Mitaka is software for visualizing the known universe with up-to-date observational data and theoretical models, developed by the Four Dimensional Digital Universe (4D2U) project of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). It navigates across the universe seamlessly from the Earth to the edges of the known universe.
Mitaka is optimized for 3D visualizations on multiple screens at the 4D2U theater in NAOJ's Mitaka headquarters. However, it can also be used on a single Windows PC.
Funding sources of the project are: "Construction of 4-Dimensional Digital Universe and Its Application to Research and Education" funded by Research and Development for Applying Advanced Computational Science and Technology of Japan Science and Technology Agency (ACT-JST: 2001-2004), and "Construction of an Image Distribution System for the 4-Dimensional Digital Universe" funded by the Special Coordination Fund for Promoting Science and Technology of the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as part of their Program for the Effective Promotion of Joint Research with Industry, Academia and Government (2004-2007). Now, Mitaka has been developed by the developer voluntarily.
