descending node

American  

noun

Astronomy.

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

---

Etymology

Origin of descending node

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

descending node

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 Kisari Mohan Ganguli

When passing to the north of the ecliptic, it is called the ascending node; when to the south of it, the descending node.

From Conversations on Natural Philosophy, in which the Elements of that Science are Familiarly Explained by Thomas P. Jones

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

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 Thomas Bassnett

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