On the accuracy of the theory of precession and nutation

Abstract

Corrections to the IAU 2000/2006 parameters of the theory of precession and nutation are calculated using five different series—two individual series and three combined series that have been used in the literature for this purpose. A comparison of the sets of corrections obtained using the different datasets indicates significance systematic differences between them, which often substantially exceed the corresponding random errors. At the same time, existing studies have usually used data obtained from one or two series chosen by the authors without special justification. When refining the theory of precession and nutation, it is necessary to consider and compare various available series of VLBI data if one wishes to reduce the systematic errors in an improved model.