Now you can view Earth from aboard the ISS in VR

Most people will never get to see the Blue Marble that is Earth from the perspective of space. But a new VR experience takes us pretty dang close.

The makers of a VR documentary about life aboard the International Space Station are releasing a new "fully immersive" 7-minute experience called "Home Planet" that situates viewers inside the observational Copula Module aboard the ISS. The Cupola Module is basically like a little crow's nest from which astronauts can keep an eye on activities outside the ISS, and it comes with a universe-class view of Earth.

Apparently, the feeling of viewing Earth from this vantage point and gaining that Carl Sagan-esque perspective is called "The Overview Effect." The new experience promises to give the public a VR version of that inspiring view.

"Home Planet" is debuting at Facebook Connect, the company's metaverse event, Thursday. But after 5 p.m. PST, anyone can find it for free in the Oculus TV app and in the Oculus Space Explorers app. Happy Earth viewing!