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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 March 2016
About 240 000 optical observations of the Sun, Mercury and Venus, accumulated during the era of classical astrometry from Bradley up to our days, are incorporated to analyse the secular variation of the longitudes of innermost planets. A significant discrepancy between modern ephemerides and optical observations is discovered. The possible sources of discrepancy are discussed. The tidal acceleration of the Moon has been revised to conform the lunar theory with the ephemerides of the planets. The offset and residual rotation of Hipparcos-based system with respect to the dynamical equinox is determined. Interpretation of this rotation is given.