It produces an apparent change in the position of a star, which is known by the term "precession."
"The Story of the Heavens"
Robert Stawell Ball
It is therefore natural to enquire how far gravitation will render an account of the phenomenon of precession; and to put the matter in its simplest form, let us consider the effect which a distant attracting body can have upon the rotation of the earth.
"The Story of the Heavens"
Robert Stawell Ball
If the earth were a perfect sphere, precession would be inexplicable.
"The Story of the Heavens"
Robert Stawell Ball