Pronunciation: [platˈɒnɪk jˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The term "platonic year" refers to the period of time it takes for the stars to return to their original positions in the night sky. It is pronounced /pləˈtɒnɪk jɪər/ with the stressed syllable on the second syllable of "platonic" and a schwa sound in the first syllable. The "c" in "platonic" is pronounced like a "k" sound due to the Greek origin of the word. The "y" in "year" is pronounced like a long "e" sound.
A platonic year refers to the duration of time it takes for Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun, according to the natural rhythm of the cosmos as perceived by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. The concept of the platonic year is rooted in Plato's theory of ideal forms and his belief in a cyclical nature of the universe.
In Plato's philosophy, he suggested that the world we perceive is a mere reflection of an ideal reality – a celestial realm where perfect forms of everything exist. Based on this idea, he proposed that the cosmos undergoes a regular cycle of creation and destruction, with each cycle spanning a vast amount of time known as the platonic year.
The duration attributed to a platonic year can vary depending on different interpretations throughout history. Plato himself did not provide a specific timeframe, leaving it open to subsequent interpretations and calculations. Some ancient astronomers estimated a period of around 36,000 years, while others, such as the Greek astronomer Hipparchus, proposed a figure closer to 25,900 years.
Today, the concept of the platonic year is often associated with the astronomical phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes. This phenomenon, caused by the slow wobble of Earth's rotational axis, gradually shifts the positions of the equinoxes and solstices relative to the fixed stars over a period of approximately 25,800 years. Consequently, the notion of the platonic year continues to be relevant in discussions concerning astronomical cycles and the history of Earth's celestial alignment.
The complete revolution of the equinoxes in about 26,000 years.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "platonic year" derives from the concept of the "Great Year" or "Great Year of Plato", which refers to the period of time it takes for the celestial bodies to return to their original positions and repeat the same cosmic events.
The term "platonic year" was first used by the Greek astronomer and mathematician Hipparchus around the 2nd century BCE. He proposed the idea of a long astronomical cycle, which he attributed to Plato. However, it is important to note that Plato himself never used the term "platonic year" or explicitly described this specific cycle.
The word "platonic" in "platonic year" refers to Plato due to its association with his philosophy. Plato believed in the existence of eternal and unchanging forms, and the concept of a cyclic or eternal nature of time aligns with his philosophical ideas.
