Google Sky Good for the Public - not so good for Astronomers?

[sheeny (Al)]

Here's an interesting discussion on google sky from nature:

http://www.nature.com/news/2007/0708.../070820-8.html

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

Fair points, but as it says, it's not designed to be a planetarium program. If it helps promote an interest in Astronomy, it's great.

[erick (Eric)]

Yes, I agree with the title. Google Sky has its place and will encourage a lot more people to look up, rather than down. But not good enough for star maps and hopping. Mind you, I must search for Hubble Deep Field and see what it finds.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by erick

Yes, I agree with the title. Google Sky has its place and will encourage a lot more people to look up, rather than down. But not good enough for star maps and hopping. Mind you, I must search for Hubble Deep Field and see what it finds.

You can download the hubble deep field shots from the hubble site. I used to have them as my computer wallpaper at work - great talking point!

Al.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

Lets remember that this is only the first release of this brand new product. Google Maps is becoming so informative that I think that it is becoming an indispensible service - maybe Google Sky will grow into a must-have as well.

[hubble]

Maybe two versions of the product should be made,
one intended for more productive purposes
and one simply to look at in shock and awe.

I do agree, it is a bit dodgy
I also agree that it is only its first release.
I am hoping the team at Google can make something of this brilliant idea.

[Domol (Domenic)]

i think that Google maps are great for just exploring the sky on a cloudy night. My kids were really impressed and i even saw a few new objects. It's far better than any software i've seen, (and won't replace them just yet) but astronomy software package beware!!!! Imagine google sky linking to your goto with click and point feature added!!!!