Precession/Examples

Examples of Precession

Spinning Top

Consider the child's toy the spinning top $T$.

When $T$ is set in motion, it is often the case that the axis of $T$ is not vertical.

If that is the case, then the tip of the axis describes a circular path, which gives the motion of $T$ a "wobble".

This is caused by precession.

Earth's Axis

The precession of the axis of rotation of Earth makes a full revolution in about $25 \, 800$ years.