Convert FITS to EPS
Max file size 100mb.
FITS vs EPS Format Comparison
| Aspect | FITS (Source Format) | EPS (Target Format) |
|---|---|---|
| Format Overview |
FITS
Flexible Image Transport System
Scientific image format developed by NASA and the International Astronomical Union FITS Working Group (IAUFWG), first defined in 1981. Supports 8/16/32/64-bit integer and 32/64-bit floating-point pixel data with multi-extension architecture for storing multiple images and tables per file. Includes WCS (World Coordinate System) metadata for celestial coordinate mapping. The standard data format for astronomical observatories worldwide. Lossless Standard |
EPS
Encapsulated PostScript
Vector/raster graphics format based on Adobe PostScript language. Contains a self-contained PostScript program that describes an image or illustration. Widely used in professional print workflows and desktop publishing since 1987. Standard Format Lossless |
| Technical Specifications |
Data Types: 8/16/32/64-bit integer, 32/64-bit float
Structure: Multi-extension (images, tables, headers) Metadata: WCS celestial coordinates, extensive headers Byte Order: Big-endian (FITS standard) Extensions: .fits, .fit, .fts |
Type: Vector + embedded raster
Color Modes: RGB, CMYK, Grayscale Resolution: Resolution-independent (vector) Preview: Embedded TIFF/WMF thumbnail Extensions: .eps, .epsf |
| Image Features |
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| Processing & Tools |
FITS data handling with astropy and Python: from astropy.io import fits
import numpy as np
# Open FITS file with full header access
hdul = fits.open('observation.fits')
header = hdul[0].header # WCS, telescope info
data = hdul[0].data # Pixel array
# Access multi-extension data
for ext in hdul:
print(ext.name, ext.data.shape if ext.data is not None else 'No data')
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EPS generation from FITS astronomical data:
from astropy.io import fits
from PIL import Image
import numpy as np
hdul = fits.open('planetary.fits')
data = np.clip(hdul[0].data, 0, 255).astype('uint8')
img = Image.fromarray(data).convert('RGB')
img.save('planetary.eps')
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| Advantages |
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| Disadvantages |
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| Common Uses |
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| Best For |
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| Version History |
Introduced: 1981 (NASA/IAU FITS Working Group)
Current: FITS Standard 4.0 (2018) Status: Active, universal astronomical standard Evolution: FITS 1.0 (1981) → 2.0 (1988) → 3.0 (2008) → 4.0 (2018) |
Introduced: 1987 (Adobe Systems)
Based On: PostScript Level 2/3 Status: Mature, still used in print Evolution: EPS (1987) → EPS 3.0 (1992) → largely superseded by PDF |
| Software Support |
Astronomy: ds9, IRAF, PixInsight, Aladin, TOPCAT
Libraries: astropy (Python), cfitsio (C), FITSIO (IDL) Space Agencies: NASA HEASARC, ESA archives, MAST Other: ImageMagick, GIMP (via plugin), Pillow (limited) |
Editors: Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Inkscape
Libraries: Pillow, Ghostscript, ImageMagick Publishing: InDesign, QuarkXPress, LaTeX Other: Ghostscript interpreter, Preview (macOS) |
Why Convert FITS to EPS?
Converting FITS to EPS creates publication-ready figures for astronomical journals and conference proceedings. Major journals including The Astrophysical Journal, Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society accept EPS format for submitted figures.
The EPS format integrates seamlessly with LaTeX document preparation systems used throughout academic astronomy. Converting FITS observation data to EPS allows direct inclusion in research papers via \includegraphics, maintaining professional typographic quality alongside scientific imagery.
Observatory press offices and outreach departments convert FITS data to EPS for high-resolution print materials including press releases, posters, and educational brochures. EPS's resolution-independent nature ensures that astronomical images scale cleanly from brochure size to conference poster dimensions.
The conversion process maps FITS scientific flux data to display-quality RGB values and encapsulates the result in a PostScript container suitable for professional print workflows. The output is compatible with CMYK color separation for commercial printing.
