Agent skill

Astrophysics Data Guide

by wentorai in wentorai/research-plugins

Astronomical data processing with Astropy, FITS files, and sky surveys

MITAuto-check passedResearch & Science

Install Astrophysics Data Guide

skills CLI
$ npx skills add wentorai/research-plugins --skill astrophysics-data-guide -a claude-code

Project install by default; add -g for ~/.claude/skills/.

GitHub CLI
$ gh skill install wentorai/research-plugins astrophysics-data-guide --agent claude-code

Project scope by default; add --scope user for a personal install. Needs GitHub CLI 2.90.0 or later (public preview).

Manual copy
$ git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/wentorai/research-plugins.git skills-src && mkdir -p .claude/skills && cp -r skills-src/skills/domains/physics/astrophysics-data-guide .claude/skills/astrophysics-data-guide && rm -rf skills-src

Use ~/.claude/skills/ instead of .claude/skills for a personal install. The folder must contain SKILL.md.

Claude Code skills documentation · loads skills from .claude/skills/

Facts

Skill name
astrophysics-data-guide
GitHub stars
298
Used in
1 other repo
Token cost
~2.6k tokens
SKILL.md length
194 words
Files
1
Skills in repo
405
Repo updated
First seen
Licence
MIT

At a glance

Astronomical data processing with Astropy, FITS files, and sky surveys

  • Tasks that involve Physical and earth sciences
  • SKILL.md covers Astronomical Data Formats, Coordinate Systems, Photometric Analysis and Spectral Analysis, plus 2 more sections
  • Instructions only: no scripts, shell commands, URLs or credentials in SKILL.md

What it does

Astrophysics Data Guide is an agent skill from wentorai/research-plugins. Astronomical data processing with Astropy, FITS files, and sky surveys

Its SKILL.md is about 2.6k tokens, which your agent loads only when the skill is triggered. It is a single SKILL.md file with no bundled scripts.

It sits in Research & Science, covering Physical and earth sciences. The repository describes itself as: 350+ academic research skills, MCP configs, and plugins for Research-Claw and AI agents. The licence is MIT.

When your agent uses it

  • Tasks that involve Physical and earth sciences

Example prompts

  • “/astrophysics-data-guide”

Requirements

  • Python 3

What it can do on your machine

Read from SKILL.md and the folder at commit bf44b3c. It shows what the files ask for, not the result of running them.

  • Tool permissions

    Pre-approves nothing: there is no allowed-tools line, so your agent's usual permission prompts apply.

    From allowed-tools in the SKILL.md frontmatter.

  • Runs code

    No scripts in the folder and no shell commands in SKILL.md (its code samples are python).

    From the folder's file list and the shell code blocks in SKILL.md.

  • Network

    No URLs in SKILL.md.

    From URLs in SKILL.md, links to its own repository left out.

  • Credentials

    Names no API keys, tokens, secrets or passwords.

    From names ending in _API_KEY, _TOKEN, _SECRET, _KEY or _PASSWORD in SKILL.md.

Context cost

Astrophysics Data Guide loads about 2.6k tokens when it runs. Until then it costs about 24 tokens; SKILL.md has 194 words of instructions outside code blocks.

Always · name and description, kept in context so the agent knows when to use it
~24
When it runs · the whole SKILL.md, loaded when a task matches
~2.6k

Estimates: characters ÷ 4, the usual rule of thumb; real counts depend on the model's tokenizer. Scripts and assets cost tokens only if the agent reads them.

Safety

Auto-check passed

The automated check found no risky patterns in SKILL.md.

Automated static check — not a guarantee. Review scripts before installing. It scans the text of SKILL.md for risky patterns (piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files, hidden Unicode, destructive commands); files beside SKILL.md are not scanned.

SKILL.md

The full file from wentorai/research-plugins at commit bf44b3c, republished under its MIT licence (© wentorai). 194 words, ~2,552 tokens.

Download SKILL.mdSave it as .claude/skills/astrophysics-data-guide/SKILL.md (or your agent's skills folder).
name
astrophysics-data-guide
description
Astronomical data processing with Astropy, FITS files, and sky surveys

Astrophysics Data Guide

A skill for processing and analyzing astronomical data using standard astrophysics tools. Covers FITS file handling, coordinate transformations, photometric analysis, spectral analysis, catalog cross-matching, and accessing major sky survey archives.

