Explore the universe from your PC
Forget Google Earth – new Microsoft technology takes you on an interstellar adventure
By James Stables on 14 May 2008
It's caused excitement in the technology industry and even evoked tears in the eyes of bloggers, and now it’s available for everyone to use: Microsoft WorldWide Telescope has landed.
This couples Microsoft’s Photosynth technology – which enables vast 3D experiences to be made from hundreds of photos – with NASA’s array of galactic photos.
The result is a 3D universe which can be explored completely, taking meaningless 2D images and turning them into a virtual experience.
In this early preview you can zoom to any of the solar system’s planets, check out constellations and even view the earth.
The technology was developed by Microsoft Research, and whilst it’s one small step for Microsoft, it represents a giant leap forward for the way we view the universe.
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
You can download the Microsoft Worldwide Telescope here.
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