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published in Proceedings SPIE 14151, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems XI issue Proceedings Volume 14151, pp. 141513A (2026)

Abstract: Astronomical photographic plates constitute one of the most valuable scientific archives in astronomy, preserving more than a century of observations that have contributed to a wide range of research fields, including stellar variability, solar activity, astrometry, transient phenomena, solar system science (planets, planetary satellites, meteors, and lunar observations), and studies of Galactic structure. Since the first astronomical photographs in the nineteenth century, millions of glass plates have been accumulated worldwide. However, many collections face risks associated with aging infrastructure, environmental degradation, loss of metadata, and declining insti- tutional support. Over the past two decades, major international efforts have emerged to preserve and digitize these archives. Projects such as DASCH (USA), SHAO (China), NAROO (France), DAMIAN (Belgium), APPLAUSE (Europe), and several national initiatives have demonstrated the scientific value of plate digitization and long-term digital preservation. This paper reviews the global status of astronomical plate archives, summarizes the principal digitization technologies currently in operation, and discusses future strategies for creating interoperable worldwide digital archives. Particular attention is given to metadata preservation, Virtual Ob- servatory integration, machine-learning applications, and international cooperation through the IAU Working Group on Preservation and Digitization of Photographic Plates (PDPP).

Keyword(s): Astronomical Plate Digitization ; Historical Archives ; PDPP-IAU Working Group ; International Collaboration ; Astronomical Heritage ; Plate Preservation ; Astronomical Research
DOI: 10.1117/12.3103253
Links: link
Funding: DIGIT-04/DIGIT-04/DIGIT-04