Astronomical Data Formats

FITS Files

FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) is the standard data format in astronomy:

python
from astropy.io import fits
import numpy as np

def inspect_fits(filepath: str) -> dict:
    """
    Inspect the structure of a FITS file.
    Returns information about each HDU (Header/Data Unit).
    """
    with fits.open(filepath) as hdul:
        info = []
        for i, hdu in enumerate(hdul):
            entry = {
                "index": i,
                "name": hdu.name,
                "type": type(hdu).__name__,
            }
            if hdu.data is not None:
                entry["shape"] = hdu.data.shape
                entry["dtype"] = str(hdu.data.dtype)
            if hasattr(hdu, "columns") and hdu.columns is not None:
                entry["columns"] = [c.name for c in hdu.columns]
            info.append(entry)
        return {"filename": filepath, "n_hdus": len(hdul), "hdus": info}

def read_fits_image(filepath: str, hdu_index: int = 0) -> tuple:
    """Read a FITS image and its WCS (World Coordinate System)."""
    from astropy.wcs import WCS

    with fits.open(filepath) as hdul:
        data = hdul[hdu_index].data
        header = hdul[hdu_index].header
        wcs = WCS(header)

    return data, wcs, header
Working with FITS Tables
python
from astropy.table import Table

def read_fits_catalog(filepath: str, hdu: int = 1) -> Table:
    """Read a FITS binary table extension as an Astropy Table."""
    catalog = Table.read(filepath, hdu=hdu)
    print(f"Catalog: {len(catalog)} objects, {len(catalog.columns)} columns")
    print(f"Columns: {catalog.colnames}")
    return catalog

Coordinate Systems

Astronomical Coordinate Transformations
python
from astropy.coordinates import SkyCoord, EarthLocation, AltAz
from astropy.time import Time
import astropy.units as u

def coordinate_transforms(ra_deg: float, dec_deg: float) -> dict:
    """
    Transform between astronomical coordinate systems.
    ra_deg, dec_deg: right ascension and declination in degrees (ICRS/J2000)
    """
    coord = SkyCoord(ra=ra_deg * u.degree, dec=dec_deg * u.degree, frame="icrs")

    return {
        "icrs": {
            "ra": coord.ra.to_string(unit=u.hourangle, precision=2),
            "dec": coord.dec.to_string(unit=u.degree, precision=2),
        },
        "galactic": {
            "l": round(coord.galactic.l.degree, 4),
            "b": round(coord.galactic.b.degree, 4),
        },
        "ecliptic": {
            "lon": round(coord.geocentricmeanecliptic.lon.degree, 4),
            "lat": round(coord.geocentricmeanecliptic.lat.degree, 4),
        },
    }

def compute_altaz(ra_deg: float, dec_deg: float,
                   obs_time: str, location: tuple) -> dict:
    """
    Compute altitude and azimuth for a target from a given location and time.
    location: (latitude_deg, longitude_deg, elevation_m)
    """
    target = SkyCoord(ra=ra_deg * u.degree, dec=dec_deg * u.degree)
    time = Time(obs_time)
    loc = EarthLocation(
        lat=location[0] * u.degree,
        lon=location[1] * u.degree,
        height=location[2] * u.m,
    )
    altaz_frame = AltAz(obstime=time, location=loc)
    altaz = target.transform_to(altaz_frame)

    return {
        "altitude_deg": round(altaz.alt.degree, 2),
        "azimuth_deg": round(altaz.az.degree, 2),
        "airmass": round(altaz.secz.value, 3) if altaz.alt.degree > 0 else None,
        "is_observable": altaz.alt.degree > 10,
    }

Photometric Analysis

Aperture Photometry
python
from photutils.aperture import CircularAperture, CircularAnnulus
from photutils.aperture import aperture_photometry

def perform_aperture_photometry(image: np.ndarray,
                                  positions: list[tuple],
                                  aperture_radius: float = 5.0,
                                  annulus_inner: float = 10.0,
                                  annulus_outer: float = 15.0) -> list[dict]:
    """
    Perform aperture photometry with local background subtraction.
    image: 2D numpy array (flux/counts)
    positions: list of (x, y) pixel coordinates of sources
    """
    apertures = CircularAperture(positions, r=aperture_radius)
    annuli = CircularAnnulus(positions, r_in=annulus_inner, r_out=annulus_outer)

    # Measure flux in aperture and annulus
    phot_table = aperture_photometry(image, [apertures, annuli])

    results = []
    for row in phot_table:
        # Background per pixel from annulus
        annulus_area = np.pi * (annulus_outer**2 - annulus_inner**2)
        bkg_per_pixel = row["aperture_sum_1"] / annulus_area

