* Astronomy

Okay, anybody who's anybody has Google Earth on their computer.
But Google Earth has matured way beyond being a cool way to see your house, or a cheap way to sightsee. Its 3D graphics, detailed imagery, and its easy access by users have made it a powerful tool for activists and academics working on environmental issues.
With its strong ethos to include a social mission as part of the business plan, Google has started a section called Google Earth Outreach. The link features an overview video that will give you a good idea of Google Earths value as an earth-saving tool.

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The first ever 'Google alphabet' has been created using the internet giant's satellite service.
Graphic designer Rhett Dashwood picked out natural features and building which resembled each of the 26 letters.
The Australian did not even have look outside his home state of Victoria to find the full set.

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Astrogeologists at the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff provided critical datasets used in the latest release of Google Earth. The updated software enables users to explore Mars in high detail.

"Without the ability to accurately co-align data sets, applications like Google Earth would not be nearly as useful. USGS, along with the planetary science community, help calculate the geometric measurement and representation of a planet as well as the creation of 'control networks' to help tie data products accurately to the surface" - Trent Hare, a GIS expert with the USGS Astrogeology Team.

Google Inc. and its partner, NASA Ames Research Centre, consulted USGS scientists, cartographers, technicians, and programmers from the Astrogeology Team in Flagstaff, who have over four decades of experience assembling planetary images. This new software provides easy access to planetary data for researchers and the general public.

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Google's been busy once again demystifying life in the universe and answering all of your burning questions, such as: Is my significant other really working late? What would I see if I were standing on Mars? And what does the Mariana Trench look like?
The blogosphere is abuzz with news about the newest interactive Google Map feature: Google Latitude. The service, which debuted this morning, allows people to track the whereabouts of their friends and family - and have them do the same on internet-connected mobile devices and wireless computers.

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