Computer giant Microsoft Corp. and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) have teamed up to produce the most detailed 3-D images of space and the planets through the so-called “WorldWide Telescope.”
Microsoft’s “WorldWide Telescope,” which has been steadily increased viewership on the Internet, is the galactic version of Google Earth.
With the help of NASA, Microsoft was now able to produce high-definition 3-D images of objects and planets that can be found in the Milky Way and other galaxies.
One of the highly talked about image was the true color map of the entire Mars surface, taking online users to a “Total Recall” experience.
Microsoft also launched the first of its kind, high-resolution spherical sky map called the “TeraPixel,” which users can view using a virtual telescope.
TeraPixel, which is also under the WorldWide Telescope program, is the largest and clearest spherical image of the sky.
The image was made possible through Digitized Sky Survey, which is a collection of hundreds of thousands of images that were taken in a 50-year period by two survey telescopes on Earth.
The combination of the collected images gives users the spherical and panoramic view of the night skies, which would require 50,000 HD televisions to view.
Scientists at NASA expressed surprise to the outcome of the project, saying that they can now navigate through space using TeraPixel and make their own discoveries.
NASA’s chief technology officer for IT, Chris Kemp, said that the release of the two programs, Microsoft and the space agency have lowered the barrier in accessing the thrill of space.
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