descending node

noun

Astronomy.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of descending node¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

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

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

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This landing pattern, called a "descending node", has not been used since 2007.

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The truth, Brad realized, was that the Cluster Queen was drawing closer both spatially and on the descending node of the hyperspatial arc!

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Rahu's head marks the ascending, Ketu, the tail, the descending node.

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