Bored
of checking that stripped-down version of Facebook? Try space instead. NASA
will phone home daily views of the infinite cosmos, as long as you're sporting
a shiny new Apple iPhone and a neat new software application.
Eager
star-gazers can download the iAPODViewer, developed by the London-based
software company Send Me to Space, and receive pictures directly from NASA's
Astronomy Picture
of the Day Web site. A professional astronomer's description accompanies
each picture.
"The
iAPOD application allows people to get a unique glimpse of our fascinating
universe directly on their mobile phone," said Michael Kaye, a lead
iAPODViewer developer.
Kaye
said that the company hopes the new app will "encourage a whole new
generation of space enthusiasts" who want to gawk at space images on the
move. That almost goes unsaid for astronomy students and space enthusiasts who
don't mind shelling out a little over $2 at the Apple iTunes Store
iPhone
users can take advantage of a keyword search function to uncover every Picture
of the Day ever published, as well as save their favorite
pictures. Shaking the iPhone or iPod Touch produces a random image each
time.
The
software is also compatible with iPhone Safari, but specifically designed from
the streamlined interface of an iPhone, designers said.
The
new Apple app joins a growing number of astronomy-centered software for
netizens, including Microsoft's free online WorldWide
Telescope which allows users to zip through a virtual night sky.
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