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

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

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

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

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

"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

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