Microsoft has been trying to compete with Google for long but Google products and services have always won user trust because they are free and simple to use. However in the case of Microsoft's Worldwide Telescope the scenario may change indefinitely.

Microsoft Worldwide Telescope is an application similar to Google Earth/Sky that will allow users to take virtual trips of galaxies, stars and space or more clearly it can be said that Microsoft Worldwide Telescope is a Web 2.0 visualization software environment that enables your computer to function as a virtual telescope—bringing together imagery from the best ground and space-based telescopes in the world for a seamless exploration of the universe.

WorldWide Telescope is created with the Microsoft high performance Visual Experience Engine and allows seamless panning and zooming around the night sky, planets, and image environments. All the images are downloaded from Microsoft servers so you don't need to worry about storing terabytes of high-resolution images on your PC.

The application will surely give a tough competition to Google Sky as it is more detailed and features an advanced technology. Do give it a try if you like exploring the universe or even just for fun

Download Microsoft Worldwide Telescope