10
$\begingroup$

Google maps has a new (to me) feature, and it is pretty awesome! If you start at maps.google.com, switch to Earth view, and zoom all the way out, you get a view something like the one shown below.

It has a lot of features, namely

  • The Sun
  • The Moon
  • The bright and dark sides of the Earth
  • The bright and dark sides of the Moon
  • The Milky Way
  • The dark side of the Earth shows anthropogenic light

Are these features geometrically correct? Is the inclination of the galactic plane wrt to the plane of the ecliptic correct? Is the angular size of the Moon wrt to that of the Earth correct? Is it possible to find the other planets?

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Since Google Earth already has all that data for Sky mode, it wouldn't surprise me if it is represented in this view. $\endgroup$
    – called2voyage ♦
    Commented Apr 24, 2014 at 20:23
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ A larger question should be: Is GE a round earth or an ellipsoid? $\endgroup$
    – Deer Hunter
    Commented Apr 25, 2014 at 5:32
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ According to this answer from GIS:SE is should use the EGM96 geoid: gis.stackexchange.com/questions/20259/… $\endgroup$
    – SAnderka
    Commented Apr 25, 2014 at 12:18
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @SAnderka - the shape of the globe is spherical - groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!msg/kml-support-advanced/… Calculations may be done internally on a geoid, but the interface seems to be spherical. $\endgroup$
    – Deer Hunter
    Commented Apr 26, 2014 at 5:00

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Google tries to use live images from the Slough Space Camera (and the Hubble as far as I know), so yes, I would assume that all of the geometrics are accurate or at least extremely close. You can actually use a feature called "sky" with Google Earth which enables you to:

"Check out the new Slooh Space Camera layer to see live images of galaxies, objects and more. View constellations and the movements of the planets. Hear astronomy podcasts and read celestial research from expert sources. Create and share your own imagery, placemarks and more."

Check out this link, it would probably be the best place to start (and it's super cool because there is a video with a former astronaut!) :

http://www.google.com/earth/explore/showcase/sky.html

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.