Google has expanded the boundaries of Google Earth to include views of the universe with a new add-on called Sky. The tool, found in Google Earth 4.2, offers high-resolution photographs from the Hubble Space Telescope and educational information about stellar discoveries and constellations.
Getting to Google Sky was a little confusing, but it's actually an icon right in the middle of the page (circled). The first screen shows constellations to make it easier to find what you're looking for. With your mouse you can rotate 360 degrees around the sky and can also zoom in and out with your scroll wheel.
When you find a highlighted star, nebula or galaxy, you can zoom in. The diamond shape indicates more information is available. The Orion Nebula is located in the Orion galaxy--it's the hunter's weapon.
Many stars, galaxies or interstellar phenomenon contain pictures and information--some directly from the Hubble site.
Google Sky also has a special section on the life of stars. Here's the page on red stars that are nearing the end of the stellar life cycle.
Google Sky lets you zoom in for surprising details. This star is Betelguese, which is the right arm in the Orion galaxy. While unnamed on the map, it is depicted accurately as orange-red in color and large.
Don't forget that this is a free beta. Out of nowhere pops directions to Anchorage, Alaska. It must be for vacationing aliens or an addition to the
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Another apparent bug is the Eiffel Tower that sits next to Ursa Major or the Big Dipper.
Here's a closer look at the Bug Nebula where you can click for a photo or more details.
Here's a closer look at the Bug Nebula where you can click for a photo or more details.
This tool isn't limited to stars. There are images of galaxies, clusters, stellar winds and more.
