Google Sky's the Limit

Not long ago, there was much ado when Google Earth's mapping service stitched together actual up-close photos of streets and houses to complete its topographical surveys. Some folks felt their privacy was being violated, and others were ecstatic that their voyeuristic tendencies were finally being addressed. Proof positive you just can't satisfy all the people all the time.

The good news is, Google Earth has now added a feature to its software called Sky. Google Sky turns the intrusive Google Earth cameras around and instead of streets and corner shops, pans the tapestry of stars overhead. Earth-bound folks who are overly sensitive about their privacy can rest easy, as more and more spying eyes will be turning away from their dinner tables and showers to look out at the vastness of space. Voyeurs now have a whole universe and possibly millions of species of E.T. at which to peep.

Google Sky was the fruit of the University of Washington's participation in the Google Visiting Faculty Program, making possible visits from leading academic researchers. Google's Pittsburgh engineering team created Sky by stitching together imagery from numerous scientific third parties, including the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) among others.

"Never before has a roadmap of the entire sky been made so readily available," said Dr. Carol Christian of the Space Telescope Science Institute, who co-led the institute's Sky team. "Sky in Google Earth will foster and initiate new understanding of the universe by bringing it to everyone's home computer."

Numerous other third parties also contributed to the images one can access using the virtual telescope, including the Digital Sky Survey Consortium, the United Kingdom Astronomy Technology Center, and the Anglo-Australian Observatory.

A backyard astronomy layer lets users click through stars, galaxies, and nebulae visible to the eye, binoculars, and small telescopes. Sky is an amateur astronomy buff's dream come true.

This is an exciting new feature of Google Earth. I personally can't wait to use it. I just hope I don't come across that awful Planet of the Apes.