Sunday, August 26, 2007

VOEventNet

VOEventNet.org

http://voeventnet.org

VOEventNet gives you a live look at real-time astronomy.

The sky is a dynamic place. VOEventNet connects you directly to the data feeds astronomers use to track gamma ray bursts and gravitational microlensing events (if those terms don't make sense, don't worry: they're explained in the layer introduction). The links are updated every 15 minutes with new detections, follow-up observations and analysis. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/voe_vent_net_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/voe_vent_net_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Where is Hubble?

STScI and NASA

http://hubblesite.org

Want to know where the Hubble Space Telescope is? Find out here.

Do you know where the Hubble Space Telescope is? It could be overhead or located somewhere else in the sky. When displayed in Sky, you can see where Hubble is projected on the background of stars, and it updates as Hubble moves! Is Hubble visible tonight? Have a look. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/where_hubble_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/where_hubble_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Sally Ride Science

Sally Ride Science

http://www.sallyridescience.com

From Sally Ride Science, explore the Galaxy with "It's Astronomical!"

Take an educational tour through the universe beyond our own solar system with this preview of "It's Astronomical!", a series of books produced by Sally Ride Science. Led by Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, Sally Ride Science is dedicated to fueling girls' and boys' interests in science, math and technology. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/sally_ride_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/sally_ride_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Exploding Star Animation

Space Telescope Science Institute

http://hubblesite.org

What is a light echo? See one in action...

What is a light echo? See one in action as a star called V838 Mon explodes. These Hubble Space Telescope images show the light from the star reflecting off the dusty material nearby in various stages, showing an animation of the explosion. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.


http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/exploding_star_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/exploding_star_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Exoplanets

California and Carnegie Planet Search

http://exoplanets.org/

Visit the 200+ planetary systems discovered by astronomers with the California & Carnegie Planet Search.

The California & Carnegie Planet Search presents Exoplanets. This KML will take you on a tour of the 200+ extra-solar planets discovered by astronomers in the last two decades. View a diagram of the orbits for each planetary system, and compare to the orbits of Jupiter and Earth drawn in for scale. Additional information includes planetary masses, properties of the host star, and links to the original discovery papers. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/exo_planets_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/exo_planets_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

STScI's Best of Hubble Tour

STScI and NASA

http://hubblesite.org

Highlights from the Hubble Space Telescope ....

Enjoy some of the best images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope. Discoveries from the telescope have transformed the way we see the universe because Hubble's exquisite resolution shows extreme detail of astronomical objects. Browse through the images, and learn the science behind these amazing views of the universe. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/best_of_hubble_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/best_of_hubble_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Solar System in Motion

Google, Inc

http://earth.google.com/sky/skyedu

Planets, moons and asteroids, zooming across the Sky....

Why stop at 8 planets? This KML includes 95 objects from the Solar System: the planets, dwarf planets, and major planet moons and asteroids... along with 2 years of orbital data. You can turn on the orbital path for each object in the file, showing the loops and curls as they go through their retrograde and prograde motions. Or zoom in on Jupiter and recreate the observations
that led Galileo to disprove the geocentric model of the Solar System. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.


http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/solar_system_motion_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/solar_system_motion_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Microwave Sky

Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe

http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/

A glimpse of the oldest light in the universe, as seen by the WMAP satellite.

This overlay, which maps out differences in temperatures in the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, was created from data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe satellite. This map provides astronomers with the deepest possible look at the universe; the photons making up this image have traveled through space for over 13 billion years. The Microwave Sky helps researchers learn about the infancy of the universe, and puts our own Galaxy into new perspective. You will need to switch to Sky in Google Earth 4.2 to view this content.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/microwave_sky_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/microwave_sky_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth 4.2

Monday, August 13, 2007

Travel Adventures

Boris Kester

http://www.traveladventures.org

Treat yourself to a guided tour of the globe.

This KML enables you to travel the world, seeing the sights along the way. With photos, descriptions and links, this KML is a highly informative and interesting account of one individuals jet-setting to the far reaches of our globe.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/travel_adventures_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/travel_adventures_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

African Wildlife Foundation

African Wildlife Foundation

http://www.awf.org/googleearth

Explore the work being done by the African Wildlife Foundation.

This KML enables you to view the work being done by the African Wildlife Foundation. The file provides information about African Heartlands, conservation work and a fascinating animation showing the tracking of collared elephants.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/african_wildlife_foundation_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/african_wildlife_foundation_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Saturday, August 11, 2007

International Flights Animation

James Stafford

http://www.barnabu.co.uk

See a spectacular animated display of flight routes.

This KML is one of the most innovative we have come across. Using the animation features within KML, James Stafford has created a file which animates flight routes from several international airports in the United States. Once you've opened the file, press the "play" button next to the time slider at the top of the viewer and watch the routes unfold as a visually exciting display.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/flight_animation_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/flight_animation_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

PopSci.com's Future of the Environment

Popular Science

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/environment/26937c1702fc3110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

Learn and visualize climate change taking place on our planet.

