'Right descension' definitions:

Definition of 'Right descension'

From: GCIDE
  • Descension \De*scen"sion\, n. [OF. descension, L. descensio. See Descent.] The act of going downward; descent; falling or sinking; declension; degradation. [1913 Webster]
  • Oblique descension (Astron.), the degree or arc of the equator which descends, with a celestial object, below the horizon of an oblique sphere.
  • Right descension, the degree or arc of the equator which descends below the horizon of a right sphere at the same time with the object. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]