Sure, Google Earth might be impressive with its ability to let you comb the planet and see the street level view of your home, but if you’re looking for a truly out of this world experience then test-fly the Digital Universe Atlas of the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium. You can download free software to begin a personal expedition of the Galaxy.

One of the major forces behind this celestial magic is Carter Emmart, Director of Astrovisualization at the Hayden Planetarium. For more of his work, spend some time browsing the Astrophysics Visualization Archive with video clips that demonstrate astronomical or astrophysical phenomena.

Emmart will stay grounded long enough to lead a discussion at the Y on May 14 to help answer the question, “Should We Go Back to the Moon?” Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin thinks so. NASA plans to go to the moon no later than 2020 and start a permanent base there by 2024. The reason seems simple—we need energy, and it’s there! Hear more about the plans and who will go.

Previously: Space Age Fantasies and Realities: The Moon, Mars and Beyond