¡Ú4D2U, Going to the space with NAVIGATOR -National Astronomical Observatory-¡Û
by Aya Miura
On the 13th of October, 2005, the web-site of 'National Astronomical Observatory's Four Dimensional Digital Space Project' (shortened to be 4D2U Project from here) was greatly renewed. The new site has enabled the astronomical data viewer 'Mitaka' and the movies visualizing such data to be downloaded on the net. It has also put the newest information on the development of the project. The newly created service "4D2U NAVIGATOR" makes it possible for the users to view the contents developed in the project while moving in the space smoothly on the web-browser (flash). Then what is "4D2U NAVIGATOR" ? If you access to the following web-site and read the text, you'll grasp what it is like.
"4D2U NAVIGATOR" is the three dimensional space map to browse movies and still images produced in the 4D2U Project. By locating the objects referred to by the movies and still images with their sizes in this space map, it's made easy for us to grasp spatial understanding of the explained objects.
"The smooth and speedy image expression made possible by the continuous movement of its visual point will give you the sense of the vastness of universe and the comfort of smooth driving. We'll be happy if you feel you're taking a compressed space trip."
This comment given by one of those who were engaged in the development of the site explains to us that this site gives us the feeling of freely moving in the space beyond the distance of 'light years' that is hard to grasp through the usual senses of ours. You can also drop in at various astronomical objects and know about their special characters through texts.
"This is a project to draw the development of the structure of universe with the most advanced computer technology and make you witness the current universe pictured through the most recent observed data."
The renewed web-site with consistent logo-design and blog system has made the fruits of the project more friendly to its general viewers. What does it have to do with design? You may wonder. Before asking such a question, go visit the web-site. YouŽÕll know how high and unique the design of "4D2U NAVIGATOR" is. You are invited to the space trip earlier than its actual realization.
¢§LINKS
¡ÚNational Astronomical Observatory 4D2U NAVIGATOR Project¡Û
¢¨ Go to 4D2U NAVIGATOR-DEPARTURE
¡ÚCo-developer¡¿Jun Kosaka's web site¡Û
