What is MIME type "image/fits"?

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

The MIME type image/fits refers to the Flexible Image Transport System format. It is used for storing scientific images and data from telescopes and research instruments.

A FITS file contains a header with detailed metadata. This header explains the structure and interpretation of the data. This makes the format ideal for precise scientific work.

Data Storage: Supports multi-dimensional arrays and data tables for astronomical imaging.
Metadata Integration: Embeds descriptive details that help analysis software understand the data.
Interoperability: Widely accepted among observatories, space research centers, and scientific software.

Files using this format may have extensions such as FIT, FTS, or FITS.

More details are available at the FITS Home.

Associated file extensions

.fit, .fts, .fits

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/fits

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/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', 'image/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.