Question 1552Navigation General70% to pass
The precession of the equinoxes occurs in a(n) _______________.
AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) westerly direction.
The precession of the equinoxes is the slow westward drift of the equinoctial points along the ecliptic, caused by the gravitational forces of the Sun and Moon acting on the Earth's oblate spheroid shape. This results in a gradual shift of the celestial poles and equator over time, with the equinoctial points (the points where the Sun's apparent path crosses the celestial equator) moving in a westerly direction.
The other options are incorrect because the precession does not occur in a southerly, easterly, or northerly direction - it is a westerly motion of the equinoctial points.
Related Questions
#1550 In the celestial equator system of coordinates what is NOT equivalent to the longitude of the Earth system of coordinates? #1551 The parallel of latitude at 23°27'S is the _______________.#1553 Which statement concerning current is TRUE? #1554 The precession of the equinoxes of the Earth is _______________.#1555 A relative bearing is always measured from _______________.