summer research program hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research in collaboration with NASA. The program begins with online modules that introduce programming fundamentals and research methods, followed by mentor-guided, mission-based projects. You will analyze real satellite and mission data while exploring areas such as astronomy, remote sensing, planetary science, and aerospace systems. Working with scientists and engineers, you will develop technical skills in data analysis, modeling, and scientific communication through collaborative research. The experience concludes with a formal presentation of your findings at a virtual symposium.
12. Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer — Astronomy and Astrophysics
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $12,837 per session
Dates: July 21–August 7
Application Deadline: February 2 (early deadline) | April 2 (general deadline)
Eligibility: High school students | One year each of high school chemistry and physics is recommended
The Astronomy and Astrophysics course within Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer Pre-College Program introduces you to university-level study of the universe through a structured, college-style curriculum. You examine the development of astronomy from its early foundations to modern topics such as cosmology, extrasolar planetary systems, and black holes while learning the physics that supports these models. Core concepts include Newton’s laws of motion, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, universal gravitation, and the physical principles behind space travel. You also study light, matter, and nuclear physics to analyze the Sun, the solar system, galaxy formation, and the expansion of the universe. Alongside coursework, you participate in college-prep sessions, faculty talks, and residential campus activities in New York City, gaining exposure to academic life and interdisciplinary learning.
13. SSP International – Summer Science Program in Astrophysics
Location: Various sites
Cost/Stipend: $11,800 (full financial aid available) | Limited number of $3,000 stipends
Dates: Programs begin mid-late June, depending on the site
Application Deadline: February 19 (domestic students) | January 29 (international students)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors, aged 15–19, who have completed or are in the process of completing any level of high school physics and precalculus by June for credit and a grade | Limited to 700 students
In this five-week research experience, you investigate near-Earth asteroids by observing them with professional telescopes and calculating their orbital paths using real astronomical data. You apply concepts from celestial mechanics, astrometry, and numerical methods while building practical skills in Python-based scientific programming and data analysis. Working in collaborative research teams, you conduct the Asteroid Orbit Determination project and contribute results that support the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union. The program also develops scientific writing, presentation, and research communication skills through structured mentorship and guest lectures. By completing the program, you gain experience with authentic astrophysics workflows and demonstrate sustained engagement in research relevant to ongoing space science efforts.
14. Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Summer Programs
Location: Multiple sites across the U.S.
Cost: Varies based on the program
Dates: Vary as per site
Application Deadline: Varies based on the program
Eligibility: High school students who meet CTY qualification criteria
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Summer Programs, offered through Johns Hopkins University, gives you access to advanced, on-campus courses designed for academically strong high school students. You can choose from subjects such as astronomy, astrophysics, spectroscopy, engineering, bioethics, and public health, with options like Introduction to Astronomy, which focuses on the physics and chemistry of planets, stars, and galaxies. You will analyze astronomical data, perform quantitative calculations such as distance estimation, and engage in structured laboratory-style activities. Small classes and collaborative discussions connect you with motivated peers while helping you practice scientific reasoning and academic communication. Beyond coursework, organized residential and campus activities help you experience university-style learning and community life.
15. Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP) Research Experience for High School Students
Location: University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Cost: Free
Dates: Approx. 4–5 weeks during summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
The CMAP REH is an in-person summer research internship that offers direct exposure to university-level scientific research in physics, astronomy, and planetary science. Hosted at the University of Rochester, the program introduces you to high-energy-density physics, planetary science, and Python programming within an active research environment. During the program, you will work alongside Rochester graduate students on real-world projects and experimental demonstrations in university laboratories. You will also get an inside look at large-scale scientific infrastructure through a tour of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, helping you understand how advanced physics research connects to planetary and space science. Beyond research, the program emphasizes college readiness and STEM career exploration, with structured support around college applications and exposure to different scientific pathways.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like planetary science, astronomy, and celestial bodies, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – University of Rochester