Tour the Moon, No Rocket Required

Here’s a fun one for the kids (and grown-ups, too), in honor of the 40th anniversary of the moon landing:

Google has launched an upgrade to its Google Earth software with information and activities about the lunar landings. According to Google, you can now:

• Take tours of landing sites, narrated by Apollo astronauts
• View 3D models of landed spacecraft
• Zoom into 360-degree photos to see astronauts’ footprints
• Watch rare TV footage of the Apollo missions

The Google Earth upgrade builds upon the more limited images that have been available through the Google Moon Web site for some time now. The Google Moon site seems to have some of the Apollo information as well, but not as much as the full Google Earth software. Google also offers maps of Mars and of the night sky, either via a Web browser or through Google Earth.

I’m a big fan of Google Earth, and the many layers of information—on culture, history, and the environment—they’ve tucked away amongst the maps. I think it’s a great use of technology. I don’t play with it too often, however, for fear of losing hours of productivity. I may, however, have to boot it up if only to share the Apollo missions with my son. It’s educational, after all. (And I was an astronomy major back in the day, so I feel an obligation.)

I’ve written once or twice before about various astronomy and geography software which can be fun for kids although intended for adults. Give it a try—but don’t forget to get out and view the real moon and stars once in a while. A pair of binoculars can go a long way. (Another helpful hint: Use a flashlight with a red lens or cover the light with red cellophane. Your eyes will adjust better to the dark that way.)

[Addendum: Want to watch the longest solar eclipse of the century, but don’t have the money to jet to Asia Wednesday? Here’s how you can follow it online.]

(Photo credit: NASA)