Key Benefits of Converting FITS to EPS:
- Journal Standard: Accepted by ApJ, A&A, MNRAS, and all major astronomical journals
- LaTeX Compatible: Direct inclusion in LaTeX documents via \includegraphics for academic papers
- Resolution Independent: Scales from thumbnail to A0 poster without quality loss
- Print Production: CMYK color separation support for commercial astronomical printing
- Professional Quality: Industry-standard format for publication-grade astronomical figures
- PostScript Power: Can include vector annotations, labels, and coordinate grids
- Archival Stability: Mature format with guaranteed long-term readability in publishing workflows
Practical Examples
Example 1: Journal Publication Figure
Scenario: An astrophysicist prepares a publication figure showing a quasar spectrum observation for submission to The Astrophysical Journal, which requires EPS format.
Input FITS file (quasar_spectrum.fits):
FITS astronomical data: Resolution: Quasar spectral energy distribution Data: Flux-calibrated spectrum Instrument: Keck DEIMOS spectrograph Content: High-redshift quasar z=3.2
Output EPS file (quasar_spectrum.eps):
Converted EPS output: Resolution-independent output CMYK print compatible PostScript vector elements Journal-ready format
Example 2: Observatory Press Release
Scenario: An observatory public outreach office prepares a high-resolution press release image of the Pillars of Creation for print media distribution.
Input FITS file (pillars_of_creation.fits):
FITS astronomical data: Resolution: 6000×4000 HST composite Data: Narrowband false-color Instrument: Hubble WFC3/UVIS Content: M16 Eagle Nebula pillars
Output EPS file (pillars_of_creation.eps):
Converted EPS output: Print-quality 300 DPI CMYK color separation Scalable for any print size Professional layout ready
Example 3: Conference Poster Astronomical Chart
Scenario: A graduate student creates a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram from Gaia satellite data for a conference poster, needing EPS format for the LaTeX poster template.
Input FITS file (hr_diagram.fits):
FITS astronomical data: Resolution: Gaia DR3 color-magnitude data Data: BP/RP photometry Instrument: ESA Gaia satellite Content: HR diagram 100,000 stars
Output EPS file (hr_diagram.eps):
Converted EPS output: LaTeX \includegraphics ready Vector annotation overlays Scalable to A0 poster size Clean axis and label rendering
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is FITS format?
A: FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) is the universal data format for astronomy, developed by NASA and the IAU FITS Working Group. Since 1981, it has been the standard for storing scientific observations from telescopes, with support for multi-dimensional arrays and World Coordinate System metadata.
Q: What is EPS format?
A: EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is a graphics format based on Adobe's PostScript language, introduced in 1987. It supports both vector and raster content and is widely used in professional printing, academic publishing, and desktop publishing workflows.
Q: Why convert FITS to EPS?
A: Many astronomical journals (ApJ, A&A, MNRAS) accept or require EPS format for publication figures. Converting FITS to EPS creates print-ready images with resolution-independent quality suitable for professional scientific publications.
Q: Is EPS still relevant for scientific publishing?
A: While PDF has largely replaced EPS in many workflows, EPS remains widely used in LaTeX-based scientific publishing. Many astronomy journals still accept EPS figures, and the format integrates well with LaTeX document preparation systems.
Q: Can EPS preserve the coordinate grid from FITS?
A: The basic FITS-to-EPS conversion creates a raster image in EPS container. To preserve coordinate grids, use astronomical visualization tools like ds9 or matplotlib with WCSAxes to render the coordinate system before exporting to EPS.
Q: What resolution should I use for EPS output?
A: For journal publication, 300 DPI is the minimum requirement, with 600 DPI recommended for images containing fine detail. Most journals specify their resolution requirements in their author guidelines.
Q: How does EPS handle the dynamic range of astronomical data?
A: Since EPS output is typically 8-bit RGB raster, the full dynamic range of FITS data must be scaled using appropriate stretching functions (linear, logarithmic, or asinh) before conversion. The stretch choice significantly affects the visibility of faint features.
Q: Can I add annotations to the EPS output?
A: EPS supports PostScript drawing commands, so annotations can be added programmatically. However, for astronomical figures, it's better to add annotations (labels, arrows, scale bars) in the visualization tool before exporting to EPS.