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

See Examples For:

descending node

If the moon is between her ascending and descending node, the correction is positive, and we take the larger arc.

From Outlines of a Mechanical Theory of Storms Containing the True Law of Lunar Influence by Bassnett, Thomas

Whatever crates broke free from the holds also broke free from the ship's system and were no longer being dragged down the descending node toward spillthrough.

From Spillthrough by Galouye, Daniel F.

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

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

Or had he fallen further down the descending node toward spillthrough?

From Spillthrough by Galouye, Daniel F.