Astronomy Data and Computing Services (ADACS) is an initiative by Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) aiming to provide astronomy-focused training, support and expertise to allow Australian astronomers to maximise the scientific return from their data and computing infrastructure. A principal component of this initiative is to empower the astronomy community to harness the potential of the next generation telescopes and astronomy simulations. 
 

ADACS LMS

In the past months, we have been developing a series of webinars to help the community master a variety of topics related to computing for astronomers. These webinars are a short series of informational videos compiled by theme on the ADACS LMS, and available at https://lms.adacs.org.au. Current webinars include the following: 
 

Introduction to Computing Clusters
This tutorial is intended for those having very little experience with operating in a computing cluster environment.  It provides simple introductions to: the concept of parallel computing; the hardware configuration of computing clusters; working with queue systems and logging in with SSH.

 

Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
SQL is a standard language for storing, manipulating and retrieving data in databases. This tutorial covers: Relational Database Management System (RDBMS), Data Definition Language, Data Manipulation Language, and Astronomy Examples with SDSS. 

 

Scientific Data Visualization with Python
This tutorial covers the basic principles of scientific data visualization with working examples using the python language.

 

Introduction to Version Control with Git
This tutorial covers the basics of Version Control with working examples using Git.

 

Introduction to MPI
In this tutorial, we introduce the Message Passing Interface (MPI). MPI is the “industry standard” for writing message passing programs on High Performing Computing platforms. This tutorial will introduce you to MPI through working examples using the Python language.

 

Introduction to HDF5
In this tutorial, you will learn about HDF5. HDF5 enables fast programs via clever features like efficient memory management, and organised storage of data next and metadata in tree-like structures—making it an excellent format for scientific computing and parallel I/O.

 

Introduction to astropy
This tutorial introduces the structure and core functionalities of astropy, a community astronomy package written in the Python language.

 

IVOA Table Access Protocol
In this tutorial, we will introduce the Table Access Protocol, or TAP.  TAP provides a flexible yet standard access to different kinds of databases within the Virtual Observatory.

 

Access content

To access the content, you will first need to create an account on the LMS by clicking the “Create new account” button on the main page. Once you are logged in, you can access webinars from the “All courses” tab. 
 
ADACS is a collaboration between Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, and the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. It is funded under the Astronomy National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Program via Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL).