Due to Earth’s axial precession, the positions of Earth’s celestial poles shift gradually in a cycle of approximately 26000 years. These days, Polaris is very close to the north celestial pole. However, 2000 years ago, Kochab is much closer to the celestial pole than Polaris. In the next 2000 years, Errai will replace Polaris as our pole star.
Flat-Earthers claim that the stars are always in the same position proves the Earth is stationary. They are wrong. By observing old star charts from a few centuries ago, the shift of celestial poles can be determined. It proves stars are not always in the same position as today, and that the Earth is rotating.
One of the best old star chart from several centuries ago is Atlas Coelestis from John Flamsteed that was published in 1729. By studying this map —or other maps from several centuries ago— and comparing them to a recent chart, we can see the shift of the position of the stars in the sky.
References
- Divine Sky: The Artistry of Astronomical Maps – University of Michigan
- Atlas Coelestis – Divine Sky: The Artistry of Astronomical Maps – University of Michigan