Introduction and Motivation

Practical Python for Astronomers is a series of hands-on workshops to explore the Python language and the powerful analysis tools it provides. The emphasis is on using Python to solve real-world problems that astronomers are likely to encounter in research.

• The workshops will immediately make use of the full suite of plotting, analysis, and file reading tools.
• Along the way elements of the Python language such as control structures, functions, and objects will be introduced as needed.
• This will be a hands-on experience largely focused on interactive data analysis using tutorial examples that you type or cut-n-paste into the Python interpreter.
• Participants should bring a laptop to each session or partner-up with someone who has a laptop.

Agenda

The purpose of the talk today is to motivate astronomers to learn Python and start using it as a tool for research and analysis.

• Why use Python?
• Quick tour of Python
• Who is using Python
• Logistics and open discussion

Author:Tom Aldcroft Copyright:2011 Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory