By: Hannah Freedman

Google Earth, Google's virtual globe used by millions worldwide, is expanding. In this first major upgrade this relatively new software has faced, Google Ocean now lets you explore the other 75% of our planet. Users can now dive beneath a shifting water surface to explore the sea floor. According to BBC News, the map also includes 20 content layers presenting information from the world's leading scientists, researchers, and ocean explorers. Al Gore, attending the launch event in San Fransisco, said that the update would make Google Earth a "magical experience". Our oceans contain nearly 80% of all life on the planet and protection organizations hope the tool will improve awareness of issues facing undersea life. Sylvia Earle, the National Geographic Society's explorer in residence, said, "I cannot imagine a more effective way to inspire awareness and caring for the blue heart of the planet than the new ocean in Google Earth. For the first time, everyone from curious kids to serious researchers can see the world, the whole world, with new eyes,"

There are also updates on the terrestrial side, including GPS tracking, virtual time travel (where users can observe changes in satellite images, such as the 2006 World Cup stadium or the desertification of Africa's Lake Chad) and narrated tours of imagery and content in Google Earth. There are also updates to the Mars 3D section, so if users have had enough of the blue planet, they can always look at the red one.

Sources: BBC News Technology. March 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7865407.stm