FAQ

Questions about the archive, its records, and its updates.

These answers cover the most common source and formatting questions.

They come from NASA collections with public catalog pages. Each image entry keeps the collection name, the record title, and a link back to the original item.

They come from Library of Congress records and public collection pages. The archive keeps the catalog details close to the image so readers can check the record in one place.

If a page uses video, the clip gets the same treatment as an image record: a clear title, a credit line, and a short note about why it belongs in the archive.
Practical questions

Common questions about display, citation, and updates.

What image sizes are used?

Images are shown at the size the layout needs. The source file is kept detailed enough for the page, and the browser scales it to fit the card or banner.

How should the images be cited?

Use the record title, the collection name, and the original page link. That gives the reader the same trail the site uses internally.

How often does the site change?

Updates usually arrive in small batches. A new page, a revised caption, or a fresh credit line is easier to review than a large rewrite.

Can the text be reused?

The notes can be quoted with attribution to the archive page. The collection records and media keep their original credit lines.

Why is the writing so short?

Short notes keep the focus on the record. The page already has titles, dates, and collection names, so the prose only needs to point readers in the right direction.

What belongs in the source list?

A useful entry includes the item title, the collection name, the original page, and a short note about the file used on the site.

Why are NASA and LOC records used so often?

They come with solid catalog pages, clear dates, and easy credit paths. That makes them reliable anchors for a small public archive.

How do new pages get added?

A new page is added when the record, the caption, and the credit line are ready together. That keeps the page family consistent.

More detail

A few extra notes for readers who want the basics in one place.

Why keep the image pages separate?

Separating the pages makes browsing easier. Each page can focus on one kind of record without crowding the others.

Why use public collection pages?

Public collection pages make it easy to check the title, date, and origin of each item.

Why does the site favor compact notes?

Compact notes are easier to scan on a phone or a laptop, and they leave room for the source record to speak for itself.

What should a reader expect from future additions?

Future additions should follow the same pattern: one record, one credit line, and one short description.

Quick reference

Where to go for the common reader tasks.

A compact directory helps the FAQ act like a useful front desk rather than a wall of answers.

TaskBest pageWhat it contains
Check a credit lineSourcesOriginal collection links, local files, and media credits.
Browse images quicklyImage notesCards for sky, Earth, map, print, and planetary records.
Read one object in detailSelected noteA focused Carina Nebula page with related records.
Find maps and surface recordsMap roomCity maps, lighthouses, Mars tracks, and the Perseverance video.
Follow a routeReading pathsShort routes through sky, orbit, print, surface, and video material.
Understand file choicesColophonHow images, videos, captions, and support files are grouped.