The issue of climate change and its potential to affect us all is becoming an increasingly "hot" topic. This KML created by Popular Science, acts as a guide to the environmental issues causing concern for scientists. Current issues and possible solutions are explored using photos, descriptions and overlays. If viewing this entry from the Google Earth Gallery, you may like to check out the updated Google Earth Outreach showcase page where this is featured.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/popsci_foe_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/popsci_foe_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

South American Trade

The Timoney Group

http://www.thetimoneygroup.com

View an interesting representation of trade in South America.

Geographical information doesn't necessarily mean flying around your neighbourhood. Sometimes, it's about providing a geographical context for information to be displayed, such as in the example here. The Timoney Group have created this KML giving an overview of trade in South America. Hovering your mouse over each country's placemark allows you to view the exports to the other South American countries for a variety of commodities.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/south_american_trade_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/south_american_trade_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Chandra X-ray Observatory

Chandra X-ray Center EPO

http://chandra.harvard.edu

Learn how the Chandra X-ray Observatory came into existence.

Launched in 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is one of NASA's space telescopes. In this KML, you can explore how this amazing piece of technology was put together. From its conception to the launch at Cape Canaveral, see the model slowly form to become a 3D model within Google Earth itself. (Model by AmericanExplorer13.) If you have Google Earth 4.2, you can explore even further into space by clicking on the "Switch to Sky" icon located on the right of the top toolbar.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/chandra_tours_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/chandra_tours_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

GeoBeats Videos

GeoBeats

http://www.geobeats.com

See your destination, hear from local experts.

There are approximately 6.5 billion local experts in the world. GeoBeats has created a KML connecting us with a few of these. Each of the placemarks links to a video where you can hear from these experts giving information such as local etiquette, or how to use a city's public transportation system. Naturally, we think these videos are all the better for being geographically organized.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/geo_beats_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/geo_beats_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Ontario Underwater Council

Ontario Underwater Council

http://www.underwatercouncil.com/?action=cms&cmspage=dive-ontario

Explore diving locations and shipwrecks in Ontario.

Diving is a hobby enjoyed by people all over the world. The Ontario Underwater Council has collated information about dive sites spread out along the Great Lakes, providing textual and photographic information in the placemark description balloons. Information about clubs to join is also available for those wanting to explore the deep.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/ontario_shipwrecks_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/ontario_shipwrecks_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Friday, August 3, 2007

IPP Watch

Craig Williams

http://www.ippwatch.info

Explore a database of private power water licenses in British Columbia.

This KML explores applications for private power licenses in British Columbia, focusing on the use of hydro power. The potential for using such an obvious and valuable resource is clear, but concerns about the development of projects close to or inside national parks is also a consideration. In this KML, Craig Williams from IPP Watch examines these applications.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/ipp_watch_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/ipp_watch_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

A Geo-biography of JMW Turner

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/331189

Geographically explore the life of painter J. M. W. Turner.

Commonly referred to as the "painter of light", JMW Turner was a famous British artist. In this file, explore the places of significance in Turner's life and the places he painted. Each placemark contains extensive information and photographs of Turner's artistic interpretations.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jmw_turner_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jmw_turner_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

On The Road With Jack Kerouac

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/240611

This KML contains a "geo-biography" of American poet and novelist Jack Kerouac. Paul Dorsey, a member of the Google Earth Community created this file which provides rich descriptions and photographs. This information, coupled with the geographical context of Google Earth provides a comprehensive overview of Kerouac's life and works.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jack_kerouac_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jack_kerouac_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Geo-Biography of Hank Williams

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/607227

Geographically explore the life of country music singer Hank Williams.

Hank Williams was arguably one of the most influential musicans in recent times. In this KML created by Paul Dorsey (a member of the Google Earth Community), you can explore the life of the late country singer.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/hank_williams_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/hank_williams_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

A Geo-biography of Henri Rousseau

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/684069

Take a geographic tour of French artist Henri Rousseau's life.

Sometimes referred to as Le Douanier, Henri Rousseau was a French artist, that like so many now thought of a geniuses, was criticized and made fun of during his life. In this KML, explore his life and works, including his famous jungle scenes. If viewing this entry from the Google Earth Gallery, you may like to check out the updated Google Earth Outreach showcase page where this is featured.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/henri_rousseau_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/henri_rousseau_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

A Biography of Paul Cézanne

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/310900

Explore the life of French artist Paul Cézanne.

In this KML, you can explore the life of post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. From his birth in 1839 to the end of his life in 1906, each placemark contains an informative biographical description and image.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/cezanne_biography_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/cezanne_biography_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Biography of Bob Marley

Paul Dorsey

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/167340

Explore the life of reggae singer Bob Marley.

In this KML, you can explore the life of reggae singer Bob Marley. The creator of this file, Paul Dorsey, has used detailed descriptions to provide an extensive biography of Bob Marley's life. This is a prime example of using geography to give textual descriptions more meaning and relevance.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/bob_marley_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/bob_marley_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Jane Austen's Life & Works

LuciaM

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/411188

Visualize the life and works of Jane Austen.

