Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WorldWide Telescope free?
The WorldWide Telescope (WWT) software is free for academic use. For details, please refer to WorldWide Telescope Terms of Use.

What are the differences between the WWT Windows client and the WWT Web client preview?
We launched the WorldWide Telescope Windows client in early 2008 and are now offering the WorldWide Telescope Web client as well —a Web-based version of WorldWide Telescope that enables seamless, guided explorations of the universe from within a Web browser by using the power of Microsoft Silverlight 3.0.

The WWT Windows client offers a range of professional features, including tour authoring, inter-application communication, and connection to telescopes that are not available in the WWT Web client. View a more detailed comparison of the features.

What is the WWT-ADK?
The WWT Academic Development Kit (WWT-ADK) contains tools that allow users to customize how they use the WWT. The WWT-ADK May 2009 Release contains three utilities:

• SphereToaster and StudyChopper tools, that enable users to convert their astronomical images, panoramas, sky surveys, and planetary textures to a format that can be read by WWT and shared with other WWT users.
• The WWT Localization Tool, that enables users to easily localize the WorldWide Telescope user-interface into other languages.

Do you provide any funding for research and/or education efforts that use WWT?
The WWT Academic Program recognizes academic researchers and students who demonstrate innovative use of the WWT to enhance research and education in astronomy and other sciences. For details, please contact us at wwt-ap@microsoft.com.

Where can I learn more about the WorldWide Telescope?
Read the WWT overview and find additional frequently asked questions.

WorldWide Telescope Topics

• Home
• Collaborations
• Downloads and Resources
• Academic Advisors
• FAQ

Conferences and Workshops

• WWT for IYA2009 and Beyond @ AAS213
  January 5–7, 2009
• WWT @ the Microsoft Research Latin American Faculty Summit
  May 13-15, 2009

Related Links

• WorldWide Telescope (WWT)
• WorldWide Telescope Web Client
• WWT Academic Development Kit (WWT-ADK)

Contact Us

For questions, feedback, and collaboration and funding opportunities,
contact us at wwt-ap@microsoft.com.