Geodetic precession is a phenomenon that occurs due to the gravitational forces acting on a rotating body, such as the Earth. As the Earth spins, its mass distribution causes the axis of rotation to shift slightly over time. This results in a slow, circular movement of the axis, which can affect the orientation of satellites and other objects in space. This precession is primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon on the Earth's equatorial bulge. Over a period of approximately 26,000 years, the axis of the Earth traces out a conical shape, leading to changes in the position of celestial coordinates and impacting navigation and astronomy.