Change in Axial Obliquity of the Earth's Spin Axis

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SUMMARY

The change in the axial tilt of the Earth, known as obliquity, is primarily caused by the precession of the Earth's orbit due to gravitational perturbations from other planets. This precession results in a complex quasiperiodic pattern, where the north pole of the Earth's orbit shifts by several degrees over approximately 70,000 years. Consequently, the Earth's obliquity varies by a few degrees with a cycle of about 41,000 years, significantly influencing climatic patterns over geological timescales.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of planetary precession
  • Knowledge of Earth's axial tilt and obliquity
  • Familiarity with gravitational perturbations in celestial mechanics
  • Basic comprehension of geological time scales
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of planetary precession
  • Study the effects of axial tilt on Earth's climate
  • Explore the concept of quasiperiodic patterns in astronomy
  • Investigate the role of gravitational interactions among planets
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, geophysicists, climate scientists, and educators interested in understanding the dynamics of Earth's axial tilt and its implications for climate change.

Rod Alexei
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What causes the change in the axial tilt of the earth? Why does it change?
 
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That is because the Earth's orbit also precesses. It does so as a result of perturbations by other planets. This precession is a complicated quasiperiodic Spirograph pattern -- its orbit's north pole moves by a few degrees over something like 70,000 years. It makes the Earth's obliquity vary a few degrees with an approximate period of 41,000 years.
 
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