Google Earth expands to the moon but why?

Google Earth launched its new update on the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, which allows users to explore the moon like they are able to explore the ocean floors virtually, thanks to Google Earth version 5.0.

We’ve all seen pictures of the moon landing, and while it looks like it may be fun for a half-day excursion on a school trip, quite frankly, I think exploring the moon extensively would be rather dull. The low gravity factor will hold you enthralled for all of fifteen minutes, but after that there are only so many rock formations and craters you can point out before you’ll need to bump into the man on the moon and discover something made of cheese to alleviate the boredom. And exploring the moon virtually can’t be much better, can it?

The Google software update has been marketed to pay tribute to the revolutionary NASA landing which changed the way we think about space exploration and even science fiction, but will it be useful in the long run? The moon is quite a large landmass being similar in size to North America and Russia combined, but in relation to Earth, and even the ocean floors, there is not all that much to see, mostly as a result of the absence of life and geographical variety.

Despite my criticisms, the new update has the backing of the first female private space explorer, Anousheh Ansari, who wrote in her blog:

“Moon in Google Earth enables you to explore lunar imagery as well as informational content about the Apollo landing sites, panoramic images shot by the Apollo astronauts, narrated tours and much more. I believe that this educational tool is a critical step into the future, a way to both develop the dreams of young people globally, and inspire new audacious goals”.

I must admit that Google Earth: Moon can be a valuable educational tool for school reports and interesting snippets, but how is it different from any interactive online encyclopedia already in existence?

The project is in line with Google and NASA’s Space Act agreement, and Japan’s space agency, Jaxa, has also helped out by donating some of their space data. In this way it will allow people access to images and tours which they normally wouldn’t have unless they flew to the United States and visited NASA. Having said that, NASA has its own interactive webpage, with a ‘kid’s club page’ that offers various animated space games and the latest space imagery.

Not everyone subscribes to my criticism of Google Earth: Moon. A colleague of mine, David Bailey, has the following positive viewpoint:

“If Google backs something on this scale, it is usually for a very good reason. I believe they are looking towards the future, and they realise that the potential for space exploration, and consequent space colonisation, is still in its infancy and has great potential. I firmly believe space exploration is inevitable, and Google is trying to get an early jump onto the bandwagon.”

But my comment on that is ‘what a waste of money!’ What about poverty relief and job creation? Aren’t the problems (and delights) on earth enough for us? Are our God complexes so overpowering that we have to start mapping and ultimately colonising the rest of space too? Or is it simply our avid inner-explorers who refuse to be silenced; after all they are the reason the human race is so successful (and destructive).

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the moon, which looks beautiful in the night sky and it has its place in fantasy and fiction (with werewolves and the rest), but I’m quite happy just to appreciate it as a glowing and changing orb in the sky, and know the basic science behind it (i.e. made of rock, low gravity, not ideal for life etc.). Still, for those budding space explorers out there, I would put aside my skepticism and say, ‘well it’s actually pretty cool’, even if it is just a sort of anniversary edition of Google Moon, which was released four years ago. As for further moon exploration and space mapping, I will be an unashamed socialist (on this count) and say, ‘feed your people first’.

Tags: Google Earth

7 Responses to “Google Earth expands to the moon but why?”

Sandy Cosser Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 8:34 am

Interesting point of view, and one with which I completely disagree. The moon represents something greater than humankind and I belive that journeying to it doesn’t feed our God complexes but rather diminshes them and evokes some much needed humility.

Plus, it’s a fascinating place, even if it is devoid of life. Part of its appeal is trying to determine whether it will ever be able to sustain life because I think that at some point we will have to colonise it, not only as we squeeze each other off Earth but because we need to make a solid start with space exploration and the moon is the most convenient starting point.

I agree that poverty relief and job creation are massively important, but we shouldn’t cast aside dreams of inter galactic space travel simply because it doesn’t seem financially prudent. If we all had that attitude I reckon we would all stil be living in isolated pockets of humanity never knowing that a broader world exists.

And, what is Google going to do about global poverty relief anyway. They’re about (or are supposed to be about) making information accessible and bringing the moon closer to humankind is one way of encouraging learning and nurturing dreams and adventurous spirits.

But I’m a bit of a sci-fi geek and virtually a Trekkie, so my views may be somewhat biased

Brett Pringle Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am

I’d probably use Google Earth to have a look at the moon, just in case i find the autobots hiding behind a moon crater would make my day

Frances van den Berg Says:
August 4th, 2009 at 9:42 am

I really liked your comment Sandy, it’s certainly very thought-provoking. Personally, I hope we don’t reach the point where we colonise the moon out of necessity. And I agree that sometimes we just have to take a leap into the unknown even if we aren’t sure of the rewards it will bring. Google is definitely not in the business of poverty relief, but instead in the massively important business of information distribution like you say but it is NASA’s efforts in space which make this information possible. NASA, a government organisation, whose existence has its roots in asserting America’s technological superiority. I would love to have a look at their budget and how they spend it because aside from providing us with free satellite transmissions and advances in aeronautics, I can’t really see how much headway we’ve made in the last 40 years (I mean not even a hint of an autobot in a moon crater:) But it’s just my opinion and admittedly I don’t know all the ins and outs of the space programme….

David Bailey Says:
August 12th, 2009 at 8:37 am

http://www.virgingalactic.com/flash.html?language=english
Enough said.

Marisa Says:
August 21st, 2009 at 12:52 pm

I tend to agree with you Frances. Like you say, sure it’s educational, but we have loads of educational resources about the subject already. I would probably snooze off after about 5 minutes of exploring the wonders the moon holds.