Being able to virtually leave Earth with a click seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. Yet, since 2014, Google has quietly integrated a "Space" mode into its mapping services, providing access to detailed surface views of the Earth. Lune and MarsThe option remains little known: many users are unaware that they can observe the Tycho crater, follow the trail of Martian rovers or locate the Apollo 11 landing site directly from their browser.
The path to get there has changed, however, with each interface redesign. The old navigation arrows have disappeared, replaced by a system of Globe View and via a clean side panel. If you've already tried unsuccessfully, rest assured: the functionality is still there, you just need to know the order of clicks.
In this article, you will discover two simple methods, one via Google Maps and the other via Google Earth. explore these neighboring worlds in just a few seconds. The goal is twofold: to save you time and to offer you a quality visual aid for your lessons, presentations or simply your personal curiosity.
Access the Moon and Mars in Google Maps
The manipulation only works on desktop computers; the mobile version does not include spatial mode. Follow these six steps:
- Open Google Maps then click Layer → More in the lower left corner.
- REACH Globe View in order to switch to a spherical representation.
- Select the Satellite view.
- Zoom out completely with the scroll wheel until the Earth fits in a tiny circle in the center of the screen.
- Deploy the left side panel (small white arrow). You will see the section " Space ".
- Choose Lune, Mars or any star or planet that appeals to you, then begin your visit.
Once the Moon or Mars is charged, Navigation remains intuitive Use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out, hold down the left mouse button to rotate the sphere, and move around by dragging the mouse or trackpad. The main celestial bodies (Mare Serenitatis, Posidonius, Copernicus, Olympus Mons, etc.) are indicated by labels, most using the official Latin nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union; a simple click opens the descriptive information sheet.
Celestial bodies visible in Google Maps
The menu Space Google Maps isn't limited to the Moon and Mars. You can also fly over or explore:
- Mercury
- Venus
- International Space Station
- Vest et Ceres (dwarf planets of the asteroid belt)
- The Jovian moons Io, Europe, Ganymede et Callisto
- Saturn's satellites Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Titan et Japet
- Pluto and his companion Charon
Each entry uses the official name of the International Astronomical Union; a click instantly transports you to the corresponding surface for free exploration.
Use Google Earth Pro as an alternative
Alternatively, you can install Google Earth Pro (free for Windows and macOS).
After installation, click on the small arrow ▼ to the right of the word Earth in the toolbar, then choose Moon ou MarsThe interface is fully available in French: open Tools → Options → General, select French In "Language", restart the application and all menus will be translated.
You will also benefit from NASA layers (moon landing sites, rover paths, terrain profiles) which are absent from Google Maps.
What can you observe?
On the LuneThe background image is primarily from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The main landing sites are marked; click on the markers to display fact sheets detailing each mission. You will identify the lunar maria, the Apennine mountain range, and the south polar region, the target of future Artemis expeditions.
The card of Mars compiles high-resolution mosaics captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Express probes. The paths of Curiosity et Perseverance are visible, as well as the traces left by the old missions Spirit, Opportunity et SojournerYou can admire the vertiginous chasm of Valles Marineris, measure the height of Olympus Mons, or locate the small crater Jezero where Perseverance collects its samples.
Limits and good practices
Google Maps' spatial mode remains primarily a public viewingYou will not be able to overlay your own GIS layers, nor access raw mineralogical composition or temperature data. For advanced analysis, use specialized tools such as QGIS or JMARS.
3D rendering requires a good graphics card; if you experience slowdowns, reduce the tab resolution or disable annotation layers. Finally, Google may add or remove planets and satellites without prior notice; keep this in mind if you are preparing course materials several weeks in advance.
It's your turn
Thanks to the Globe View de Google Maps and the enhanced interface of Google EarthVirtual exploration of the Moon and Mars has never been so accessible. Whether you are a teacher, an astronomy enthusiast, or simply curious, a few clicks are all it takes to zoom out from our planet, explore the lunar seas, fly over Martian volcanoes, and discover, along the way, the history of major space missions. Have a good interplanetary journey!
What's cool about Google is that their services are continually enriched with small details that are more or less useful. Thus, it is now possible to visit the Moon or Mars directly from Google Maps...
Of course, no streets, no cities and much less detail than on our good old Earth, but you will have access to images of our satellite and the red planet.
To access it, nothing could be simpler:
- Visit Google Maps
- Click on the small window at the bottom left that says “Earth”
- Zoom out as far as possible to see the entire Earth
- Click on the double arrow at the bottom right
- A menu will open at the bottom and will allow you to choose between Earth, the Moon or Mars
