Astrophysics setup guide
A practical starting point for students, researchers, and hobbyists working with Python, notebooks, Git, Docker, and reproducible analysis. Use Setup to install tools, then Use for everyday commands. Study previews the weekly notebooks while they are still being written. MESA-in-a-container usage belongs with the image docs.
/setup/
Setup
Set up your computer, connect to the SFSU virtual machine where MESA runs, and optionally try Docker as a container workflow.
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Toolchain (optional)
Install compilers if you will build scientific packages with native extensions.
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Python environment
Create a dedicated Python 3.12 environment. Conda is the default path; uv is a faster alternative.
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Editor and Jupyter
Use notebooks for exploration and VS Code for scripts and larger projects.
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Git
Install Git, set your identity, and connect to GitHub.
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SFSU virtual machine
On jmbrewer, the remote host where MESA runs. VPN, SSH, and the shared install.
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Git on the SFSU VM
On jmbrewer, set your name, email, and a GitHub key that stays on that machine.
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Docker (optional)
Optional demo of a container workflow. Not required on your computer or on the SFSU VM.
/use/
Use
Activate Python environments, run Docker images, and keep astrophysics projects organized.
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Python environment
Activate the environment you installed, launch Jupyter, and add packages as the project grows.
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Docker
Pull an image, run a container, and persist files with a bind mount. MESA-in-container usage lives with the image docs, not here.
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Project workflow
Keep data, notebooks, scripts, and results organized and reproducible.
/study/
Study
Weekly astrophysics notebooks are still being written. A short film previews one derivation while they are on the way.
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Coming soon
The notebooks are still being written. Watch a short film of one derivation while they are on the way.