1
00:00:02,002 --> 00:00:03,503
Hey Vern it s the Equinox!

2
00:00:03,603 --> 00:00:07,173
Thanks for watching Star Gazers 
-- and March 20 is the Vernal

3
00:00:07,273 --> 00:00:11,011
Equinox -- when our sun is directly over 
the equator and day and night are equal.

4
00:00:11,111 --> 00:00:13,813
The Vernal Equinox is also 
known as the First Point of

5
00:00:13,913 --> 00:00:17,650
Aries, because the sun would pass through 
that constellation at this time of year,

6
00:00:17,751 --> 00:00:23,990
but that s not the case anymore! Now it passes 
through Pisces! This is because of PRECESSION.

7
00:00:24,090 --> 00:00:29,029
Precession is the wobble of Earth s axis. Like a 
top, we re flopping back and forth as we spin and

8
00:00:29,129 --> 00:00:34,768
orbit. This wobble causes Earth s rotational axis 
to trace out a cone in the night sky! Over time,

9
00:00:34,868 --> 00:00:39,272
the stars actually MOVE -- about a pinky 
on an outstretched arm, every 72 years.

10
00:00:39,372 --> 00:00:43,977
So in 26,000 years Vega will 
be the North star not Polaris!

11
00:00:44,077 --> 00:00:48,448
Traditional Vernal Equinox celebrations 
involve celebrations of fertility and spring,

12
00:00:48,548 --> 00:00:52,548
so enjoy yourself this week, and Keep looking up!