Period variations of the Chandler wobble

Variations in the period of the Chandler wobble have been discussed since its discovery by Chandler in 1892. Various authors engaged in the investigation of polar motion time series suggest both a variable and an invariable period. It cannot be resolved by the analysis of time series whether the Chandler period is variable. By studying the influence of mass redistributions on the Chandler period it has been found that it is in fact variable, but the magnitude of such variation is much smaller than that found by polar motion time series analysis. For the currently available time series of polar motion, it is sufficient to assume an invariable Chandler period. AcknowledgmentsUseful discussions with Dr. F. Barthelmes and Dr. K. Fleming are gratefully appreciated.