        # Background-subtracted flux
        aperture_area = np.pi * aperture_radius**2
        net_flux = row["aperture_sum_0"] - bkg_per_pixel * aperture_area

        # Instrumental magnitude
        if net_flux > 0:
            inst_mag = -2.5 * np.log10(net_flux)
        else:
            inst_mag = float("nan")

        results.append({
            "x": float(row["xcenter"]),
            "y": float(row["ycenter"]),
            "raw_flux": float(row["aperture_sum_0"]),
            "net_flux": round(float(net_flux), 2),
            "bkg_per_pixel": round(float(bkg_per_pixel), 2),
            "inst_mag": round(inst_mag, 4),
        })

    return results
Source Detection
python
from photutils.detection import DAOStarFinder
from astropy.stats import sigma_clipped_stats

def detect_sources(image: np.ndarray, fwhm: float = 3.0,
                    threshold_sigma: float = 5.0) -> Table:
    """
    Detect point sources in an astronomical image using DAOFind algorithm.
    """
    mean, median, std = sigma_clipped_stats(image, sigma=3.0)
    daofind = DAOStarFinder(fwhm=fwhm, threshold=threshold_sigma * std)
    sources = daofind(image - median)

    if sources is not None:
        sources.sort("flux", reverse=True)
        print(f"Detected {len(sources)} sources")
    return sources

Spectral Analysis

Processing 1D Spectra
python
from specutils import Spectrum1D, SpectralRegion
from specutils.analysis import line_flux, equivalent_width, centroid
import astropy.units as u

def analyze_spectrum(wavelength: np.ndarray,
                      flux: np.ndarray,
                      line_center: float,
                      line_width: float = 10.0) -> dict:
    """
    Analyze an emission or absorption line in a 1D spectrum.
    wavelength: array in Angstroms
    flux: array in erg/s/cm2/Angstrom
    line_center: expected line center in Angstroms
    line_width: width of spectral region to analyze
    """
    spectrum = Spectrum1D(
        spectral_axis=wavelength * u.Angstrom,
        flux=flux * u.Unit("erg / (s cm2 Angstrom)"),
    )

    region = SpectralRegion(
        (line_center - line_width) * u.Angstrom,
        (line_center + line_width) * u.Angstrom,
    )

    measured_flux = line_flux(spectrum, regions=region)
    ew = equivalent_width(spectrum, regions=region)
    center = centroid(spectrum, region)

    # Redshift from line center offset
    rest_wavelength = line_center  # assumed rest frame
    z = (center.value - rest_wavelength) / rest_wavelength

    return {
        "line_flux": f"{measured_flux:.4e}",
        "equivalent_width": f"{ew:.2f}",
        "measured_center_A": round(center.value, 2),
        "redshift": round(z, 6),
        "velocity_km_s": round(z * 299792.458, 1),
    }

Survey Data Access

Querying Major Archives
python
from astroquery.vizier import Vizier
from astroquery.simbad import Simbad
from astroquery.sdss import SDSS

def query_simbad(object_name: str) -> dict:
    """Query SIMBAD for basic object information."""
    result = Simbad.query_object(object_name)
    if result is None:
        return {"found": False}

    return {
        "found": True,
        "name": object_name,
        "ra": str(result["RA"][0]),
        "dec": str(result["DEC"][0]),
        "object_type": str(result["OTYPE"][0]),
    }

def cone_search_vizier(ra_deg: float, dec_deg: float,
                        radius_arcmin: float = 1.0,
                        catalog: str = "II/246") -> Table:
    """
    Cone search in a VizieR catalog.
    Default catalog II/246 = 2MASS Point Source Catalog.
    """
    coord = SkyCoord(ra=ra_deg * u.degree, dec=dec_deg * u.degree)
    result = Vizier.query_region(
        coord, radius=radius_arcmin * u.arcmin, catalog=catalog
    )
    return result[0] if result else None
Key Sky Surveys
SurveyBandCoverageResolutionKey Science
SDSSugriz14,555 sq deg1.3"Galaxy evolution, QSOs
2MASSJHKAll-sky2"Stellar populations, MW structure
WISE3.4-22 umAll-sky6-12"Brown dwarfs, AGN, dusty galaxies
Gaia DR3G, BP, RPAll-sky0.1 masAstrometry, stellar parameters
DESISpectroscopic14,000 sq degFiberDark energy, BAO
JWST0.6-28 umPointed0.03-0.1"Early universe, exoplanets

