SkyPy: A package for modelling the Universe
A. Amara, Lucia de la Bella, Simon Birrer, Sarah Bridle, J. Cordero, Ginevra Favole, I. Harrison, I. W. Harry, W. G. Hartley, Coleman Krawczyk, A. P. Lundgren, B. Nord, L. K. Nuttall, R. P. Rollins, Philipp Sudek, Sut-Ieng Tam, N Tessore, A. E. Tolley, Keiichi Umetsu, A. R. Williamson, Laura Wolz
Abstract
SkyPy is an open-source Python package for simulating the astrophysical sky. It comprises a library of physical and empirical models across a range of observables and a command line script to run end-to-end simulations. The library provides functions that sample realisations of sources and their associated properties from probability distributions. Simulation pipelines are constructed from these models using a YAML-based configuration syntax, while task scheduling and data dependencies are handled internally and the modular design allows users to interface with external software. SkyPy is developed and maintained by a diverse community of domain experts with a focus on software sustainability and interoperability. By fostering co-development, it provides a framework for correlated simulations of a range of cosmological probes including galaxy populations, large scale structure, the cosmic microwave background, supernovae and gravitational waves.