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

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 Daniel F. Galouye

The same would be true if the earth were at D, and Venus at the descending node F. This general view of the flying spheres is full of interest.

From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Henry White Warren

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 E. Walter (Edward Walter) Maunder

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 E. Walter (Edward Walter) Maunder

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 Sir Edward Belcher