] Known as a rectangular projection, this map is one way of
] looking at the spherical Earth as a flat map. Both the
] size of continents and their shape get distorted as you
] move away from the equator. Compare this with a Mercator
] projection, which greatly distorts sizes in favor of
] keeping the shapes correct, or a Peters projection which
] distorts shapes but gives a true indication of relative
] size.
]
] Also available is a semi-realistic view of dawn and dusk
] from far above the Earth, a look at the moon, and
] information about how this works.

On the same vein as the "world at night" photos, here are some cool maps the whole earth's surface.

[ Neat... and check out the different projections too... -k]

World Sunlight Map