NASA has developed an easy-to-use browser-based application that allows amateur scientists and enthusiasts to explore the surface of the asteroid Vesta. The browser lets users explore a 3D model created from data gathered by the Dawn spacecraft over the course of its year-long stint in orbit.
The software comes with a tutorial that teaches you how to view different physical features and examine different kinds of data. Users can even choose specific swathes of the asteroid to view specific and unique data sets.
While amateur astronomers and scientists will surely get a lot of pleasure out of scoping the asteroid Vesta, this sort of program could even have implications in the future, when crowdsourcing can be used to learn more about the various celestial bodies that occupy our universe.
Asteroid-Exploring Software
This Browser-Based Application Lets You Explore the Asteroid Vesta
Trend Themes
1. Asteroid Exploration - Developing advanced software tools for exploring, analyzing, and learning about asteroids opens up opportunities for space researchers to uncover new insights.
2. Crowdsourced Astronomy - Harnessing the power of crowdsourcing through user-friendly browser-based applications enables enthusiasts and amateur scientists to contribute to the study of celestial bodies, leading to new discoveries.
3. Interactive Data Visualization - Creating browser-based applications with interactive 3D models and customized data sets provides a unique visual experience for users and encourages more in-depth exploration of asteroids and other celestial objects.
Industry Implications
1. Space Research - The development of asteroid-exploring software opens up new avenues for space research organizations to study and understand asteroids in greater detail.
2. Education and Outreach - Utilizing browser-based applications to explore asteroids allows educational institutions and outreach programs to engage students and the public in the wonders of space exploration.
3. Data Analysis and Visualization - The need for advanced tools to analyze and visualize data gathered from asteroids presents opportunities for companies specializing in data analysis and visualization techniques.