Over the weekend, Google announced that their Google Sky Map, which was launched for Android smartphones back in 2009 and was created by a number of Googlers from the Pittsburgh office during their 20% development time, will now be moving into the community of open source. This transition is being made in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, who will further develop Sky Map through a series of student projects.
Partnership with Carnegie Mellon University
The development of Google Sky Map will now be driven by the students at Carnegie Mellon University, with Google engineers remaining closely involved as advisors. This collaboration aims to leverage the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives of the students, while still benefiting from the expertise and experience of Google’s engineers. By open-sourcing the app, Google has also invited other astronomy enthusiasts and developers to take the code and augment it as they wish. This move is expected to foster a vibrant community of contributors who can bring new features and improvements to the app.
Features and Benefits of Google Sky Map
The Google Sky Map application is an excellent tool for anyone wishing to learn more about the night sky. Simply install the application from the Android Market and point your phone at the sky. The app uses your phone’s sensors to determine your location and orientation, displaying a map of the stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects in view. This makes it easy for users to identify what they are looking at in the night sky.
One of the standout features of Google Sky Map is its ability to show real-time positions of celestial objects. This means that as you move your phone around, the map updates to reflect the current view of the sky. This dynamic interaction makes stargazing more engaging and educational.
In addition to its real-time mode, Google Sky Map also offers a manual mode. This allows users to browse the skies at their own pace, without needing to point their phone at the sky. You can search for specific celestial objects, such as your favorite planet or a Messier object, and the app will guide you to its location using arrows. This feature is particularly useful for planning stargazing sessions or for educational purposes.
For those who are interested in similar applications, Star Walk is a notable alternative available on iOS. Like Google Sky Map, Star Walk offers real-time sky maps and a wealth of information about celestial objects. However, each app has its unique features and user interface, so astronomy enthusiasts might find it worthwhile to explore both.
The open-sourcing of Google Sky Map is a significant step towards making astronomy more accessible and engaging for everyone. By allowing the community to contribute to its development, Google is ensuring that the app will continue to evolve and improve. This collaborative approach not only benefits the users but also provides valuable learning opportunities for the students involved in the project.
In conclusion, Google Sky Map is a powerful tool for anyone interested in exploring the night sky. Its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University and the open-sourcing of the app promise exciting developments in the future. Whether you are a casual stargazer or a serious astronomy enthusiast, Google Sky Map offers a wealth of features to enhance your stargazing experience.
Source: Google
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