Zodiac celestial coordinate system, or more specifically an ecliptic coordinate system, which takes the ecliptic as the origin of latitude and the Sun's position at vernal equinox as the origin of longitude. The English word ' derives from ', the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek "zōidiakòs kýklos" (), meaning "cycle or circle of little animals". "Zōidion" () is the diminutive of "zōion" (, "animal"). The name reflects the prominence of animals (and mythological hybrids) among the twelve signs. The zodiac was in use by the Roman era, based on concepts inherited by Hellenistic astronomy from Babylonian astronomy of the Chaldean
Letter of the Six by going to the American embassy without telling the others. Addressed to President Nicolae Ceaușescu, the letter was a left-wing critique of Ceaușescu's policies. It appealed to the type of humanism supported by Mikhail Gorbachev, although the latter was not mentioned by name. The text of the letter was very clear in its practical demands and set a stark tone, particularly the part in which they compare Romania with Africa, hinting to a future of underdevelopment. The document was immediately broadcast on Radio Free Europe, BBC Radio, and Voice of America. The broadcast of the letter led to the swift