Microsoft's new Telescope offers easy access to the universe

Microsoft's new Telescope offers easy access to the universe

Tools

Story Published: May 13, 2008 at 6:37 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 6:45 PM PST

By Associated Press

Watch the story
SEATTLE (AP) - Microsoft Corp. launched its WorldWide Telescope late Monday, bringing the free Web-based program for zooming around the universe to a broad audience.

WorldWide Telescope, developed by Microsoft's research arm, knits together images from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and others.

Computer users can browse through the galaxy on their own or take guided tours of different outer-space destinations developed by astronomers and academics.

The site lets users choose from a number of different telescopes and switch between different light wavelengths.

"The WorldWide Telescope is a powerful tool for science and education that makes it possible for everyone to explore the universe," said Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, in a statement.

http://www.worldwidetelescope.org

Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 45.0 °F
Rain Fog/Mist
More Weather

Weather & Traffic

More Weather

On Demand

Stay Connected

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Viewer Poll

Vote for the best high school play of the week -- Watch the plays!

  • Issaquah's Peterson Pulls Away
  • Runaway Ref
  • O'Dea's Forch The Porsche