Jane Austen's literary talents rank her alongside the greats of English literature. In this beautifully organized KML, LuciaM (from the Google Earth Community) allows us all to explore Austen's life and the places mentioned in her famous novels. This KML is a prime example of merging the literature studies of Austen's work with a geographical context to provide a more comprehensive biography.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/jane_austen_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/jane_austen_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Singapore Grand Prix

Earth@sg

http://www.earthsg.com/index.php?option=com_esg&act=mups&task=list&cid=38

Become a Formula 1 driver with Google Earth and drive the streets of Singapore.

Combining 3D buildings and the ability to fly a route, Earth@sg have created a very exciting KML which allows you to become your own Forumla 1 expert without even having to get a driving license. Once you've opened up the KML file, follow the instructions on the screen. There are no "Please drive carefully" signs here!

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/singapore_grand_prix_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/singapore_grand_prix_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Sailing With The "Blue Jacket"

Geoffrey W. Schultz

http://www.geoffschultz.org/GoogleEarth

Step on board the yacht "Blue Jacket" and sail the world.

In this KML, you can follow the voyages of the yacht, "Blue Jacket" as she sails the seas. Each placemark contains information about the stop with a link to a full trip report with photos. We really like this example of someone sharing their experiences through Google Earth.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/blue_jacket_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/blue_jacket_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Extreme Series

Satishgsk

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/299112

See the locations of the hottest, coldest, biggest and smallest places on Earth.

Our planet is an extremely diverse place. Satishgsk (a member of the Google Earth Community), has compiled a KML showing the locations of the extreme places. From Angel Falls, in Venezuela (the world's tallest waterfall) to Karl-Marx-Hof in Vienna (the longest residential building in the world), read descriptions and view photographs about our crazy world.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/extreme_series_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/extreme_series_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Humboldt's Travels

Max Kade Center for German American Studies

Learn about the voyages of pioneering naturist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, a pioneering naturalist and explorer called Alexander von Humboldt set out to explore and research Latin America. In this KML, you can explore the route that Humboldt took, viewing photos, descriptions and map overlays to discover more about this region of the world. If viewing this entry from the Google Earth Gallery, you may like to check out the updated Google Earth Outreach showcase page where this is featured.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/humboldt_travels_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/humboldt_travels_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

EveryTrail Half Dome Hike

EveryTrail

http://www.everytrail.com

Take a trip around the spectacular scenery of Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite National Park in California is visited by millions of people every year who go to see the spectacular scenery. In this KML, you can explore an individual's experience of a hike to the famous "Half Dome". Viewing tip: Turn on "Terrain" in your layers section.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/everytrail_yosemite_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/everytrail_yosemite_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

EveryTrail Baja Cruise

EveryTrail

http://www.everytrail.com

Go whale watching in Baja California Sur.

Known for its natural beauty, Baja California Sur is a popular place for tourists to visit. In this KML, explore one individual's trip, taking a cruise around the peninsula. View the routes and photos from the whale watching expedition along the way and enjoy the sunshine without having any jet lag!

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/baha_cruise_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/baha_cruise_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Aeronautical Charts For The United States

Matt Fox

http://www.gelib.fox-fam.com

Ever fancied being a pilot or air traffic controller? Come closer with Google Earth.

Matt Fox from the GE Library has created this KML showing 3D airspace for the United States. Image overlays which become higher in resolution the closer you zoom in, and polygons representing airspace regions are available, giving an interesting look at air navigation. Additional viewing tip: If you press CTRL + G, you can "fly" in "Flight Control" mode giving a more realistic experience - CTRL + T will return you to the standard mode.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/aero_charts_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/aero_charts_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

London Mobilisation Centres

Josie Norden

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/842315

See the structures designed to protect London from invasion in the 19th century.

In the late 19th century, a number of defences were constructed in southern England to protect London from invasion. See the locations of these "forts" and read about their history and present day usage.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/london_land_defences_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/london_land_defences_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Thursday, August 2, 2007

UK White Horses

Felippo

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/243338

Explore the mysterious "White Horses" of the United Kingdom.

The sight when driving around the UK of a white horse engraved into the hillside is synonymous with the beauty and mystery of the English countryside. In this KML by Felippo (a member of the Google Earth Community), you can see the locations of these hill figures, learning about their history along the way. Information and photographs are included in the placemark description bubbles, giving a birds eye tour of these sites.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/white_horses_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/white_horses_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth

Indiana Covered Bridges

Indiana Covered Bridge Society

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/showthreaded.php/Cat/0/Number/955837

Learn about the historical covered bridges of Indiana.

The Indiana Covered Bridge Society has created this KML allowing you to fly around the state of Indiana exploring the many covered bridges - each one with its own unique history. The placemarks in the KML contain a brief history and photograph of the bridge.

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/small/indiana_covered_bridges_sm.jpg

http://earth.google.com/gallery/images/large/indiana_covered_bridges_lg.jpg

Open in Google Earth