descending node

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. the node through which an orbiting body passes as it moves to the south (ascending node ).

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Etymology

Origin of descending node

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

Indeed the "Dragon's Head," ☊, is the general sign for the ascending node of any orbit, whether of moon, planet or comet, and the "Dragon's Tail," ☋, for the descending node.

From The Astronomy of the Bible An Elementary Commentary on the Astronomical References of Holy Scripture by Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)

The ascending node is the point where it passes from the south to the north side of the ecliptic; the descending node is the opposite point, where the latitude changes from north to south.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

When crossing the ecliptic from south to north the Moon is in its ascending node, and when crossing from north to south in its descending node.

From The Astronomy of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' by Orchard, Thomas Nathaniel

Ketu is no plant but Hindu astronomers name the descending node of the Moon by that name.

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 4 Books 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan

When passing to the north of the ecliptic, it is called the ascending node; when to the south of it, the descending node.

From Conversations on Natural Philosophy, in which the Elements of that Science are Familiarly Explained by Jones, Thomas P.