Space: Earth has a slight "wobble" — its rotation axis tilts s…

Question

Did you know? Earth has a slight "wobble" — its rotation axis tilts slowly in a 26,000-year cycle (precession). That's why Polaris isn't eternally the North Star; in 13,000 years Vega will take the position. During the building of the pyramids (4,500 years ago) Thuban was the North Star.

Accepted Answer

Earth has a slight "wobble" — its rotation axis tilts slowly in a 26,000-year cycle (precession). That's why Polaris isn't eternally the North Star; in 13,000 years Vega will take the position. During the building of the pyramids (4,500 years ago) Thuban was the North Star.

De aarde heeft een lichte "wobble" — haar rotatie-as kantelt langzaam in een 26.000-jarige cyclus (precessie). Daarom is Polaris niet eeuwig de poolster; over 13.000 jaar zal Vega de positie innemen. Tijdens de bouw van de piramides (4.500 jaar geleden) was Thuban de noordster.

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