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fizzy
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The period of the lunar apsidal precession is about 8.8506 years measured against fixed starts. How can I accurately convert this to the period between alignments with spring equinox?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Lunar apsidal precession relative to equinox is the gradual change in the orientation of the lunar orbit with respect to the position of the equinoxes. This phenomenon is caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Earth on the Moon.
The lunar apsidal precession cycle takes approximately 8.85 years to complete. This means that every 8.85 years, the lunar orbit will shift and align itself with a different point of the equinox.
Lunar apsidal precession plays a crucial role in predicting eclipses. As the lunar orbit shifts, the alignment of the Moon, Earth, and Sun changes, which affects the occurrence of lunar and solar eclipses. It also has an impact on the tides and the length of the lunar month.
The rate of lunar apsidal precession is calculated using mathematical equations that take into account the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Earth on the Moon. This calculation is complex and involves precise measurements of the lunar orbit and the position of the equinoxes at different points in time.
Yes, the rate of lunar apsidal precession can vary due to various factors such as changes in the Earth's orbit, the gravitational influence of other planets, and the shape of the Earth and Moon. However, these changes are very small and are only noticeable over long periods of time.