Information technology and science: The grand project to create maps of the Universe launched

The research group of Microsoft did the major project to create maps of the Universe the WorldWide Telescope, which uses data and photographs collected by the telescopes around the world, including the telescope “Hubble” by NASA agency, said at the official website of the research group.

Nowadays, the scientists have proven that the Universe has about 300 billion stars in the Milky Way galaxy. Approximately the same number of galaxies exists in the Universe. Through the project the WorldWide Telescope, scientists and developers have collected a detailed 3D-panorama of the Universe, which will make a “flight” above any planet, star and galaxy known to mankind. The user will be able to see the entire universe through a single image.

However, developers perceive that they have created maps not only as entertainment for fans of physics and astronomy. Program director of the project, Dan Fay hopes that NASA will use WorldWide Telescope for their further studies, and students – during the studying. Thanks to the efforts of Microsoft research group the program is simple to manage even on the tablet. Soon, the developers plan to create a version for mobile devices.

Microsoft also released a special interface API (Application Programming Interface), which allows developers create the training presentations in the program, both from educational and entertainment purposes.