Alma MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides comprehensive access to the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) archive through a

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Alma MCP MCP server?

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides comprehensive access to the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) archive through a clean, extensible architecture. The alma mcp mcp server wraps that behind the Model Context Protocol, so an assistant can use it through 14 defined tools rather than through you.

Its toolset

Everything the assistant can do here goes through one of these:

  • search_alma_by_target — Search by astronomical object name (SIMBAD resolution)
  • search_alma_by_position — Cone search by RA/Dec coordinates
  • search_alma_by_proposal — Search by PI name or proposal ID
  • search_alma_by_frequency — Search by frequency range (GHz)
  • search_alma_by_resolution — Search by angular resolution (arcsec)
  • check_alma_line_coverage — Check spectral line coverage with redshift
  • get_alma_info — ALMA bands, lines, and capabilities reference
  • run_alma_tap_query — Custom SQL/ADQL queries against TAP
  • search_alma_by_source_name — Search by PI-specified target name (exact or partial)
  • search_alma_by_bibliography — Search by bibcode, journal, author, or publication year
  • search_alma_by_member_ous — Search by Member OUS dataset identifier
  • search_alma_by_data_type — Search for cubes (spectral) vs images (continuum)

Adding it to your client

The server ships on PyPI as fastmcp, so your MCP client can launch it on demand — there is no separate build step. Add the server block to your client's configuration, restart it, and the tools register themselves.

When to reach for it

Among the database access options, the useful question is rarely "what can it do" but "what does it cost you to run" — permissions, credentials, and how much of your context its toolset consumes. Alma MCP's toolset — search_alma_by_target, search_alma_by_position, search_alma_by_proposal and 11 more — is a fair guide to whether it matches your workflow. It is maintained by adamzacharia; worth a glance at recent repository activity before you build anything load-bearing on it.

This entry was verified against Alma MCP's own documentation before publication; SyncDev keeps the directory reviewed rather than auto-generated.

Caveats

  • It runs with your machine's permissions. That is convenient and also the reason to think about what you point it at before you approve a tool call.
  • With 14 tools registered it takes up a noticeable share of the context window; turn it off in projects that never touch Alma MCP.
  • MCP clients confirm each tool call by default. Leave that on until you have watched what the alma mcp mcp server does with a few real requests.

Available tools

ToolWhat it does
search_alma_by_targetSearch by astronomical object name (SIMBAD resolution)
search_alma_by_positionCone search by RA/Dec coordinates
search_alma_by_proposalSearch by PI name or proposal ID
search_alma_by_frequencySearch by frequency range (GHz)
search_alma_by_resolutionSearch by angular resolution (arcsec)
check_alma_line_coverageCheck spectral line coverage with redshift
get_alma_infoALMA bands, lines, and capabilities reference
run_alma_tap_queryCustom SQL/ADQL queries against TAP
search_alma_by_source_nameSearch by PI-specified target name (exact or partial)
search_alma_by_bibliographySearch by bibcode, journal, author, or publication year
search_alma_by_member_ousSearch by Member OUS dataset identifier
search_alma_by_data_typeSearch for cubes (spectral) vs images (continuum)
search_alma_by_science_keywordSearch by ALMA science keywords
search_alma_by_abstractFull-text search in proposal/publication abstracts

How to install the Alma MCP MCP server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "alma": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["c:/Users/Asus/Desktop/Quasar-main/ALMA_MCP/server.py"]
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Example prompts to try

  • Use Alma MCP to search alma by target.
  • Use Alma MCP to search alma by position.
  • Use Alma MCP to search alma by proposal.

Frequently asked questions

It connects Alma MCP to MCP-compatible AI assistants such as Claude and Cursor, exposing 14 tools (search_alma_by_target, search_alma_by_position, search_alma_by_proposal, and more) that the assistant can call on your behalf. Instead of copying data back and forth by hand, the assistant works with Alma MCP directly.