Python

Learn python at this weekly event.

Useful Links

• ​Python v2.6.5 Documentation
• ​AstroPython: "This site is a community-driven knowledge base for research in astronomy using Python"
• ​"Astrolib" Astronomically Useful Python Modules
  • ​Astro Coords Documentation
  • ​Astro Ascii Data Documentation: Astro Ascii is a useful Python module for reading and manipulating data tables.
    For Astro Ascii in a nutshell, see ​why it's just so awesome.
• ​Python Switchers Guide
• ​Python Numpy for IDL users

Added by Lia.

• ​Matplotlib - Python's Plotting Library

Added by Jenna.

A few notes

• I've been using Python for a while, in particular Python for Astronomy, so if you have any questions I'd be happy to help!
• You may notice that there are ~30-50 Python Astronomy packages out there. Some do the same thing, perhaps none do what you want, but in any case there is an effort now to put together a universal Python Astronomy package called '​AstroPy.' The effort (from what I can tell) is being driven by the same group who make NumPy / SciPy, with a pretty strong contribution from a number of grad students around the country. I'll be attending an organizational meeting for AstroPy in October at the CfA (and will report on it's status afterwards), but I wanted to at least let you know that there is an effort to combine forces on a universal package.
• I have a Python package that I'm still updating fairly regularly called ​apwlib that contains various Python routines that you might find useful. Check it out, and ask me if you have any questions / suggestions / bugs!

• Adrian