What is FITS format?

FITS (Flexible Image Transport System)

The Flexible Image Transport System (FITS) is a digital file format that serves as a standard for the exchange of astronomical data. Developed in the 1970s, FITS is particularly well-suited for storing images, tables, and data sets generated by telescopes and other astronomical instruments. The format is characterized by its ability to handle a wide variety of data types, including multi-dimensional arrays, which are essential for capturing the complexity of astronomical observations.

One of the key features of FITS is its extensibility; it allows for the inclusion of metadata in the form of header keywords, which provide essential information about the data, such as its origin, date of acquisition, and observational conditions. This metadata is crucial for ensuring that the data can be properly interpreted and reused by other researchers. FITS files can store multiple data units, making it possible to package a variety of related datasets into a single file.

FITS is supported by a broad range of software tools and libraries, which facilitate its use in data analysis and visualization. The format's widespread adoption in the astronomical community has led to the development of numerous applications that can read, write, and manipulate FITS files, ensuring accessibility and interoperability among researchers worldwide.

Additionally, FITS files are often used to store time-series data, spectral data, and other forms of scientific data, further enhancing its utility beyond simple images. The format is maintained by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and is regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of the scientific community.

In summary, FITS serves as a fundamental backbone for data sharing and collaboration in astronomy, enabling researchers to work together by providing a standardized way to handle complex datasets. Its robust design has made it a lasting choice for scientific applications, ensuring that it remains relevant in contemporary research.

What programs can open FITS format?

  • SAOImage DS9
  • FITS Liberator
  • AstroPy
  • FITS Viewer
  • MaxIm DL
  • Aladin
  • Gnuplot

Use cases for FITS format?

  • Storing astronomical images from telescopes
  • Exchanging data between different astronomical software programs
  • Archiving scientific data for long-term use
  • Analyzing time-series observations in astronomy
  • Sharing data from space missions like Hubble and Kepler
  • Visualizing multi-dimensional datasets in astrophysics