The retrieved images are based off of the FITS files created for the request and are roughly 350kb in size. We recommend using this interface only if you have 28.8 modem connection or higher. However if you have excellent connectivity to the SkyView server, the X-windows interface can have the fastest response. Then image requests can sometimes be served in 15 seconds or less. These down times are normally scheduled for the weekend, and we give advance warning as best we can.
Network traffic can be a fickle thing.
If you have trouble connecting, please send us e-mail, and we'll check to see if the problem is on our end. Check our Astronomy Links page for links to sites that provide star charts. We gratefully acknowledge the support of NASA and the contributors of SkyView data surveys.