FITS Preview For Mac

The FITS image file format has been developed to deal with scientific data and is usually employed in astrophotography. The FITS Preview application offers you the option to visualize the image content stored in FITS files, the metadata, or the image histogram.

The user interface is represented by a simple window where you get to preview the FITS image files. Note that FITS Preview opens a new window for every file, and you get to visualize multiple files at the same time.

Most of the image controllers are placed in the app’s top toolbar while in the bottom area you get to see details about the image resolution, the pointer position, and so on.

Note that FITS Preview also offers you the possibility to view the FITS files metadata, and the image histogram. Naturally, these are not editable, and you cannot export the information either. However, FITS Preview allows you to export the image content to a more common image file format: JPEG.

Within the window, you get to zoom in or out the image, to flip or rotate the picture, or to select the Bayer Mask offset you want to use. Moreover, FITS Preview can apply automatic stretch settings, but also enables you to manually adjust the black and white point values.

As a result, you can use FITS Preview to analyze specific areas captured by your telescope’s camera, make the necessary adjustments to highlight certain aspects, and then export the image to a more conventional file format.

To conclude, FITS Preview is a great tool to have around when working with astronomy image files: you get to preview and analyze the data without dealing with complex tools. On the other hand, even though the JPEG file format is quite popular, having more options when it comes to exporting might prove beneficial.