WorldWide Telescope

What WorldWide Telescope actually is

Originally a Microsoft Research project and now run by the American Astronomical Society, WWT layers real survey imagery across the entire sky, from radio through to X-ray. Pan and zoom between wavelengths, switch to a 3D solar system view, or play back guided tours built by other users.

Why it is worth your time

Cross-fading one patch of sky between visible light and infrared makes the dust clouds appear and vanish, which no single photograph can show you.

Common questions

Is WorldWide Telescope free?

Yes. WorldWide Telescope is free and does not ask you to register or hand over an email address before you can use it.

How long does WorldWide Telescope take?

Five to fifteen minutes of proper attention. We file it under "Coffee break" — every major sky survey, stitched into one seamless view.

Does WorldWide Telescope work on a phone?

WorldWide Telescope really wants a mouse and a wide window. It will load on a phone, but the experience is built for desktop.

What kind of site is WorldWide Telescope?

We list it under Cosmos & Scale — zoom out until you feel small. Cross-fading one patch of sky between visible light and infrared makes the dust clouds appear and vanish, which no single photograph can show you.