Which Milankovitch cycle describes the gradual wobble in Earth’s rotational axis?

Axial precession is the Milankovitch cycle describing the gradual wobble in Earth’s rotational axis.

Earth’s axis does not point in exactly the same direction forever. Like a spinning top, it slowly traces a circular path in space because of gravitational torques from the Sun and Moon. One complete cycle takes roughly 26,000 years.

This wobble changes which star lies near the north celestial pole and alters the timing of the seasons relative to Earth’s position in its orbit. It therefore affects the seasonal distribution of sunlight, especially when combined with changes in orbital shape and axial tilt.

Axial precession is different from obliquity, which is the changing angle of Earth’s axis and has a cycle of about 41,000 years. It is also different from eccentricity, which describes changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit over much longer intervals. Together, these cycles influence long-term climate patterns.