Microsoft wants to bring students and astronomy enthusiasts a little closer to the secrets of the universe, by launching a beta version of a free software application, called WorldWide Telescope, a Web tool that brings together high-resolution images from ground and space-based observatories all over the world and makes science easy and fun.

The new application, which is available for download at http://www.worldwidetelescope.org, combines software and Web 2.0 services created with Microsoft’s Virtual Experience Engine, offering endless and incredible possibilities of exploring space like never before.

“The WorldWide Telescope is a powerful tool for science and education that makes it possible for everyone to explore the universe,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft and great supporter of educational programs for children willing to learn. “By combining terabytes of incredible imagery and data with easy-to-use software for viewing and moving through all that information, the WorldWide Telescope opens the door to new ways to see and experience the wonders of space.”

Users have the option to look through a specific telescope, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory Center and many others. The images will display the celestial bodies in a way that relates to their actual position in the sky, Microsoft unveiled, adding that users will also be able to view locations of the planets in the night sky, whether in the past, present or future.

“WorldWide Telescope brings to life a dream that many of us in Microsoft Research have pursued for years, and we are proud to release this as a free service to anyone who wants to explore the universe,” said Curtis Wong, manager of Microsoft’s Next Media Research Group. “Where is Saturn in the sky, in relation to the moon? Does the Milky Way really have a supermassive black hole in the center of the galaxy? With the universe at your fingertips, you can discover the answers for yourself.”