NASA celebrates 15 years of space telescope with free VR, mobile apps

NASA catstronaut

NASA has launched two new free apps for mobile and virtual reality devices to celebrate 15 years of its infrared Spitzer Space Telescope. Both apps use spatial data nerveless from the advanced telescope.

Available now on both iOS and Android, the NASA Selfies app allows users to take selfies in front of diverse locations in infinite. Some of the vistas include the heart of Earth'south abode milky way of the Milky Manner galaxy and the distant Orion Nebula.

There are currently 30 space images to choose from, with NASA set to add more at some point in the future. The Selfies app also includes information on the science backside each image.

The second Spitzer-related app,NASA'due south Exoplanet Excursions , allows VR users to collaborate with v of the 7 planets that orbit the TRAPPIST-1 cherry-red dwarf star. Co-ordinate to NASA, the TRAPPIST-ane is the only known exoplanet organization to host seven roughly Globe-size planets.

Normally, the system is too far away from Earth to be visible, given that it's located 39.half-dozen calorie-free-years from the Sun. Even so, the Spitzer telescope has been able to collect plenty data on the system to help artists create 3D renderings capturing what the TRAPPIST-1 planets' surfaces might expect like.

The VR app is now available for download on Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets through the Spitzer mission website. An Oculus Store version will exist available "shortly," according to NASA.

A 360-degree version of the experience is also available on the NASA Spitzer's YouTube channel for mobile VR devices like the Google Paper-thin.

Source: NASA Via: VRScout