My space (page three)

A look at the best ways to explore the cosmos in Sky for Google Earth

See the constellations the old-fashioned way

Constellations never look like the things they’re supposed to be, but the gorgeous old star maps in Sky will help your imagination. They sure knew how to draw a winged horse back then.

1. In Sky mode, go over to the Layers list on the left-hand side. Find the list item called ‘Historical Sky Maps’ and click on the little grey arrow next to it.
2. If you want to know a little about the maps, click on the introduction. It’ll fly you to a bit of the sky with info about the maps embedded.
3. You can just jump in instead and turn on the maps. If you put a tick in the box next to ‘Rumsey Star Maps’ you’ll see the blackness of space replaced with colour drawings from 200 years ago.
4. Tick the box next to ‘Hevelius Constellations’ and you’ll see engravings of loads of famous constellations. They’re faint though, so untick the Rumsey Star Maps first.

Want to go on an intergalactic tour? Next page >