Tools and Software

  • Astropy: Core Python library for astronomy (coordinates, FITS, tables, units)
  • photutils: Photometry tools (detection, aperture/PSF photometry)
  • specutils: Spectral analysis (line fitting, equivalent widths)
  • astroquery: Unified interface to astronomical databases
  • reproject: Image reprojection between WCS frames
  • ccdproc: CCD image reduction pipeline
  • SAOImageDS9: Interactive FITS image viewer
  • TOPCAT: Interactive catalog cross-matching and visualization

© wentorai, MIT. Rendered from Markdown: HTML in the file is shown as text, images as links, and headings moved down two levels. Raw file

Files

Just SKILL.md in skills/domains/physics/astrophysics-data-guide of wentorai/research-plugins.

Open the folder on GitHubat commit bf44b3c

Used in 1 other repository

We found 1 copy of this SKILL.md (exact, near-identical or edited) in other folders, from 1 other GitHub owner. This page covers the copy in wentorai/research-plugins, which our catalogue first saw on October 7, 2026.

Compare with similar skills

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Questions about Astrophysics Data Guide

What does Astrophysics Data Guide do?

Astronomical data processing with Astropy, FITS files, and sky surveys. Astrophysics Data Guide is an agent skill from wentorai/research-plugins.

When should I use Astrophysics Data Guide?

Astrophysics Data Guide fits situations like: tasks that involve Physical and earth sciences.

How do I install Astrophysics Data Guide in Claude Code?

Run `npx skills add wentorai/research-plugins --skill astrophysics-data-guide -a claude-code`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/domains/physics/astrophysics-data-guide in wentorai/research-plugins) into .claude/skills/astrophysics-data-guide in your project. Claude Code loads it when a task matches its description.

How do I install Astrophysics Data Guide in Codex?

Run `npx skills add wentorai/research-plugins --skill astrophysics-data-guide -a codex`. Or copy the skill folder (skills/domains/physics/astrophysics-data-guide in wentorai/research-plugins) into .agents/skills/astrophysics-data-guide in your project. Codex loads it when a task matches its description.

Can I use Astrophysics Data Guide in Cursor, Gemini CLI or GitHub Copilot?

Cursor, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot and OpenCode also load SKILL.md folders. With the skills CLI, run `npx skills add wentorai/research-plugins --skill astrophysics-data-guide -a cursor` (or -a gemini-cli, github-copilot or opencode for the others). To copy it by hand, put the folder in .cursor/skills/astrophysics-data-guide, .gemini/skills/astrophysics-data-guide, .github/skills/astrophysics-data-guide and .opencode/skills/astrophysics-data-guide in your project.

What does Astrophysics Data Guide need to run?

SKILL.md names no scripts, command-line tools or credentials: Astrophysics Data Guide is instructions for the agent only. Our summary lists: Python 3.

Does Astrophysics Data Guide access the network?

SKILL.md contains no URLs. Any network use would come from the scripts or tools the agent runs. This is read from the text; nothing was executed.

Is Astrophysics Data Guide safe to install?

Our automated static check of SKILL.md found no risky patterns, such as piping downloads into a shell, reading credential files or hidden Unicode. It is not a guarantee. Review the folder before installing.

What licence does Astrophysics Data Guide use?

Astrophysics Data Guide is published under the MIT licence (the repository's licence). It allows redistribution, so the full SKILL.md is shown on this page.

How many tokens does Astrophysics Data Guide use?

About 2.6k tokens (SKILL.md is roughly 10k characters). Agents keep only the skill's name and description in context until a task matches; then they load SKILL.md in full.

What are the alternatives to Astrophysics Data Guide?

Skills that share tags, products or a category with Astrophysics Data Guide: Astropy (zLanqing/codex-claude-academic-skills, 4.7k stars), Pymatgen (zLanqing/codex-claude-academic-skills, 4.7k stars), Cantera Ignition Delay (K-Dense-AI/scientific-agent-skills, 48k stars) and Weather (trpc-group/trpc-agent-go, 1.9k stars). The comparison table on this page puts their stars, adoption, token cost, safety result and licence side by side.

Who maintains Astrophysics Data Guide?

wentorai (a GitHub user) maintains it in wentorai/research-plugins, which has 298 GitHub stars. The repository holds 405 skills in this directory. The repository was last updated on June 19, 2026.

Source: wentorai/research-plugins on GitHub. Facts on this page come from the repository at the commit we read; the author's words are quoted as theirs.