A number of companies have started offering simulated space tours recently while others have confidently announced space tourism to be a reality (albeit an expensive one) within the next ten years but for those with a fear of flying or without the cash for a space flight or a simulation, Google has a solution.

Google Earth already allows people to travel the world and see the sights from the comfort of your living room. The virtual geography program allows internet users to explore a computerized three dimensional map of the earth, zooming in and out of satellite maps at will.

The new Google Sky application adds onto the Google Earth program. Developed from the contributions of some of the world’s most eminent observatories, the program allows users to take a virtual tour of space including a large number of individual star systems.

“You can flip up and see the constellations and search for stars, galaxies, nebulae and fly through space inside Google Earth,” said Google spokesman Jason Chuck. “There have been a lot of interesting space events recently, such as the Perseid meteor showers, and with lots of kids going back to school we hope this can be really useful in the classroom too.”

Another function of the program allows users to place a star chart over the pictorial visuals, showing famous constellations like Cassiopeia.

The program was developed by Google engineers based in America with the lp of scientific groups such as the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, among others.

“This initiative will open a new window for anyone to be able to appreciate, explore and discover our fragile position in this vast and amazing universe,” said Dr Francisco Diego of University College London.

www.google.co.uk