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Session 2 - Applied History of Astronomy II.
Oral session, Sunday, January 14
Salon del Rey Central, Hilton

[2.02] Modern Use of Astronomical Observations of Earth Orientation since 1600

Variations of the orientation of the Earth in an inertial reference frame have been observed since Hipparchus. In addition to precession and nutation, astronomical observations have shown the nature of the variable rotational speed of the Earth and the motion of its rotational pole with respect to its surface. The historical observations are important in our understanding of geophysical processes. Past observations, particularly those corrected for known systematic errors, can provide invaluable information about the Earth which is not otherwise available.

Program listing for Sunday