Microsoft WorldWide Telescope

What's new in this version:

HiPS Support:
- In tandem with the web client, the WWT 2022 Windows application adds long-awaited support for HiPS datasets! This feature was contributed by the China-VO developer group. The new version includes a large built-in database of HiPS datasets accessible in a new top-level folder in the “Explore” ribbon. Both imagery and catalogs are supported. HiPS catalog data can be displayed to update on-the-fly as the WWT viewport moves around on the sky.

Updated Oculus Support:
- The new WWT Windows application supports modern Oculus VR developer kits, instead of the preview versions, providing compatibility with current headset models

Image-Based Projector Distortion Calibration:
- There is early work to support calibration of dome projector distortions by processing a captured grid display from third-party software. This functionality is not yet documented, so reach out to [email protected] if this capability may be of interest to you.

Exploring FITS Cubes:
- Some FITS cubes can now be loaded in the app such that you can scrub through the cube planes interactively

Updated Branding and System Locations:
WWT assets have been updated to align with AAS’s stewardship of the project. In particular, installation and data storage directories are now filed under “American Astronomical Society” rather than “Microsoft Research”. In particular:
- The default installation location has moved from [ProgramFiles]Microsoft ResearchMicrosoft WorldWide Telescope to [ProgramFiles]American Astronomical SocietyAAS WorldWide Telescope
- The user data storage location has moved from [LocalAppData]MicrosoftWorldWideTelescope to [LocalAppData]American Astronomical SocietyWorldWideTelescope. (Here, [LocalAppData] is usually C:Users[user]AppDataLocal.)
- The location for WWT configuration registry keys has moved from HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWorldWide Telescope to HKCUSoftwareAmerican Astronomical SoftwareWorldWide Telescope.
- These moves may break the usages of some tools such as the Remote Control or custom system startup scripts

More 3D Models:
- Now glTF 3D models (.glb files) can be displayed
- “Universal Windows Platform” Framework
- While we are still only distributing the standard WWT Windows application, the WWT 6 codebase has undergone extensive revisions to prepare it for build in the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), laying the groundwork for making WWT available on a variety of different devices.