by Laura Hinds

Created on: July 22, 2009

Google Earth has recently launched an exciting new feature: a new brand new tool that allows users to view a three dimensional atlas of Earth's moon! The special timing of this launch is no coincidence- users were able to start enjoying the sight of a "full moon" on their computers exactly 40 years to the day after the Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to moon-walk.

"Moon" as a component of Google Earth is not only unique because it is three dimensional, it is also an interactive atlas of our moon.

As many people wonder why NASA has not pursued further trips to the moon in recent decades, this wonderful age of computers has brought accessibility to the everyday man. Anyone can download Moon in Google Earth and use this feature for free. It is an upgrade to Google Earth (also free) and will give this amazing opportunity to millions and millions of people all over our planet Earth.

For professional presentations or organizations, there is a Google Earth Pro imaging software available for a fee. At present this fee is $400.

Moon in Google Earth is an easy download to add on to Google Earth. You can find both at Google.com, or simply go to your Google toolbar and type in Google Moon or Google Earth. What could be easier?

Using Moon in Google Earth visitors can explore the Moon's service through a range of panoramic photographs, videos which include NASA footage that has never been released to the general public before. In addition to seeing the surface of the moon, one can take a guided tour in video format with narration by Buzz Aldrin and fellow Astronaut Jack Schmitt from Apollo 17 as they take you step by step through landing sites.

You will also be able to see three dimensional models of NASA spacecraft when they landed, and even use the zoom feature to see entire 360 degree pictures of the astronaut's footprints!

Television footage of the Apollo missions, most of it rare and unseen by the public is also a special feature of Google Earth Moon.

Each mission landing site provides images very much like the photos Google Earth uses to show street views. Users will also have the ability to scan the surface for artifacts and equipment that NASA Astronauts left in the wake of their historic visits. You may even find similar artifacts from other countries, including China, Japan, the Soviet Union and the European Union.

So, yes, you can see the moon using Google Earth Moon! You'll see and enjoy more of it than you ever thought was possible without leaving your own home, let alone your home planet!

Learn more about this author, Laura Hinds.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.