A new concept of the astronomical theory of paleoclimate: Two steps backward, one step forward

The two most widespread versions of the multidisciplinary astronomical theory of paleoclimate (ATP), the theories of J. Croll and M. Milankovitch, are discussed. Based on the analysis of their contradictions with empirical data, the main disadvantages of these theories are revealed, and a new ATP concept is proposed. Specifically, it is shown that the new concept can serve as a basis of consistent ideas of the global climatic variations in the Quaternary and their mechanisms. Some questions concerning the relation between variations in the geomagnetic field and Earth's orbital elements are discussed.