astropy

Perform astronomy data analysis with Python's Astropy toolkit.

18|1|Updated Dec 27, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/LogauaEngstrom/claude-scientific-skills --skill astropy-logauaengstrom
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: astropy
Source: https://github.com/LogauaEngstrom/claude-scientific-skills/tree/main/scientific-skills/astropy
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/LogauaEngstrom/claude-scientific-skills --skill astropy-logauaengstrom

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 precise handling of units, coordinates, FITS I/O, cosmology calculations, time systems, tables, and world coordinate systems. It streamlines scientific workflows from data ingestion to interpretation by offering consistent interfaces across modules.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Units and Quantities: define, convert, and operate on physical quantities with automatic units handling.
  • Coordinate Systems & Transformations: represent celestial coordinates and convert between ICRS, Galactic, FK5, AltAz, and more.
  • FITS I/O & Table Handling: read/write FITS files, manipulate image data and tables, and query catalogs.
  • Time & Cosmology: manage time scales, perform precise time arithmetic, and compute distances and ages with built-in cosmologies.
  • WCS & Data Modeling: work with world coordinate systems, headers, and basic modeling/visualization utilities.

Quick Start

Load a sample FITS dataset, convert units, transform coordinates, and compute a luminosity distance using Planck18.

Frequently Asked Questions about astropy

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I convert celestial coordinates between ICRS and Galactic systems in Python?

Celestial coordinate transformations between ICRS and Galactic systems are handled using astropy.coordinates, which represents sky positions and converts them across reference frames like FK5 and AltAz.

How do I read and write FITS files for astronomical image data and tables?

FITS file I/O for astronomical image data and tables is performed using astropy.io.fits, which enables reading, writing, and manipulating observational datasets and catalog queries.

What's the best way to handle physical units and conversions in astronomy data analysis?

Physical units and conversions in astronomy data analysis are managed using astropy.units, which defines physical quantities and automatically handles unit operations and transformations.

Can I compute luminosity distance and cosmological parameters using a built-in cosmology model?

Cosmological parameters and luminosity distances can be computed using astropy.cosmology, which provides built-in models like Planck18 to calculate distances and ages.

How do I manage time scales and perform precise time arithmetic for astronomical observations?

Time scales and precise time arithmetic for astronomical observations are managed using astropy.time, which supports converting between time scales and performing accurate time calculations.

Does astropy support world coordinate systems and data modeling for FITS headers?

World coordinate systems and data modeling for FITS headers are supported through astropy's WCS and modeling utilities, allowing interpretation of image coordinates and basic visualization.