An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To move, climb, or go upward; mount; rise.
   

2. To rise to a higher point, rank, or degree; proceed from an inferior to a superior degree or level (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): M.E. ascenden, from L. ascendere “to climb up, mount,” from → ad- “to” + scandere “to climb,” → scan.

Etymology (PE): Farâzidan, from farâz “above, over, aloft.”