What will be the change in celestial coordinates in 50 years?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the accuracy of celestial coordinates from 50 years ago, concluding that the expected error is approximately 0.69 degrees. This estimation is based on a precession cycle of 26,000 years, resulting in a change of about 0.14 degrees annually. Historical references, such as Hipparchus's observations, suggest that the error could be around 0.3 to 0.7 degrees when comparing ancient data to modern measurements. The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding precession in celestial navigation and astronomy.

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  • Understanding of celestial coordinates
  • Knowledge of astronomical precession cycles
  • Familiarity with historical astronomical observations
  • Basic principles of angular measurement in degrees
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  • Research the concept of astronomical precession cycles
  • Study the historical observations of Hipparchus and their implications
  • Learn about the calculation of angular displacement in celestial navigation
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of celestial navigation who seek to understand the implications of historical data on current astronomical practices.

Eimantas
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Is it possible to use celestial coordinates which were taken 50 years ago? What kind of inaccuracy can we expect (give the answer in degrees)?
Could I say that it will be about 0.3° error assuming that around the year 130 BC, Hipparchus compared ancient observations to his own and concluded that in the preceding 169 years those intersections had moved by 2 degrees?
 
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More like about 0.7 degrees.

1) 2 degrees is a rounded number, so you may as well say you're talking about 1/3 the time Hipparchus was. (A more accurate number would be about 2.4 degrees, in which case it would become worth comparing the actual ratio between 50 years and 169 years.)

2) A more accurate (although still inaccurate) estimate would be a 26,000 year precession cycle, meaning a change of about 0.14 degrees per year. Multiply by 50 to get about 0.69 degrees.
 

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