descending node

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

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Etymology

Origin of descending node

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

"I beg your pardon," said he, continuing his descent; "I never could keep off eagles when in my descending node."

From Cobwebs from an Empty Skull by Bierce, Ambrose

Rahu's head marks the ascending, Ketu, the tail, 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)

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)

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.

Moreover, they recur alternately at the ascending and descending node.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 "Echinoderma" to "Edward" by Various