Precession Of The Equinoxes (Noun)
Meaning
A slow westward shift of the equinoxes along the plane of the ecliptic caused by precession of the Earth's axis of rotation.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The precession of the equinoxes results in a gradual shift of the position of the stars in the sky over a period of 26,000 years.
- The ancient Greeks were aware of the precession of the equinoxes, but they did not understand its cause.
- The precession of the equinoxes is the reason why the position of the North Pole star changes over time.
- Astronomers use the precession of the equinoxes to calculate the position of the stars in the past or future.
- The precession of the equinoxes has significant implications for astrology, as the positions of the zodiac constellations shift over time.