CHANDLER WOBBLE Meaning and
Definition
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Chandler wobble is a phenomenon in geophysics that refers to a small variation in the Earth's axis of rotation. Named after American astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler Jr., who first discovered and studied this phenomenon in 1891, the Chandler wobble is characterized by a slow, irregular motion of the Earth's rotational axis.
The Chandler wobble is caused by a combination of factors, primarily the gravitational forces between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. These forces can exert a torque on the Earth, leading to a slight movement and a change in the orientation of the rotational axis. The wobble itself is a result of the Earth's shape and distribution of mass, as well as the movement of fluids within the planet, such as the oceans and atmosphere.
The Chandler wobble has a period of around 433 days and an amplitude of approximately 9 meters. This means that the Earth's axis can shift by up to 9 meters from its average position over the course of the wobble. While such a deviation may seem small, it has implications for various geodetic and astronomical studies, including satellite navigation, precise positioning, and the measurement of variations in the Earth's rotation.
Understanding and accurately measuring the Chandler wobble is essential in fields such as geodesy, global positioning systems (GPS), and studies of Earth's rotation and its effects on climate patterns. It provides valuable insights into the dynamics of our planet and helps refine models used in geophysical research.
Common Misspellings for CHANDLER WOBBLE
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Etymology of CHANDLER WOBBLE
The term "Chandler wobble" is derived from the name of its discoverer, American astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler. Seth Carlo Chandler was born on September 17, 1846, in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked as an astronomer at the Harvard College Observatory. In 1891, while studying the Earth's motion, Chandler observed small irregularities or variations in the Earth's rotation around its axis. He found that these variations caused slight changes in the orientation of the Earth's axis of rotation, leading to what is now known as the Chandler wobble. The term "wobble" refers to the periodic and oscillatory nature of these variations. Thus, the name "Chandler wobble" was given in recognition of Chandler's pioneering work in discovering this phenomenon.
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