In this screen shot, Google profiles the constellation Orion. Google
Last week featured the rare occasion when an astronomy-related announcement resonated with skywatchers and the general public. Did SETI make contact with extrasolar life? Nope. Did astronomers find an asteroid on a collision course with Earth? Not even close. Instead, the Goliath of search engines released a beta version of Google Earth with a "sky" function. This enhanced tool turns the focus from our blue marble toward the universe.
Over the weekend, I played around with the beta version. For aesthetics, practicality, and usability, Google Earth's sky function doesn't hold a candle to software packages The Sky and Starry Night. That's unfair for a program still in its infancy. Still, that's why I didn't rush to test-drive Google Sky — I already use the best programs on my computer. I share the opinion of Angela Gunn, USA Today's tech maven, who commented on her blog, "My beloved Starry Night is in no danger of losing its spot on my Mac dock."
Although a bit sparse in relation to the release's hullabaloo, to be fair, Google Sky is a good start. No doubt Google and its partners will continue to enhance the tool. Initially, Google Sky will likely serve armchair observers and middle-school instructors trying to share the majesty of the universe with tweens who are more interested in the next installment in the High School Musical franchise.
Years ahead, Google Sky does possess the potential to cultivate a broad generation of amateur astronomers, as the Space Race did nearly 50 years ago. As light pollution continues to eradicate our night sky, urban dwellers under the age of 30 are more likely to describe a candy bar if you should ask for an observational report on the summer Milky Way. Google's efforts could instill a love of the night sky for those who otherwise may never see a truly dark sky. This will compel folks to join the fight against light pollution. And yes, I recognize the irony that the tool that may help develop an appreciation of the sky is hosted on light-emitting computer screens.
For amateur astronomers, will Google Earth's sky function eventually evolve to interact with computerized telescope mounts via a Wi-Fi connection? Perhaps I'm a dreamer, but I envision an observer mapping out an observing schedule using Google Sky, operating the scope via the same interface, transferring observation reports and images immediately, and comparing notes with other online observers. This reminds me of Apple's Front Row and its potential for revolutionizing our television-viewing experience.
Certainly this dream is years away and would require a joint effort of Google and large manufacturers like Celestron, Meade, and Orion. Combining Google's success, name recognition, general sleakness of its functions, and usability, I think it is a natural route for scope companies to reach a broader market with enhanced instruments. Would manufacturers buy into a Google partnership and relinquish some, if not all, of their autonomy concerning their instruments' operation software? Initially, that's quite a stretch, but let's see how Google Sky catches on with the public. If it is widely embraced, manufacturers will have to buy into Google Sky.