Google Maps the Sky

The latest version of Google Earth added a sky view where viewers can see stars and galaxies.  Look for a star like icon at the end of the toolbar which invokes a 360 degree panorama of the sky with constellations mapped out.  One can zoom in and out to see detail, although not necessarily with the same clarity as accompanying photographs.  Maybe we don't want the terrorists to see Ursa Major all that clearly.  Still, a sky map is a wonderful diversion.  Clicking the star icon toggles back to the Earth view. 

While we're on the subject of Google and extraterrestrial views, check out Google Mars from Google Labs.  You only need a browser and close-up views of Mars are just a click away.

Google Earth 4.2 is available here.