What is a FITS file?
FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) is the most commonly used digital file format in astronomy. It is designed to store scientific data sets, consisting of multi-dimensional arrays (1D spectra, 2D images, or 3D data cubes) and a header that describes the data.
FITS files are used by major observatories like NASA to store images of stars, galaxies, and nebulae. Our Online FITS Viewer allows you to open these scientific files and visualize the astronomical data within them.
How to View FITS Files Online
Upload FITS
Drag and drop your .fits file into the viewer.
Visualize
The tool renders the astronomical data as an image.
Export
Save the visualization as a standard PNG image.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open FITS files?
Scientists use software like DS9 or various Python libraries (Astropy). For quick viewing without coding or installation, use our online FITS viewer.
What does FITS stand for?
FITS stands for Flexible Image Transport System. It is the standard format for astronomical data interchange.
Can I see color in FITS files?
Raw FITS files are often grayscale (representing light intensity). Color is usually added by combining multiple FITS files taken with different filters, but this viewer will display the single-channel data as a grayscale image.