descending node

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

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Etymology

Origin of descending node

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From BBC

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg