Google Maps is expanding its reach into the solar system with a new update that allows users to explore planets and moons.
Desktop users can now visit these distant locations by opening Google Maps and zooming out from Earth until they reach space.
Images of the planets and moons were captured by the Cassini spacecraft, which was launched into space 20 years ago.
During its mission, Cassini sent nearly half a million images back to Earth, which scientists have transformed into the visuals now available on Google Maps.
”Explore the icy plains of Enceladus, where Cassini discovered water beneath the moon’s crust… Peer beneath the thick clouds of Titan to see methane lakes. Inspect the massive crater of Mimas—while it might seem like a sci-fi look-a-like, it is a moon, not a space station.”
A total of 12 new worlds can be visited in Google Maps, featuring detailed planetary maps of moons such as Pluto, Venus, Europa, Ganymede, and Rhea.
Currently, this update is only available on desktop, with no information on if or when it will be available for mobile users.
