Tutorial: NASA - Gnist Context

Science

Data source: NASA Open APIs (api.nasa.gov)

Overview

NASA wraps NASA Open APIs (api.nasa.gov), handling authentication, pagination, and rate limits for you. This tutorial covers all 6 tools with working code examples you can copy and run.

Prerequisites

Sign up at https://context.gnist.ai/signup for a free API key (100 calls/day).
Choose your integration method: MCP protocol or REST API.

Connect via MCP

Add to your MCP client config (Claude Desktop, Cursor, etc.):

MCP Config

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "gnist-nasa": {
      "url": "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
      "headers": {
        "Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Tools (6)

`search_apod`

Get NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day with scientific explanations. Returns high-quality astronomy images or videos with detailed explanations from professional astronomers. Data goes back to June 1995. Examples: search_apod() -> today's picture search_apod(date="2024-01-01") -> specific date search_apod(start_date="2024-01-01", end_date="2024-01-07") -> date range search_apod(count=5) -> 5 random pictures

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`date`	any	optional	Specific date (YYYY-MM-DD). Omit for today's picture.
`start_date`	any	optional	Start date for a date range (YYYY-MM-DD).
`end_date`	any	optional	End date for a date range (YYYY-MM-DD).
`count`	any	optional	Return N random APOD entries (1-100). Cannot combine with date/start_date.

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "search_apod", "arguments": {"date": "2025-01-15"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'date': '2025-01-15'}, 'name': 'search_apod'}},
)
print(resp.json())

`search_neo`

Search Near Earth Objects (asteroids and comets) by date range. Returns orbital data, size estimates, close approach distances, velocities, and whether each object is classified as potentially hazardous. Maximum 7-day range per query. Use for asteroid tracking, impact risk assessment, and space situational awareness. Examples: search_neo("2024-01-01", "2024-01-07") -> week of NEO data

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`start_date`	string	required	Start date (YYYY-MM-DD).
`end_date`	string	required	End date (YYYY-MM-DD), max 7 days from start.

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "search_neo", "arguments": {"start_date": "2025-01-15", "end_date": "2025-01-15"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'end_date': '2025-01-15', 'start_date': '2025-01-15'},
            'name': 'search_neo'}},
)
print(resp.json())

`search_mars_photos`

Search Mars Rover photos from Curiosity, Opportunity, Spirit, and Perseverance. Each rover has different cameras. Common cameras: - FHAZ/RHAZ: Front/Rear Hazard Avoidance (all rovers) - NAVCAM: Navigation Camera (all rovers) - MAST: Mast Camera (Curiosity) - PANCAM: Panoramic Camera (Opportunity, Spirit) Examples: search_mars_photos("curiosity", sol=1000) -> Curiosity photos from sol 1000 search_mars_photos("perseverance", earth_date="2024-01-15", camera="NAVCAM")

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`rover`	string	required	Rover name: curiosity, opportunity, spirit, or perseverance.
`sol`	any	optional	Martian sol (day) number. Default 1000 if neither sol nor earth_date given.
`earth_date`	any	optional	Earth date (YYYY-MM-DD). Alternative to sol.
`camera`	any	optional	Camera abbreviation: FHAZ, RHAZ, MAST, CHEMCAM, MAHLI, NAVCAM, PANCAM, etc.
`page`	integer	optional	Page number (25 results per page). Default 1. (default: `1`)

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "search_mars_photos", "arguments": {"rover": "example"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'rover': 'example'}, 'name': 'search_mars_photos'}},
)
print(resp.json())

`get_epic_imagery`

Get NASA EPIC full-disc Earth photographs from DSCOVR satellite at L1 point. Returns metadata and image URLs for full-color photographs of the sunlit side of Earth, taken from 1 million miles away. Available in natural color and contrast-enhanced versions. Examples: get_epic_imagery() -> most recent natural color images get_epic_imagery(collection="enhanced") -> enhanced images get_epic_imagery(date="2024-01-15") -> specific date

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`collection`	string	optional	Image collection: 'natural' (color) or 'enhanced' (contrast-enhanced). (default: `natural`)
`date`	any	optional	Date (YYYY-MM-DD). Omit for most recent images.

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "get_epic_imagery", "arguments": {"collection": "natural"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'collection': 'natural'}, 'name': 'get_epic_imagery'}},
)
print(resp.json())

`search_space_weather`

Search NASA DONKI space weather events. The Space Weather Database Of Notifications, Knowledge, Information (DONKI) tracks solar and geomagnetic events that affect Earth. Event types: - CME: Coronal Mass Ejections — solar plasma eruptions - GST: Geomagnetic Storms — disturbances in Earth's magnetosphere - FLR: Solar Flares — electromagnetic radiation bursts - IPS: Interplanetary Shocks — shock waves in solar wind - SEP: Solar Energetic Particles — high-energy particle events - MPC: Magnetopause Crossings - RBE: Radiation Belt Enhancements - HSS: High Speed Streams — fast solar wind streams Examples: search_space_weather("CME", "2024-01-01", "2024-01-31") search_space_weather("FLR", "2024-03-01", "2024-03-15")

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`event_type`	string	required	Event type: CME (Coronal Mass Ejection), GST (Geomagnetic Storm), FLR (Solar Flare), IPS (Interplanetary Shock), SEP (Solar Energetic Particle), MPC (Magnetopause Crossing), RBE (Radiation Belt Enhanc
`start_date`	string	required	Start date (YYYY-MM-DD).
`end_date`	string	required	End date (YYYY-MM-DD).

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "search_space_weather", "arguments": {"event_type": "example", "start_date": "2025-01-15", "end_date": "2025-01-15"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'end_date': '2025-01-15',
                          'event_type': 'example',
                          'start_date': '2025-01-15'},
            'name': 'search_space_weather'}},
)
print(resp.json())

`report_feedback`

Report a bug, feature request, or general feedback for this data source. Use this when something doesn't work as expected, when you'd like a new feature, or when you have suggestions for improvement. Args: feedback: Describe the issue or suggestion. feedback_type: One of 'bug', 'feature_request', or 'general'.

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
`feedback`	string	required
`feedback_type`	string	optional	(default: `general`)

curl -X POST "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Gnist-API-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{"jsonrpc": "2.0", "method": "tools/call", "id": 1, "params": {"name": "report_feedback", "arguments": {"feedback": "example"}}}'

import httpx

resp = httpx.post(
    "https://context.gnist.ai/mcp/nasa/",
    headers={"Gnist-API-Key": "YOUR_API_KEY"},
    json={'id': 1,
 'jsonrpc': '2.0',
 'method': 'tools/call',
 'params': {'arguments': {'feedback': 'example'}, 'name': 'report_feedback'}},
)
print(resp.json())

Common Patterns

Search then retrieve
Use search_apod to find items, then get_epic_imagery to get full details. This two-step pattern is common for exploring data before drilling down.

Pagination
Several tools support limit, offset, or page parameters. Start with small limits during development, then increase for production queries.

Date range filtering
Use date range parameters to narrow results to a specific time window. Dates are typically in YYYY-MM-DD format.

FAQ

What data does NASA provide?

NASA open APIs — Astronomy Picture of the Day, Near Earth Objects, Mars Rover Photos, EPIC Earth imagery, and DONKI space weather events. It exposes 6 tools: search_apod, search_neo, search_mars_photos, get_epic_imagery, search_space_weather, report_feedback.

What do I need to get started?

A Gnist API key (free tier: 100 calls/day). Sign up at https://context.gnist.ai/signup.

What format does the NASA API return?

JSON, via either MCP protocol (JSON-RPC 2.0) or REST API.