Professional and amateur space aficionados are in for a treat with the new Space Images Version 2 app, created by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif. The free app is now optimized for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android, and is also available online.

The app's higher-resolution images and improved user interface allow galactic admirers to zoom in on and rate their favorite images and share photos from NASA/JPL spacecraft with their friends on Facebook and Twitter.

The Space Images app uses an intuitive category-selection tool. People can see the initial batch of images, showing galaxies, stars, the sun and planets - including Earth and dwarf planets -as well as videos and editor picks.

In the videos tab, users can see footage compiled by active NASA/JPL spacecraft and watch movies about astronomy and various space missions. Additional images will be added in coming months.

The app release is coupled with the launch of a Space Images website, which pulls in ratings from the app and allows users to create an account and photo albums, as well as download wallpapers.

The website also includes an extensive collection of images in an easy-to-browse and interactive format.

After its release in January 2010, the original version of Space Images was selected as an iTunes "Staff Favorite," became a top app in the App Store's Education category, and reached over half a million downloads. The app has been praised for its extensive and stunning image collection and for its educational uses.

Click here to download Space Images free.

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