Google Earth: Sky

Google on Wednesday launched Google Earth 4.2 with Sky, allowing users to explore the universe by zooming in to distant galaxies hundreds of millions of light years away. Sky enables users to explore the constellations, see the planets in motion, and even witness a supernova explosion, according to Google. "It's like having a giant, virtual telescope at your command -- your own personal planetarium!" Google Earth 4.2 adds a new Sky button on the toolbar at the top of the screen providing access to more than 100 million individual stars and 200 million galaxies, as well as various natural phenomena -- such as the Orion Nebula -- and asteroids. Users can animate the solar system in motion, view some of the best photos taken with the Hubble Space Telescope, and overlay the sky with a microwave view to see temperature variations. Google Earth 4.2 is already available as a free digital download, with Plus and Pro editions priced at $20 and $400, respectively.

by MacNN Staff