Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/22/google_sky/
Google invades Outer Space
Welcome to Google Sky
Posted in Science, 22nd August 2007 11:01 GMT
Google has announced a nifty extension to its Google Earth which allows users to scan the night sky in search of constellations, planets, and other extraterrestrial wonders - Google Sky:
The add-on is available on the latest version of Google Earth, and hitting the "Switch between Sky and Earth" button on the top toolbar immediately offers an upward view with seven optional layers: Constellations; Backyard astronomy (info on objects visible to the eye and via small telescopes); Hubble Showcase (129 high-res Hubble snaps); The Moon (two months of lunar positions and phases); User's Guide to Galaxies (virtual galaxy tours); Life of a star (a star's life cycle explained); and Planets (positions of seven planets two months ahead). Here's some info on Mars:
Hmmm. We're not entirely sure this image of Mars is dated 22 July, and the system does seem to be suffering a few teething problems. For example, it insists on sending my placemarks into the depths of outer space, and accordingly there's a cluster of black helicopters [1] currently swarming around Canes Venatici, not far from the first topless Dutch sunbather [2] to venture outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Equally unlikely is this example of what happens when you click on Venus:
Or, if you want to see Uranus explode, try this:
Quite what that's all about is anyone's guess. Still, Google Sky is a another small step for Google towards aquiring all the data in the known universe. Happy intergalactic surfing. ®