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Gaia Sky vs WorldWide Telescope: catalog facts
Gaia SkyWorldWide Telescope
Free

Free and open source under the MPL-2.0.

Free

Free and open source.

Windows, macOS, Linux Web
  • Uses real scientific catalogs including Gaia star data
  • Handles around a billion objects in real time
  • Large collection of sky imagery in the browser
  • Guided tours with narration and slides
  • Large datasets need significant download space and capable hardware
  • Aimed at scientific exploration rather than a guided planetarium experience
  • Needs a fast internet connection
  • Interface can feel dense for newcomers
Downloadable app Web application
Open source Open source
License: MPL-2.0 License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Needs internet

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.