FITS File Format

updated: 2024-04-12

FITS Files (Flexible Image Transport System):

Purpose: FITS files are the standard format for storing astronomical data, including images. They serve as a container for various types of scientific information.
Endorsed by NASA and the International Astronomical Union
Header Information: FITS files have an ASCII (human-readable) header that can store details like camera type, temperature, exposure time, filter used, and even the photographer’s middle name (if desired). This rich metadata makes them valuable for scientific research.
Pixel Data: The actual image pixel data is stored in a multi-dimensional array (1D, 2D, or 3D), and it is not compressed. While the files can be large, they maintain high accuracy.
Compatibility: FITS files are not natively readable by common photo editing software but are widely supported by specialized astronomical applications.
Versioning: FITS versions are backward compatible, ensuring support for older versions.
Bit Depth: FITS supports bit depths ranging from 8-bit to 64-bit per pixel (BPP) or higher, making it versatile for various data types

FITS Description: FITS - Wikipedia

FITS file header viewer: FITS Utilities

FITS file and image processing tool: FITS Liberator