What is MIME type "application/fits"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/fits is used for files following the Flexible Image Transport System standard. This format is common in astronomy for storing digital images and scientific data.

It embeds a detailed header that explains the contents of the file. This header holds metadata like observation details and calibration info. The format supports multi-dimensional arrays and tables, which helps scientists analyze complex datasets.

Used to store astronomical images and spectra.
Houses extensive metadata for data integrity.
Supported by many scientific software suites and libraries.

Files with the extensions FITS, FIT, and FTS follow this standard.

For more details on the format, visit the NASA FITS page.

Associated file extensions

.fit, .fts, .fits

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/fits

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/fits">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/fits');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.fit, .fts, .fits

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.