Hi, I'm new to these forums and I've turned to this site out of desperation. My college Earth, Space, & Science class has a project due that I am a part of and I am having a difficult time understanding 3 of the questions that deal with precession of the Earth's axis. I understand the basis of precession in that the axis itself rotates in addition to the rotation and orbit of the Earth but I guess I don't understand it well enough because these 3 questions have me totally stumped. Even Google searchs, which usually help, have left me clueless. Here's what I'm working with:
Question 1.Refer to the image below to add the path for precession to the Earth’s axis. Include Polaris, Deneb, Vega, and Alpha Draconis.
I have NO IDEA what is being asked of me here. Any thoughts?
Question 2. Now make a sketch of the Earth’s axis pointing to Alpha Draconis. If you are having difficulty picturing this image, make a model. You can use a small ball with a toothpick for the Earth’s axis and a candle for the Sun. Place the Earth in the January position, and move the Earth in its orbital path until the Earth’s axis is directly facing the Sun. What is the month? This is the summer solstice for the Earth 10 million years from now.
Again, I'm not exactly sure how to predict what month the Earth's axis will be directly facing the sun in 10 million years by going through thre processing of visualizing its orbit.
Question 3. Based on precession, fill in the table below about seasons on your continent 10 million years from now. Compare and contrast these seasons with the current seasons.
Winter Solstice-Month this season begins=
Spring equinox-Month this season begins=
Summer Soltice-Month this season begin=
Fall equinox-Month this season begins=
I guess the idea is that in 10 millions years, due to precession, the solstices and equinoxes will be at much different times of year than they currently are and I'm supposed to find out when they will be.
I understand the purpose of this site isn't to provide the answer for homework assignments. I'm wondering if there's some kind of formula or something that I'm just not understanding which will help me predict the position of the Earth in 10 million years due to precession. I'll admit that I don't have a great grasp of how precession works. I just know that the axis moves ever so slightly like a top along with the Earth's rotation and orbit. If anyone can help I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
