What it does
The European Southern Observatory supplies astronomical observations, illustrations, facility photographs and videos. Its image archive separates subjects such as galaxies, nebulae and exoplanets from categories including illustrations and people.
Image records identify the image type, dimensions, scientific subject and credit before listing available formats. First Image of a Black Hole, for example, is labelled Observation and offers an original file, large JPEG, publication TIFF and smaller JPEG options. This makes it possible to choose a publication file without treating every preview as the same output.
ESO generally permits reuse without a fee under CC BY 4.0, unless an item states otherwise. Reproduce the complete credit visibly and identify modifications. For video, a hidden description is insufficient; an on-screen or clearly visible end credit is suitable. The policy excludes commercial use of images containing identifiable people.
Strengths
- Records distinguish observations from other image types.
- Publication-oriented formats sit alongside larger originals and screen-size files.
- The rights guide gives practical instructions for credits in print and video.
Watch out for
- The full credit must remain visible and unshortened.
- Commercial use of identifiable-person images is excluded by ESO’s policy.
Best for
- Science publishers and video producers preparing astronomy visuals
Sources
- Images | ESO (Oct 27, 2026)
- First Image of a Black Hole | ESO (Oct 27, 2026)
- Copyright Notice | ESO (Oct 27, 2026)
- eso1907a.jpg: publication JPEG (Oct 27, 2026)