16 May 2008
World Wide Telescope Launched!
Posted by Aether under: Community News .
A couple of days ago Microsoft Research finally released their long anticipated World Wide Telescope, which should really be entitled “The Universe Wide Telescope”.
I was excited about the idea of this, and how the concept lent itself to facilitating certain facets of Universe Story telling in a wonderfully graphic way. But the reality of what Microsoft Research labs has done… is absolutely mind boggling. This is quite simply one of the most amazing accomplishments of our species to date. After all, a century ago we weren’t even aware that there were other galaxies than our own, and now look at the scope of knowledge that is commonly available to grade school children. To have facilitated this project, and then to release it free as an educational / inspirational tool is generous to say the least. And it is easily the first time I have been sincerely excited about owning a PC. Sorry Mac folks (of which I am first and foremost), but this seems like it is going to remain squarely in the PC realm. If you don’t own a PC, I would counsel getting friendly with someone who does, or convince your local library to install World Wide Telescope as a community service.
In a nutshell, this endeavor is highly recommended. The requirements for your PC are pretty high, but extremely worth while. And when you’ve realized that countless hours have gone missing in your life, I know nothing…
World Wide Telescope.
Lots of love,
Eric
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