The WorldWide Telescope (WWT) is a Web 2.0 visualization software environment that enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope—bringing together imagery from the world’s best ground- and space-based telescopes for the exploration of the universe.
WWT blends terabytes of images, information, and stories from multiple sources into a seamless, immersive, rich media experience delivered over the Internet. Students of all ages will feel empowered to explore and understand the cosmos using WWT’s simple and powerful user interface.
The mission of the WWT is twofold:
· To aggregate scientific data from major telescopes, observatories, and institutions and make temporal and multi-spectral studies available through a single, cohesive Internet–based portal
· To stimulate interest in science among younger generations, providing a compelling base for teaching astronomy, scientific discovery, and computational science
Utilizing the Microsoft high performance Visual Experience Engine, WorldWide Telescope allows you explore the universe as never before. It enables you to seamlessly pan the sky and to zoom in on celestial features, including stars, nebulae, and planets. You will be able to find several sources at hand, for every object you explore.
The data in WWT is not only readily accessible; it is presented in a form that facilitates integrative research, thereby helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research, education, and public knowledge. WWT represents a major step toward the democratization of science, and it has turned the Internet into "the world´s best telescope"—a veritable supercomputer at your desktop.
Requirements:
· PC with Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster, recommended
· 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM; 2 GB RAM recommended
· 3D accelerated card with 128 megabytes (MB) RAM; discrete graphics card with dedicated 256-MB VRAM recommended for higher performance
· 1 GB of available hard disk space; 10 GB recommended for off-line features and higher performance browsing
· XGA (1024 x 768) or higher resolution monitor
· Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing and scrolling device
· Microsoft DirectX version 9.0c
· .NET Framework 2.0
· Required for some features; Internet connection at 56 Kbps or higher through either an Internet service provider (ISP) or a network. Internet access might require a separate fee to an ISP; local or long-distance telephone charges might also apply
What's New in This Release: [ read full changelog ]
· New releases of both the Windows and web Client are now available with many new features and bug fixes. The Windows Client has photo-realistic rendering of the Earth and Sun, as well as shadows of Jupiter's moons. The new Cosmos rendering incorporates the most advanced view of the universe outside of our Galaxy ever available. Both versions include new features for professional astronomers, including displaying FITS images and Virtual Observatory queries.
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