Ep. 779: Milankovitch Cycles
Jan 19, 2026•30 min•Season 19Ep. 779
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Summary
Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela Gay explore the Milankovitch Cycles, natural phenomena involving changes in Earth's orbital eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession. They discuss how these cycles, unfolding over millennia, have historically impacted Earth's climate and glacial periods, emphasizing their distinction from rapid human-caused climate change. The episode also touches on the challenges of interpreting geological records and introduces even larger astronomical cycles.Episode description
Astronomy Cast Ep. 779: Milankovitch Cycles By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on Jan 12, 2026. Humans live short lives, and from our perspective the seasons are something that come and go with perfect regularity. But astronomers know the terrible truth! And that there are cycles that slowly shift over tens of thousands of years, shifting the cycles and the Earth's climate. Today we'll talk about the Milankovich Cycles! The Earth's orbit, tilt, and other physical attributes aren't quite as constant as you might think! Come learn how long-term changes do and don't affect our climate. This show is supported through people like you on Patreon.com/AstronomyCast In this episode, we'd like to thank: Burry Gowen, Eric Lee, Jeanette Wink, Michael Purcell, Andrew Poelstra, David, David Rossetter, Ed, Gerhard Schwarzer, Jason Kwong, Joe McTee, Sergey Manouilov, Siggi Kemmler, Sergio Sancevero
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