Microsoft launches Worldwide Telescope service

Software giant Microsoft has launched their Worldwide Telescope service.

This free web based service provides access to images from the universe to users around the world.

The company said that the service combines images supplied by various sources including Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

Bill Gates, Microsoft’s chairman added: “The Worldwide Telescope is a powerful tool for science and education that makes it possible for everyone to explore the universe.”

Users are able to pick from a variety of telescopes. They also have the ability to switch between different light wavelengths.

The application requires Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, or later. It would work on Apple Mac through Boot Camp. The download is around 21 Meg big. Looks like a challenger to Google Sky feature of Google Earth desktop application. Not very intuitive to use for regular Google Earth users.

Checkout: Microsoft Worldwide Telescope

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