Microsoft does online astronomy

Can't wait to show my kids this when they get home from school:

Twirling galaxies, exotic nebulae and exploding stars are now just a mouse click away for amateur astronomers.

Microsoft has launched WorldWide Telescope, a free tool that stitches together images from some of the best ground- and space-based telescopes.

Collections include pictures from the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes, as well as the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

The web-based tool also allows users to pan and zoom around the planets, and trace their locations in the night sky.

From the BBC; note that the application has to be run with Windows. The article also mentions other online astronomy sites, including Google Sky and Stellarium. The NY Times also has a writeup, that notes:

There are many online astronomy sites, but astronomers say the Microsoft entry sets a new standard in three-dimensional representation of vast amounts data plucked from space telescopes, the ease of navigation, the visual experience and features like guided tours narrated by experts.

Posted by David on May 13, 2008 12:09 PM