Google Earth for Linux

[Rob]

Has anyone had any difficulty with Google Earth?  I downloaded it and it
seemed to install fine (from the command line) and even installed it's
own menu list/icon in the Internet section of the Applications list but
when I click on the icon (also installed on the desktop), it "crashes".
In other words, it appears about to activate itself but then disappears
completely.  

Thanks for any ideas.

Rob