Python for Star Gazers: Hands-On Astropy Mastery with 65 FITS & Coordinate Projects

By Leonard Brooks

"Python for Star Gazers: Hands-On Astropy Mastery with 65 FITS & Coordinate Projects" by Leonard Brooks is an immersive guide that empowers astronomy enthusiasts, students, and professionals to harness Python and the Astropy library for cosmic data analysis. Published in 2025, this comprehensive book transforms raw astronomical data into meaningful insights, starting with the basics of Python's role in space science and Astropy's capabilities in handling FITS files-the standard format for astro-images and spectra. Readers dive into celestial coordinates, data cleaning, visualization with Matplotlib, spectral analysis, and advanced simulations like orbital modeling.

Structured across 12 chapters, it blends inspirational narratives with practical tutorials, from installing essential libraries to creating custom FITS files and converting sky positions (RA/Dec to Galactic frames). The highlight is three project packs totaling 65 hands-on exercises: beginner FITS explorers, intermediate data pipelines, and pro-level visualizations incorporating AI enhancements and dashboards. Drawing on real-world examples like NASA's Perseverance rover and the Event Horizon Telescope, Brooks demystifies complex topics, making astronomy accessible without advanced degrees. Ideal for backyard stargazers or aspiring astrophysicists, this book fosters a portfolio-building approach, ending with resources for ongoing exploration in the ever-expanding universe of astro-computing.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G4GFLPSK
• ISBN13: 9798276551593
• Release Date: November 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"