Google Launches Web-Based Google Sky

Starting from March 19th, even without downloading the Google Earth 4.2 version software, you can "stroll through space" via your web browser.

Last year, the newly added Google Sky feature in the latest version of Google Earth 4.2 was greatly loved by astronomy enthusiasts. It allowed every ordinary person to virtually place themselves in space like astronauts, exploring the wonders of the universe. Today, Google officially launches the Google Sky Map, the web-based version of Google Sky, making it easier and more direct for users to enjoy the wonderful experience of roaming through space.

Open your web browser, log in to http://www.google.cn/sky/, and start your journey through space. Observe distant galaxies millions of light-years away, explore constellations, watch planetary movements, or even supernova explosions. Those incredibly detailed close-up shots come from research institutions such as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Telescope Science Institute, the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and the Digital Sky Survey Consortium. You can browse and zoom in to observe approximately 100 million stars and 200 million galaxies, search for them, or point randomly at any part of the sky.

When you first log in to http://www.google.cn/sky/, you might see the Cigar Galaxy, one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky. The satellite images may appear cold and lack warmth, so click the "Infrared View" button at the bottom of the page to see a warmer view of the Cigar Galaxy. You can also zoom in to get a closer look or enter any galaxy you wish to explore in the search box.

Currently, Google Sky is available in 26 language versions, including Simplified Chinese.