* Astronomy

Google Earth 4.0.2080 (September 13, 2006)

New features
* Japanese language support (Japanese version is available here - earth.google.co.jp )
* Layer data for Japan, including countrywide 3D buildings
* Featured content layer (now available in all versions)
* A new interface for viewing time-stamped /time-range image overlays
* Improved printing option for turn-by-turn driving directions with satellite imagery
* New KML folders options with radio button style placemarks (under my places)
* Support for Hi-definition (HDTV) movie output (Pro version only)
* Support for Web Mapping Service(WMS) image/data overlays (now in free version too)
* Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system grid overlay

Web link:

Google Earth now has high resolution coverage of Large areas in Russia, China, Africa, Taiwan, USA, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean Islands, many islands in the Pacific, Puerto Rico, South America, New Zealand, Australia, etc

Source

Google SketchUp (free), Version 5.0.245, is an easy-to-learn 3D modelling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models. You can add details, textures and glass to your models, design with dimensional accuracy, and place your finished models in Google Earth, share them with others by posting them to the 3D Warehouse, or print hard copies.

Google SketchUp is free for personal use. No registration is required. Download it now to start modelling.

Minimum configuration for PC:

* Microsoft Windows® 2000, XP Home or Professional Editions
* 600 MHz Pentium® III processor
* 128 MB RAM
* 80 MB of available hard-disk space
* Video card that is 100% OpenGL compliant

Macintosh version coming soon:

Read more

To change the default opening view of google earth
go to the menu -- Edit ---and click on `Snapshot View` .

You may need to uncheck the placemark called `default` in the `Places` plane.