AAS WorldWide Telescope

AAS WorldWide Telescope has a name that might throw one off. You won't get a telescope with this package, but a large collection of data sets designed to emulate a walk through space. Planets, galaxies, and other astronomical bodies should be represented with high accuracy by this neat utility.

Launching the application will land one in the middle of the solar system. You can use the mouse to navigate from one interest point to another, or use the directional controls provided by the program. Use the Explore tab to showcase planets, constellations, grids, nebulae, etc. You can focus on specific objects by selecting them from the layers menu or by using the Look At dropdown.

If you are looking for more in-depth lessons on certain subjects, the Guided Tours area can help. When a tour is engaged, the application takes control. You must simply lay back, relax and absorb the information presented by a professor, doctor, or other influential figures in the astronomy field.

users with low-end rigs are not going to enjoy their time with AAS WorldWide Telescope. The reason? Serious resource hogging that causes low response times and frame choppiness all over the place. Even with a high-end machine, the chances of having a smooth experience are not through the roof.

This issue might sound easy to fix, but it's simply the result of having so much information stored in a fairly compact app.

AAS WorldWide Telescope is not much to talk about in general, as this app focuses on showcasing the most important discoveries in astronomy. While it excels in the content department, the wheels are squeaking a bit when it comes to memory, offering a negative experience for low-spec PC users.