Google Builds Space Maps: Users Can Browse Close to 100,000 Stars

The dazzling structure of the galactic disk, where scientists estimate that there are approximately 40 billion hot stars in the Milky Way, presenting blue luminance.

The image shows the relative positions of many star systems. By simply clicking on an object's name, we can obtain more information about that system. For instance, the HR 753 star system located on the far left is in the direction of the constellation Cetus, and the one on the far right is the Gliese 570 system, where scientists believe the planet Gliese 570d exists.

Google has launched a new interactive space map application to satisfy users' curiosity about exploring the universe. This cosmic map, named "100,000 Stars," reveals the stellar systems near the Sun’s vicinity, with around 100,000 stars mapped. However, this represents just a small corner of the Milky Way. Scientists currently estimate that there are approximately 40 billion stars in the galaxy, and what we can browse is only an extremely tiny fraction. As users experience it, they will feel how insignificant we are. Typically, the hottest stars appear blue on the cosmic map, while red indicates aging stars.

Google's "100,000 Stars" cosmic map is based on data from NASA and the European Space Agency, featuring stars located in the space surrounding the Solar System. Besides browsing these stars, users can also admire the magnificent view of the Milky Way from a certain angle. This is also an example of Google showcasing advanced web technology. Currently, the farthest spacecraft humans have built is Voyager 1, which was launched in 1977 and has now exited the heliosphere of the Solar System, entering interstellar space to begin exploring the unknown outer regions beyond the Solar System.

Aaron Koblin, a researcher at Google's Creative Lab, believes that when we place ourselves in this scene, we realize what a miracle it is to be able to share such vast cosmic spaces. The 100,000 stars we touch represent just a minuscule part of the broader universe's stellar systems.