Earth's axis of spin w.r.t. galactic rotation axis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the orientation of Earth's spin axis in relation to the axis of rotation of the Milky Way galaxy. Participants explore the angle of difference between these axes and the implications of this relationship, touching on observational methods and definitions related to galactic rotation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Creator questions the current angle between Earth's spin axis and the galactic center's rotation axis, suggesting it may be around 84 degrees.
  • Some participants challenge the relevance of the question, emphasizing the need for clear definitions regarding the galactic rotation axis in relation to the solar system.
  • Creator proposes that the angle could be determined by observing the position of Polaris relative to the Milky Way core located in Sagittarius.
  • Another participant mentions that the plane of the Milky Way is inclined by about 60 degrees to the ecliptic, referencing external sources for clarification.
  • A participant discusses the complexities of understanding galactic rotation, noting the long timescales involved in observing changes and the increasing angle between the Galactic Center and Andromeda Galaxy.
  • There is mention of the Earth's rotational axis being tilted relative to the Milky Way center, affecting visibility of certain celestial features from different hemispheres.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relevance and clarity of the original question, with no consensus reached regarding the specific angle or its implications. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on how to approach the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for precise definitions and observational methods, indicating that assumptions about the galactic rotation axis may lead to confusion. The discussion also reflects the complexities of galactic dynamics and the long timescales required for accurate measurements.

Creator
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Can anyone confirm the Earth's spin axis direction with respect to the AXIS of rotation of the galactic center? (in this current epoch).

I'm getting something like 84 degrees difference (6 degrees off perpendicular);
Is that correct? If not tell me your method.

Thx,
Creator
 
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Irrelevant. Define the axis of rotation of the galaxy wrt the solar system. A lot of 2012 nonsence has originated from this mythology.
 
Chronos said:
Irrelevant. Define the axis of rotation of the galaxy wrt the solar system. A lot of 2012 nonsence has originated from this mythology.

Quite making assumptions Chronos. It has nothing to do with 2012 nonsense. If you don't know the answer just say so.

Creator
 
Would it not simply be a matter of the angle between Polaris and the Milky Way core, which is in Sagittarius?
 
As with anything galactic, catching the sense of the rotation of the Milky Way takes time and repeated observations, reinterpretation and so on. It takes over 600,000 years just to go around it one degree. Observe, and then a few months later, and so on for several years.

A good way to understand galactic rotation is that the angle between the Galactic Center and the Andromeda Galaxy is slowly increasing. The angle now is about 121.17 degrees galactic longitude. Andromeda is something like 20 degrees off the galactic equator but that's okay.

The rate of increase is about six thousandths of one arc-second each year. In 170 years that is one arc-second, enough to show up on an ordinary modern surveyor's transit.

It IS significant in the human though because after all it always turns forward, and never backward

Apparently the Sea of Galilee was named after it, or vice versa - both after the Galatian religious group. From the north end, the Milky Way rises above that Sea and must have inspired a good deal of love :smile:; galactic rotation is now figurative in both pregnancy and lactation. Common sense.
 
http://calgary.rasc.ca/howfast.htm

solar_system_from_galactic_centre.gif


howfast_solsys18.gif


The plane of the milky way is left-right across your screen in that picture, the axis of the Earth's rotation is slightly tilted relative to the center of the milky way (hence why it is hard to see Sag from the northern hemisphere, it's down near the horizon even during the summer night when it is visible), and the orbital plane of most of the solar system is skewed up a bit awkwardly such that the planets plow through the galactic medium.
 

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