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Explore The Universe With These 5 Python Modules
Boldly go where other people have definitely gone before
Python is a powerhouse language in the data science world. Crunching numbers, performing calculations and analyzing vast sets of data is this language’s specialty.
But it doesn’t have to all be boring operational data. Sometimes those numbers can be fun! Especially when they have to do with outer space and the planets.
In this article we’re going to take a trip around the world and then into space. We’ll look at some Python modules that let you discover a whole lot more than just a new business strategy.
1. PyEphem
The PyEphem module provides highly precise data on the planets and our solar system. This module leverages an extremely robust C library that allows you to pinpoint planets, perform interplanetary calculations and discover more data than you’ll ever know what to do with.
import ephem
jupiter = ephem.Jupiter()
jupiter.compute()
print(jupiter.ra)The above snippet shows just how easy it is to get started with PyEphem. Here all we’re doing is pulling in the library and then computing the current location of Jupiter. We can access a multitude of data on the planet, including detailed location information.
To obtain the right ascension of the planet you can access .ra and should receive a precise metric indicating where the planet is in the sky. Keep in mind to properly calculate this you’ll also need the .dec metric as well.
Check out the official PyEphem website for updated documentation and other info.
