Earth Orientation since AD 1600

Abstract

AbstractPast endeavors in the field of Earth orientation have provided both service to astronomical users of the data and insight into the physical processes of the planet Earth. Since the study of Earth orientation has required a wide geographic distribution of astronomical observing sites, it has been an area of research that has depended heavily on international cooperation over long intervals of time. Recently, IAU Colloquium 178 pointed out that the need exists to find and collect observations that may have been made before the establishment of the current operational services. Reanalysis of such data could be important in our understanding of the physical processes affecting the Earth. All of these observations need to be analyzed in one system consistent with current definitions and conventions. The history of available observations is reviewed along with the contributions that have been made possible using these data. Possible sources for additional data are suggested.