How to Use Google Sky Maps to Explore Space

Most people may be familiar with Google Maps, but not many people know about Google Sky Maps, another offering for those interested in space. Google Sky Maps differs from Google Maps in that it provides a 3D simulation of the sky and solar system.

The app provides real-time information to compare changes in the sky and solar system. A great way to interact with your kids or develop a new interest. Read on to learn more about the objects that can be viewed in the app and how to use them.

Objects Viewable on Google Sky Maps

Before moving on to how to use Google Sky Maps, it’s important to note the viewable items on it. Some of the objects that can be displayed when you start Maps are:

• Solar system: this shows the different planets in the Solar System, including the moon and the sun.
• constellations: this is Aquarius, Aries, Cancer, etc. Shows the different constellations available.
• Hubble Showcase: this shows different collections of images previously recorded by Hubble Telescopes.
• Backyard Astronomy: this shows a view of the sky as well as the stars.
• Earth and Sky Podcasts: it contains sound particles of various events in the sky.

Other objects viewable on maps include the Chandra X-Ray Showcase, the GALEX Ultraviolet Showcase, and the Spitzer Infrared Showcase.

How to Access Google Sky Maps

Google Sky Maps can be accessed from a web browser and the Sky Map application. Here are the steps to access the map from the web or an app:

How to Access Google Sky Maps from a Browser

To access Google Sky Maps from a web browser, here’s what you need to do:

Stage 1: Launch your preferred web browser.

Note: For best results, Google Chrome should be your first browser option.

Step 2: Type Google Sky Maps in the address bar. The first result you see should be the weblink for Maps.

Visit Google Sky Maps

Stage 3: Click the link and it will launch the application.

How to Access Google Sky Maps from Play Store

Another way to access the map is the Sky Map application in the Google Play Store. Here are the steps you need to take to do this:

Stage 1: Launch Play Store on your Android phone or tablet

Step 2: Search for Sky Map in the search field and click Download.

Stage 3: Once the app is finished installing click on it and this should launch the map.

How to Use Google Sky Maps

There are many things you can do when you access the map. Some of the notable things you can do include:

Searching for Items on the Map

If you want to search for locations or celestial bodies, here’s what you need to do:

Stage 1: Launch the Sky Maps app on your phone or web browser.

Step 2: Select the search icon and enter the name of the item you want to see.

Note: Examples of items you can search for on the map are Orion, the Crab Nebula, or a specific longitude and latitude.

Stage 3: Click Search to show the results.

Navigating the Map

In the app version of the map, you can swipe left or right to navigate the map. You can also pinch the screen with your fingers to zoom in or out. If you want to switch to the web version of the app, here are the steps to follow:

Stage 1: Click the + or – buttons on the right side of the screen to zoom in or out.

Step 2: The cursor on the screen should look like a hand, hold your mouse left button and drag left or right to move around the map. You can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move left or right on the map. Here’s what each key represents in terms of direction:

• ⇧ to go north.
• ⇩ to go south.
• ⇨ To go east.
• ⇦ To go west.

Changing Views on the Map

You can also change the way the map is presented to you. In the web version of the map, there are three options in the right corner representing different views.

If you want to view the current scene in an infrared mode, select ‘Infrared’ to see the view captured as an Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). NASA’s Wilkinson Microwave Anistropy Probe (WMAP) can show you an image of the sky in microwave mode after the big bang event, for which you need to select the Microwave option.

Finally, if you like vintage maps, choose Historical to see the classic sky drawn by Giovanni Maria Cassini from the David Rumsey collections.

The Meeting of Sky and Earth

In conjunction with the Google Sky app, you can use Google Earth to explore the planet. However, Google Earth provides a satellite view of Earth. You can also use Google Earth to simulate flights or gain virtual flight experience.