Convert FITS to G3

The FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) file extension is widely utilized in the field of astronomy for storing, transmitting, and manipulating scientific data and images. Originating in the late 1970s, FITS was developed by NASA and the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to standardize the format for astronomical data. Its primary use is to archive astronomical images, spectral data, and other multidimensional data arrays, enabling efficient data interchange among scientists and astronomers. FITS files are known for their ability to store metadata and large datasets, making them essential for detailed scientific analysis and long-term preservation in research environments.

The G3 file extension refers to the CCITT Group 3 Fax Image, a standardized format developed by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT), now known as ITU-T. This format was created to efficiently compress black-and-white fax documents for transmission over telephone lines. It employs a method called Modified Huffman Coding for data compression, enabling reduced transmission time and bandwidth usage. G3 was widely adopted in the 1980s and 1990s as the primary standard for fax transmissions, ensuring compatibility across different fax machines and systems.