History of Thuban

	Revision 4 . . November 27, 2001 1:35 am by Paul Drye
	Revision 3 . . (edit) November 27, 2001 1:33 am by Rmhermen
	Revision 2 . . November 27, 2001 1:30 am by Paul Drye [Not "that can ever be". If the stars didn't move in space, OK, but they do. These are good articles, BTW.]
	Revision 1 . . November 27, 2001 1:02 am by Wayne Hardman

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Difference (from prior major revision) (no other diffs)

Changed: 1c1

Thuban also Alpha Draconis would be totally unknown if it weren't that it -- due to the procession of the Earth's rotational axis -- it was the star closest to the pole from some time prior to 3000 BC until 1900 BC (when it was superseded by Kochab?). It was at its closest approach to the pole in 2700 BC, when it was a mere 10 seconds of arc away (1/180th the width of the full moon). Thuban is just barely fourth magnitude so it will not be seen from urban areas.

Thuban also Alpha Draconis would be totally unknown if it weren't that -- due to the procession of the Earth's rotational axis -- it was the star closest to the pole from some time prior to 3000 BC until 1900 BC (when it was superseded by Kochab?). It was at its closest approach to the pole in 2700 BC, when it was a mere 10 seconds of arc away (1/180th the width of the full moon). Thuban is just barely fourth magnitude so it will not be seen from urban areas.

Added: 5a6,7

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