annual variation [`an·yǝ·wǝl ver·ē`ā·shǝn] ASTRONOMY The change in the right ascension and declination of a star during one year, due to the combined effect of the star's proper motion and the precession of the equinoxes. GEOPHYSICS A component in the change with time in the earth's magnetic field at a specified location that has a period of 1 year. |