FITS File Summary


The FITS File Summary window shows information about FITS extensions and higher order data planes with NAXIS > 2. This window is opened from a FITS file opening command, such as Open FITS File, when the FITS file contains more than one HDU or an HDU with NAXIS > 2. An image having NAXIS > 2 is often called a "data dube," even if NAXIS = 4 or higher. Each row of the window lists data for each HDU, and each plane of an HDU having NAXIS > 2 is indicated by a checkbox near the right end of the grid. Note: This window is used by several commands, and it may not show all options in all instances.

Using the FITS File Summary Window

The picture above shows the FITS File Summary for an image having a primary HDU and 4 additional extension HDUs. The first HDU is a PRIMARY header that contains general file documentation and no data array. The other extensions each contain a data array with 2 planes. Since the leftmost box is checked for opening the entire HDU, the plane boxes do not need to be checked. Clicking [Open] results in displaying eight 2-dimensional images in an Image Window. Below are tips for using this window.

Properties in the Fits File Summary

Column Heading

Column Contents

Check this box in the heading of the left-most column to select all HDUs beyond the primary HDU.

To select a specific HDU, check its box in the specific row.

Type

The first (or only) HDU is listed as PRIMARY. For the second and higher HDU, the value of theXTENSION keyword is listed.

Name

The first (or only) HDU is listed as PRIMARY. For the second and higher HDU, the value of the EXTNAME keyword is listed.

Object

Lists the value of the OBJECT keyword.

BitPix

Lists the value of the BITPIX keyword.

Pixel

Lists the array pixel type indicated by the BITPIX keyword.

Dimensions

Lists the data array dimensions using the values of the NAXIS1,NAXIS2, NAXIS3, and higher keywords.

1, 2, 3, ...

Select planes to open by ticking for each specific plane. To select all planes, tick for the HDU, and select Planes: Select all planes.

Open as Image Set

Controls whether the selected HDU's (rows) are opened as an Image Set in a single Image Window.

Planes:

For HDUs with NAXIS > 2, this list specifies which planes to open. It does not appear if all HDU's have NAXIS = 2. The options are self explanatory, as follows:

  • Select all planes

  • Select specific planes

  • Select first plane only

Help

Click this button to open "Topic Help" for the Mira Project Manager.

Related Topics

Contents

Image Windows

Working with FITS Format

Open command

Open FITS File

View and Search FITS Header

Save and Save as Commands

FITS Keywords

Pixel Scale Sensitive FITS Keywords

FITS Header Editor

FITS Header Pane

Modify Keywords

Add Metadata


Mira Pro x64 8.80 User's Guide, Copyright Ⓒ 2025 Mirametrics, Inc. All Rights Reserved.