Images: Google Earth takes you to the moon

On the 40th anniversary of the first moon walk, Google launched Moon in Google Earth, an addition to its Google Earth mapping software that lets people virtually travel to the moon.

Besides enabling users to see the surface of the moon in close detail, the application allows people to gather lots of information about the history of travel to the moon. Here is a picture of the Apollo 11 spacecraft as seen by astronauts. Behind the photo, you can see the 3D model on Google Earth of the Apollo 11 spacecraft. People can choose to drill down to different views from a map of the general area.

Moon in Google Earth incorporates the data on the surface of the moon from NASA. The mapping data was used for training astronauts and by mission control during missions.

By selecting "Moon" from the Google Earth menu, people can zoom into different corners of the moon to get high-resolution photos and videos. This video allows you to pan over the surface to see the different formations.

The Moon on Google Earth application is designed to also enable users to find out about the moon missions. From the application, people can get guided video tours from astronauts.

People can visit the locations of each of the Apollo missions. In addition to providing links to panoramic images and YouTube videos, the maps are annotated with little details (and small icons of astronauts). Here, you can see the location where astronauts played golf on the moon.

One of the tabs on Moon in Google Earth allows people to view the location of the spacecraft used to explore the moon. You can zoom in to see three-dimensional models of the the craft from different countries.

When you choose one particular Apollo mission from the left-hand tab, you can get a quick summary of the mission as well as links to additional information on Wikipedia.

A view of the multiple options to zoom in and explore the moon from Google Earth.