astropy

Analyze astronomical data with units, coordinates, FITS I/O, and cosmology calculations.

Updated Apr 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ejoliet/claude-skills --skill astropy-ejoliet
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: astropy
Source: https://github.com/ejoliet/claude-skills/tree/main/astropy
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ejoliet/claude-skills --skill astropy-ejoliet

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Astropy provides a comprehensive Python toolkit for astronomy data analysis, enabling researchers to perform unit handling, coordinate transformations, FITS I/O, time scales, WCS operations, and cosmology calculations in a single, well-documented library.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Units, quantities, and conversions: attach units to data and perform robust conversions.
  • Coordinate systems & transforms: convert between ICRS, equatorial, galactic, and AltAz frames for object localization and catalog matching.
  • FITS I/O & tables: read, write, and manipulate FITS files and tabular data from astronomical catalogs.
  • Cosmology & time: compute distances, ages, lookback times, and manage precise time scales for observations.
  • Use Case: Transform coordinates of a source and compute luminosity distance using Planck18 cosmology.

Quick Start

Install astropy and begin by importing units, coordinates, and FITS handling to load and process astronomical data.

Frequently Asked Questions about astropy

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I convert astronomical coordinates between equatorial and galactic systems in Python?

Astronomical coordinate transformations between equatorial and galactic systems are handled by converting ICRS and AltAz frames for object localization and catalog matching.

What's the best way to read and manipulate FITS files for astronomical data analysis?

FITS I/O and table operations allow you to read, write, and manipulate FITS files and tabular data directly from astronomical catalogs within your research workflow.

How do I compute luminosity distance using Planck18 cosmology in Python?

Cosmology calculations compute distances, ages, and lookback times using Planck18 cosmology, enabling you to determine luminosity distance for a given source.

Can I handle astronomical units and physical quantities with robust conversions in Python?

Yes, you can attach units to your data and perform robust physical quantity conversions to maintain dimensional consistency across astronomical calculations.

How do I manage precise time scales for astronomical observations in Python?

Time handling capabilities manage precise time scales required for astronomical observations, ensuring accurate temporal synchronization across research workflows.

Does astropy support WCS operations for aligning astronomical imaging data?

WCS operations are supported for handling World Coordinate System transformations, which are essential for aligning and mapping astronomical imaging data accurately.