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

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 Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)

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 Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)

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

From Spillthrough by Galouye, Daniel F.

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.

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

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