PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES Definition & Meaning

precession of the equinoxes

the earlier occurrence of the equinoxes in each successive sidereal year because of the slow retrograde motion of the equinoctial points along the ecliptic, caused by the precession of the earth's axis of rotation; a complete precession of the equinoxes requires about 25,800 years.
the resulting drift of celestial coordinates with respect to the positions of celestial objects.

precession of the equinoxes

the slightly earlier occurrence of the equinoxes each year due to the slow continuous westward shift of the equinoctial points along the ecliptic by 50 seconds of arc per year. It is caused by the precession of the earth's axis around the ecliptic pole, with a period of 25 800 years

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First recorded in 1615–25

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Examples have not been reviewed.

The conjunction of the sun with Sirius alters somewhat with differences in latitude and the precession of the equinoxes.

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The pair fall into a conversation about the precession of the equinoxes: this, apparently, is how planetary scientists catch up.

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But modern astrologers have forgotten about the precession of the equinoxes, which Ptolemy understood.

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He only hit the jackpot when he took into account the orbit around the Sun, and the long variations caused by the precession of the equinoxes.

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But owing to the precession of the equinoxes, this point has now moved back into Pisces.

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