Google goes crazy – good crazy – over a number of topics, including those related directly to Google’s products but also extending to issues as diverse as environmentalism, elections, and Lady Gaga (yes, really). But while some of these areas of passion are a little hard to predict, some fall squarely into the realm of nerdom. For example, Google is going into a lunatic crazy for today’s lunar eclipse.
The lunar eclipse is happening today at 11:20am PT today and will last for about an hour. The problem, though, is that it’s only visible in select regions in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Those in the states or nearby areas will be unable to witness this rare and exciting event – at least directly.
Google has teamed up with the Slooh Space Camera to make footage, discussion, and much more available to North American users who want to get involved. Here are a few of the ways you can enjoy the eclipse using Google tools:
- The Slooh Space Camera has set up a “mission interface” using the Google App Engine. The interface will allow users to get commentary from noteworthy astronomers, participate in discussion, and see multiple views of the eclipse.
- The Google YouTube channel is hosting a live stream of eclipse footage.
- The Google Earth sky layer will show the eclipse to anyone who downloads the newly released kml.
- Android phone users can download the free Slooh Space Camera app to view footage and images from their phone.
As of the time of this writing, we are at T minus one hour and 23 minutes. North American geeks: it’s time to get ready to witness this spectacular astronomical event.
UPDATE: Google is also displaying the current status of the eclipse using an animated Google Doodle on the Google home page.
[via the Official Google Blog]
