# Mitaka
**Wikidata**: [Q11233469](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11233469)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mitaka

## Summary  
Mitaka is astronomy software developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) for astronomical observation. It is named after NAOJ's Mitaka Campus in Tokyo and runs on Microsoft Windows. The software provides visualization tools for exploring celestial objects and phenomena.

## Key Facts  
- **Developed by**: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)  
- **Inception**: Released on February 1, 2005  
- **Latest version**: 1.7.3 (as referenced by NAOJ)  
- **Operating system**: Microsoft Windows  
- **Purpose**: Astronomical observation and visualization  
- **Named after**: Mitaka, Tokyo (location of NAOJ's headquarters)  
- **Website**: [https://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/html/program/mitaka/](https://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/html/program/mitaka/) (available in Japanese)  
- **Twitter handle**: @4d2u_mitaka (active since July 6, 2022)  
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Mitaka used for?  
A: Mitaka is astronomy software designed for visualizing celestial objects and phenomena, aiding researchers and enthusiasts in astronomical observation.  

### Q: Who created Mitaka?  
A: Mitaka was developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), an observatory founded in 1988 and headquartered in Mitaka, Tokyo.  

### Q: What operating systems does Mitaka support?  
A: Mitaka runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows, as confirmed by its development documentation.  

## Why It Matters  
Mitaka serves as a critical tool for astronomers and educators, enabling detailed visualization of space phenomena that would otherwise be difficult to observe directly. Developed by Japan's premier astronomical research institution, it leverages NAOJ's expertise to provide accurate and immersive simulations of the universe. By making complex astronomical concepts accessible, Mitaka supports both scientific research and public education, bridging the gap between professional astronomy and public engagement. Its focus on visualization helps users understand celestial mechanics, galaxy structures, and other cosmic phenomena, enhancing both academic and outreach efforts in astronomy.  

## Notable For  
- **Developed by NAOJ**: Backed by Japan's leading astronomical research institution.  
- **Named after Mitaka Campus**: Reflects its origin at NAOJ's headquarters in Mitaka, Tokyo.  
- **Windows-exclusive**: Optimized for Microsoft Windows, ensuring stable performance.  
- **Educational and research tool**: Used for both academic study and public astronomy outreach.  

## Body  
### Development and Release  
- Mitaka was released on **February 1, 2005**, by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ).  
- The latest confirmed version is **1.7.3**, as referenced by NAOJ.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Operating system**: Requires Microsoft Windows (inception: November 20, 1985).  
- **Language support**: Primary interface is in Japanese.  

### Naming and Origin  
- Named after **Mitaka**, Tokyo, where NAOJ's headquarters (Mitaka Campus) is located.  
- Developed at NAOJ's Mitaka Campus, which houses key astronomical research facilities.  

### Usage and Accessibility  
- Available for download on NAOJ's official website: [4D2U Project Mitaka Page](https://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/html/program/mitaka/).  
- Twitter account (@4d2u_mitaka) provides updates and announcements since **July 2022**.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Mitaka",
  "description": "Astronomy software developed by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan for celestial visualization.",
  "url": "https://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/html/program/mitaka/",
  "operatingSystem": "Microsoft Windows",
  "applicationCategory": "Astronomy",
  "softwareVersion": "1.7.3",
  "datePublished": "2005-02-01",
  "creator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "National Astronomical Observatory of Japan"
  }
}

## References

1. [Source](http://4d2u.nao.ac.jp/html/program/mitaka/mtk_FAQ.htm)
2. National Astronomical Observatory of Japan