Google Sky

. [ [http://www.google.com/sky Google Sky ] ]

Google Earth version

The first version to be created was on the virtual globe program called Google Earth. It features many layers just as the earth part of the program does. [ [http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2007/08/google_earth_42_rele.html Google Earth Blog: Google Earth 4.2 Released - New Night Sky Feature ] ] It is also facing competition from Microsoft's WorldWide Telescope. [ [http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2008/02/worldwide_telescope_vs_google_sky.html Google Earth Blog: WorldWide Telescope vs Google Sky ] ]

Layers

* Welcome to Sky: An introduction to the Sky mode.
* Current Sky Events
** Earth & Sky Podcasts
** Hubblecast
** StarDate by the University of Texas
** VOEventNET
* Our Solar System: Shows locations, orbits and information of the Solar System.
* Backyard Astronomy: Shows information about constellations and other space sights visible from a backyard telescope.
* Featured Observatories
** Hubble Showcase
** Spitzer Infrared Showcase
** GALEX Ultraviolet Showcase
** Chandra X-Ray Showcase
** WMAP Microwave Showcase
** IRAS Infrared Sky
* Education Center
** Celestron SkyScout Audio
** Virtual Tourism
** User's Guide to Galaxies
** Life of a Star
* Historical Sky Maps
** Rumsey Star Maps
** Hevelius Constellations
* Sky Community: Posted KML files in the Sky forum in the Google Earth Community.

References