An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The motion of a solar system body from West to East across the sky against the background stars. It is the “normal” direction of motion within the solar system. For rotating or orbiting solar system objects it is anti-clockwise as seen from above the solar system in the direction of the North Pole. The same as → prograde motion. See also → retrograde motion.

See also: → direct; → motion.