Microsoft has just announced the launch of the FREE Worldwide Telescope Software......download it from here: http://www.worldwidetelescope.org/
but beware, the servers are groaning due to the enormous response to this product. Free lah, so everybody's kiasu now.

Great piece of work by Microsoft, buggy as hell, their usual trademark (but then again, who cares, it's FREE!)

Once I can get the ASCOM drivers downloaded (another site which is in trouble now due to the launch of the WWT), I can use this software to control almost all my favourite telescopes....a very nice touch by Microsoft (open standards by Microsoft? Unheard of! Hehe)

No telescope? Never mind, this program allows you to simulate the most popularly available consumer telescopes in addition to the commercial observatories and space telescopes...you name it, it's there!

Great way to test run a telescope before you buy it!