Precession

As the Earth spins, it “wobbles”

• Similar to a spinning top or dreidel

• One wobble every 26,000 years.

The Changing North Star

• Currently, the North Pole (N.P.) points directly towards Polaris (within a degree)

• Polaris is not/will not always be the N. Star. – When the pyramids

were built, it was a small star called Thubin.

– In 12,000 years, it will be a bright star called Vega

– Currently there is NO South Star

Does the N. Star move during the night?

• The N. star is the ONLY star that does not appear to move or change positions.

• The constellations near Polaris that do not rise or set are called North Circumpolar.

Why did our horoscope signs change?

• “Your sign” should be the constellation the Sun was in on the day you were born.

• Due to precession (wobble), Earth is not pointing in the same direction it was when astrology was first developed. Thus, your sign has changed!!!

Is astrology science? • Astrology is a

pseudoscience. Something that appears to be science, but does not follow scientific methodology (i.e. scientific method).

• Astrology claims to be able to predict the future by the position of the Sun, stars and planets.

• Astrologers have conveniently ignored the 13th sign of the zodiac… Ophiuchus. Poor ophi

Ophiuchus- 13th sign of the Zodiac