PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES Meaning and
Definition
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The precession of the equinoxes refers to the slow and continuous movement of the Earth's axis of rotation around an imaginary point in space over a period of approximately 25,800 years. This movement causes the point where the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator to shift gradually over time. The equinoxes are the two moments in the year when the length of day and night are approximately equal, occurring in March and September. Due to the precession of the equinoxes, the moment of the vernal (spring) equinox appears to move westward along the ecliptic, the path of the Sun in the sky, at a rate of about 50.3 arc seconds per year.
This phenomenon is caused by the gravitational influence of the Moon and the Sun on the Earth's equatorial bulge. The gravitational forces exerted by these celestial bodies cause a slight wobbling effect on the Earth's axis, leading to precession. As a result, the dates of the equinoxes gradually shift over long periods of time, meaning that the era in which they occur also changes. For instance, in approximately 12,000 years from now, the March equinox will coincide with the constellation Aquarius, instead of Pisces as it does presently.
The precession of the equinoxes has significant implications in the field of astronomy and astrology, as it contributes to the gradual shift of the astrological ages, marking the transition from one zodiac sign to another. It also creates a long-term, cyclical change in the Earth's climate over thousands of years called axial precession.
Common Misspellings for PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES
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