# Understanding Longitude of ascending node (orbit orientation)

I'm trying to understand how the longitude of the ascending node "works" for the planets in our solar system.

The NASA fact sheet easily gives you the angles for the "longitude of the ascending node". Let's take Saturn for example, with an angle of 113 degrees.

From what I understand from the book "Fundamentals of Astrodynamics" is that this is 113 degrees counter-clockwise from the point of reference (the vernal equinox direction).

Then I looked at this page, which has a really good explanation for the ascending node: http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/A/Ascending+Node

Then I tried to apply that knowledge in the image of Saturn using a "top view" and a "side view" (http://calgary.rasc.ca/orbits.htm):

In this image, they have highlighted that part of the orbit of Saturn that is above the ecliptic plane, using a bright white line.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the vernal equinox represented by the horizontal line pointed towards the east? When I then take that 113 degrees counter-clockwise in the "top view", I get to the point where the planet reaches above the ecliptic. So far so good.

BUT, if I look at the "side view", that point seems to be the point of the descending node, not the point of the ascending node...