Precession of the North Celestial Pole
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Precession of the North Celestial Pole
Precession of the North Celestial Pole. Artwork of the constellations of the North Celestial Pole and the slow circular movement (red) of this Pole over a period of thousands of years. This movement is known as precession. Precession is the term for the way a rotating object (such as the Earth) wobbles in a precise and calculable manner. The current pole star is Polaris (centre right). Some 3000 years ago in around 2000 BC, the pole star was Draconis (lower centre). The time for one complete precession is shown as 23, 667 years. The actual time is now thought to be closer to 25, 700 years. The artworks of the constellations represent their mythical names. This artwork, which is based on the diagram in The Story of the Heavens (Robert Ball, 1886), was published in Pioneers of Science (Oliver Lodge, 1893)
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Media ID 6469829
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1886 1893 Ancient Bootes Cepheus Constellation Constellations Cygnus Diagram Draco Hercules Lyra Night Sky Oliver Lodge Past Pioneers Of Science Polar Pole Star Pre Historic Pre History Star Ursa Major Ursa Minor Vega Arcturus Draconis Precession Previous
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing phenomenon known as the Precession of the North Celestial Pole. With intricate artwork depicting the constellations of the North Celestial Pole, it beautifully illustrates the slow circular movement (depicted in red) that this celestial pole undergoes over thousands of years. This natural occurrence, aptly named precession, refers to the precise and calculable wobbling motion exhibited by rotating objects like our Earth. At its center-right lies Polaris, our current pole star. However, approximately 3000 years ago around 2000 BC, Draconis took on this role (lower center). The artwork also includes a time frame for one complete precession, initially estimated at 23,667 years but now believed to be closer to 25,700 years. The constellation artworks featured in this piece represent their mythical namesakes and are based on a diagram from "The Story of the Heavens" by Robert Ball published in 1886. This particular artwork was later included in "Pioneers of Science" by Oliver Lodge in 1893. Transporting us back through history and space itself, this image invites us to contemplate ancient astronomical knowledge while marveling at humanity's ability to understand and document such celestial wonders. A true testament to both scientific curiosity and artistic expression!
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