Python-Based Tools for the Space Science Community

Fortunately Python is becoming the new programming language for science and engineering, replacing FORTRAN and Matlab. Unfortunately I do not see many opportunities for growth in other sectors

Somewhat related, I just discovered PyEphem, and have been using it to pin down a time and location from the stars that appear in XKCD #1190<p><a href="http://forums.xkcd.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&amp;t=101043&amp;p=3395021#p3394991" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;forums.xkcd.com&#x2F;viewtopic.php?f=7&amp;t=101043&amp;p=3395021#...</a><p><a href="http://rhodesmill.org/pyephem/" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;rhodesmill.org&#x2F;pyephem&#x2F;</a>

This is one of the few (only?) python packages that can read and write files in NASA&#x27;s CDF format - <a href="http://cdf.gsfc.nasa.gov" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;cdf.gsfc.nasa.gov</a> Installing under OS X is fairly straightforward following the directions in the documentation.

I cant think of another discipline where the first example from the time section will use a Julian Day:<p><pre><code> &gt;&gt;&gt; x=Ticktock([2452331.0142361112, 2452332.0142361112], &#x27;JD&#x27;)</code></pre>

The documentation mentions that &quot;OSX install has become a challenge. With the Enthought transition to Canopy we cannot figure out clean install directions for 3rd party packages and therefore can no longer recommend using EPD for SpacePy.&quot; They have other directions including some using MacPorts.<p>Installation directions for Linux and Windows seem straight-forward.

&quot;OSX install has become a challenge. With the Enthought transition to Canopy we cannot figure out clean install directions for 3rd party packages and therefore can no longer recommend using EPD for SpacePy.&quot;<p>Um... use Anaconda? <a href="http://continuum.io/anaconda" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;continuum.io&#x2F;anaconda</a>

Can anyone clarify what does this means: &#x27;License Agreement based on Python Software Foundation License&#x27;?