You have probably stared at a flat, cartoonish moon on a desktop wallpaper and wished it looked like the real thing. Moon 3D Space Tour is a screensaver that tries to fix that by rendering the Moon as you would see it from orbit.
Quick facts
- Version: 1.1
- Developer: FP Software lab
- Type: 3D-accelerated screensaver, shareware with a free trial
- Price: $14.95
- Platforms: Windows
Key features
A photo-realistic, astronomically accurate Moon
The animation shows the Moon viewed from space. According to the vendor, each frame is comparable with a photo of the Moon, so it can also serve educational purposes.
Rendering that avoids jagged edges
A custom rendering method is meant to avoid common 3D inaccuracies such as aliasing while keeping the speed acceptable.
Real craters and mountains, including the far side
Surface relief is based on rendered Moon topology maps. You also get to see the far side of the Moon, which is never visible from Earth.
One-click updates across the collection
The configuration dialog matches the other screensavers in the 3D Space Tour collection. Its Web-Update feature lets you preview and download new additions in a click or two.
Who it's for
You will get the most from it if you like astronomy, want something educational running on an idle desktop, or simply prefer a realistic Moon to a stylized one. Teachers and students can use it as a visual aid.
Pros and cons
- Pro: realistic, smooth, endless animation based on real topology maps.
- Pro: shows the far side of the Moon.
- Pro: a free trial is available before you buy.
- Con: it is an older Windows program, and it needs 3D acceleration.
- Con: it is a single-subject screensaver. Other bodies, such as Earth or Mars, are separate products.
FAQs
Does it need a 3D graphics card?
It is described as a 3D-accelerated screensaver, so you should have hardware 3D support.
Can I try it first?
Yes. The vendor offers free trials of its screensavers.
Are there other screensavers like it?
Yes. The same developer makes Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Galaxy screensavers in the 3D Space Tour collection.