lsdb

Analyze billion-row astronomical catalogs with lazy Dask-based LSDB queries.

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

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Scalable, lazy-evaluated analysis of billion-row astronomical catalogs using HATS partitions, enabling efficient filtering, cross-matching, and time-series access without loading data into memory.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cross-match catalogs at scale with minimal memory footprint.
  • Lazy Dask-based execution for scalable transformation without full in-memory loads.
  • Time-series and nested catalog operations with HATS format support.

Quick Start

Install lsdb and the hats extension, then verify you can load a catalog with read_hats.

Frequently Asked Questions about lsdb

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I crossmatch billion-row astronomical catalogs without loading them into memory?

Crossmatching billion-row astronomical catalogs without loading them into memory requires lazy Dask evaluation on HATS-formatted partitions. The LSDB Skill enables scalable cross-matching operations by processing data partitions sequentially rather than pulling entire datasets into RAM.

What is the HATS data format and when do I need it for catalog analysis?

The HATS data format is a partitioned structure for organizing massive astronomical catalogs. You need HATS when performing scalable cone searches, cross-matching, or time-series access on datasets like Rubin, Gaia, or ZTF without exceeding memory limits.

Can I perform cone searches and time-series access on LSST-scale data using Dask?

Yes, you can perform cone searches and time-series access on LSST-scale data using Dask. The LSDB library leverages lazy Dask execution to query and filter HATS-partitioned astronomical catalogs efficiently at massive scale.

How do I get started analyzing astronomical catalogs with the lsdb library?

To get started analyzing astronomical catalogs with the lsdb library, install lsdb and the hats extension. Verify your setup by loading a catalog using the read_hats function to ensure proper HATS partition access.

What is the best way to scale astronomical catalog transformations for Rubin or ZTF datasets?

The best way to scale astronomical catalog transformations for Rubin or ZTF datasets is using lazy Dask-based execution. The LSDB Skill processes HATS partitions to enable scalable transformations without requiring full in-memory data loads.