Convert FITS to PPM

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 Portable Pixmap (PPM) file extension, an image format within the Netpbm family, stores simple, uncompressed images. Introduced in the late 1980s, PPM supports RGB color and grayscale images, making it suitable for basic image processing and conversion tasks. Its plain text encoding simplifies debugging and data manipulation, although its lack of compression results in larger file sizes compared to modern formats. As such, PPM finds limited use in contemporary applications, mainly in educational and experimental settings where ease of implementation and readability are prioritized.