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WorldWide Telescope vs Aladin Desktop: catalog facts
WorldWide Telescope	Aladin Desktop
Free Free and open source.	Free Free download from the CDS; the source code is also published.
Web	macOS
Large collection of sky imagery in the browser Guided tours with narration and slides	Access to over 20,000 survey and catalogue collections Direct links to Simbad, VizieR and other archives
Needs a fast internet connection Interface can feel dense for newcomers	Aimed at astronomers, with a steep learning curve for casual users Most features depend on online data services
Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

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