Now you can view Earth from aboard the ISS in VR

The "overview effect" comes to virtual reality.
By
Rachel Kraus
 on 
Now you can view Earth from aboard the ISS in VR
The view from space is getting a little bit closer. Credit: Bernt Ove Moss / EyeE / Getty Images

Most people will never get to see the Blue Marble that is Earth from the perspective of space. But a new VR experience takes us pretty dang close.

The makers of a VR documentary about life aboard the International Space Station are releasing a new "fully immersive" 7-minute experience called "Home Planet" that situates viewers inside the observational Copula Module aboard the ISS. The Cupola Module is basically like a little crow's nest from which astronauts can keep an eye on activities outside the ISS, and it comes with a universe-class view of Earth.

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Apparently, the feeling of viewing Earth from this vantage point and gaining that Carl Sagan-esque perspective is called "The Overview Effect." The new experience promises to give the public a VR version of that inspiring view.

"Home Planet" is debuting at Facebook Connect, the company's metaverse event, Thursday. But after 5 p.m. PST, anyone can find it for free in the Oculus TV app and in the Oculus Space Explorers app. Happy Earth viewing!

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Rachel Kraus

Rachel Kraus is a Mashable Tech Reporter specializing in health and wellness. She is an LA native, NYU j-school graduate, and writes cultural commentary across the internetz.


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