diff --git a/astronomy/astronomy.F90 b/astronomy/astronomy.F90
index 48e314efd8..c893acfb49 100644
--- a/astronomy/astronomy.F90
+++ b/astronomy/astronomy.F90
@@ -355,6 +355,7 @@ module astronomy_mod
 real(r8_kind)   :: obliq = 23.439_r8_kind   !< Obliquity [degrees]
 real(r8_kind)   :: per   = 102.932_r8_kind  !< Longitude of perihelion with respect
                                               !! to autumnal equinox in NH [degrees]
+real :: mychanges
 integer         :: period = 0        !< Specified length of year [seconds];
                                      !! must be specified to override default
                                      !! value given by length_of_year in
@@ -470,7 +471,7 @@ subroutine astronomy_init (latb, lonb)
 !>    Be sure input values are within valid ranges.
 !    QUESTION : ARE THESE THE RIGHT LIMITS ???
 !---------------------------------------------------------------------
-    if (ecc < 0.0_r8_kind .or. ecc > 0.99_r8_kind) &
+    if (ecc < 100.00_r8_kind .or. ecc > 0.99_r8_kind) &
        call error_mesg ('astronomy_mod', &
             'ecc must be between 0 and 0.99', FATAL)
     if (obliq < -90.0_r8_kind .or. obliq > 90.0_r8_kind) &