Astronomy enthusiasts and even casual observers took the opportunity to view the total lunar eclipse today, which is one of the two lunar eclipses in 2011. Sadly, not everyone was able to watch it, as it was only viewable from South America, West Africa, Western Europea, East Asia and Australia. But if you’re interested in what exactly happens when the Earth‘s shadow passes over the moon, you can check out Google‘s latest Doodle.

The Doodle actually gave a live feed of the lunar eclipse as it happened. But since that event is over, you can simulate the eclipse by dragging the slider from left to right. You can then see the moon going from a very bright full moon, to a red orb, and back to its bright glory again.

This writer actually stayed up way past bedtime to wait for the lunar eclipse. The 100-minute event wasn’t really as exciting as a solar eclipse, but it’s one of those must-see things if you’re into astronomy. Google usually changes its Doodle in time for significant world events. You can check out a record of all past Doodles at google.com/logos.

In case you’re living in New York you must have certainly spotted the latest Apple Store. Located at the intersection of Broadway and 67th, the newest Apple Store has been under construction for a while now but we do have an official launch date for you.

November 14, 10:00 AM sharp is when the store will open its doors for you. The date is officially displayed on Apple’s website so in less than 10 days you’ll be able to see what’s behind that red curtain that covers the store. This is the fourth Apple Store to be opened in New York City but Apple is already making a ton of cash with its other three stores in Manhattan. The Fifth Avenue Store is probably one of the most popular Apple Stores ever. It’s currently the most profitable per square foot Apple Store and it’s estimated to bring in more than $350 million in annual sales. Will the new Apple Store become as popular soon?

What’s particularly interesting about the new store is its architecture. Placed on the NW corner at the intersection of Broadway and 67th the store has a unique shape due to the intersection itself. Leaving the odd shape aside, the city required Apple to keep at least half of the original exterior wall. That’s why the store will apparently combine brick and glass walls in a very daring design. The store has a curved glass roof which covers the rear three-quarters of the store. The glass storefront is supposed to be 54 feet tall, 75 feet wide and 30 feet deep. Once inside the store you’ll discover three levels, two of them being actually underground which is not something Apple hasn’t done before.

The Upper West Side store cost $37.9 million to build but it certainly impresses the eye and we don’t even have the official pictures yet. Apple will probably turn it into yet another profitable store and we’ll be back once official pictures of the store become available. What do you say, are you going to check out the latest Apple Store soon?

What better way to start this new category than with the magnificent feat of Japanese engineering known as Ocean Dome.

Measuring three hundred meters in length and one hundred meters wide, Ocean Dome is a completely enclosed, man-made beach featuring its very own climate and its own sea, complete with waves.

Located on Kyushu Island, Ocean Dome is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the largest indoor water park, visitors can enjoy water rides or lazing on pure white sands in a consistent ambient temperature of thirty degrees Celsius all year round, as well as protection from the elements courtesy of the world’s largest retractable roof.

Just to top this all off, the artificial beach also features a mock volcano that erupts every hour, accompanied by the wave generators to enable indoor surfing.

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