AppsFromResearch
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NASA Selfies

NASA
Evidence Tier:TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a federal agency

For:General Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth
Free
Download on the App Store

App Summary

NASA Selfies superimposes a user's photo onto a virtual spacesuit, creating a shareable snapshot set against captivating images from outer space. The agency created the app to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Spitzer Space Telescope's launch, initially showcasing 30 of its notable infrared images. Users can share their space selfies on social media and learn about the science behind each cosmic location.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism This educational outreach application from NASA facilitates the creation of personalized space-themed images. The app's interface allows users to snap a self-portrait, which it then integrates into a virtual spacesuit. Users select a background from a curated gallery of high-resolution cosmic locations, such as the Orion Nebula, to generate a composite "space selfie" for social sharing. The tool also provides brief scientific descriptions for each background image, connecting the visual content with its astronomical context.

Development & Context

  • The app was developed to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the launch of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.
  • The news coverage notes its initial release featured a gallery of 30 distinct cosmic images captured by the Spitzer telescope.
  • The tool was part of a public engagement effort to showcase the telescope's discoveries and its role in astronomical imaging.
  • It was launched for both iOS and Android with plans to add images from other NASA missions in the future.

Intended Use & Scope This application is designed for the general public as a tool for entertainment and informal science education. Its primary function is to support public engagement with NASA's astronomical imaging missions through a creative, shareable format. The scientific information provided is for educational outreach and is based on developer-provided content from the news coverage.

In the Media

NASA Selfies' and TRAPPIST-1 VR Apps Now Available

NASA developed the NASA Selfies app to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Spitzer Space Telescope launch, allowing users to generate snapshots of themselves in virtual spacesuits posed against cosmic locations like the Orion Nebula. The app features 30 eye-catching images currently taken by Spitzer, with more images from other NASA missions planned for future updates. The simple interface lets users snap a photo, pick their background, and share on social media while providing scientific information about the stunning cosmic images.

NasaRead article

'NASA Selfies' and TRAPPIST-1 VR Apps Now Available

NASA developed the NASA Selfies app to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Spitzer Space Telescope launch, allowing users to generate snapshots of themselves in virtual spacesuits posing in front of cosmic locations. The app features 30 eye-catching images currently available, all taken by Spitzer, with plans to add more images from other NASA science and human spaceflight missions in the future. The simple interface lets users snap a photo, pick their background, and share on social media while providing information about the science behind the stunning images.

NasaRead article

NASA Selfies

Free

iOS