POINT, in Astronomy, a term applied to certain points or places marked in the heavens, and distinguished by proper epithets.
The four grand points or divisions of the horizon, viz. the east, west, north, and south, are called the cardinal points.
The zenith and nadir are the vertical points; the points wherein the orbits of the planets cut the plane of the ecliptic are called the nodes: the points wherein the equator and ecliptic intersect are called the equinoctial points: particularly, that whence the sun ascends towards the north pole, is called the vernal point; and that by which he descends to the south pole, the autumnal point. The points of the ecliptic, where the sun's ascent above the equator, and descent below it, terminate, are called the solstitial points; particularly the former of them, the estival or summer-point; the latter, the brumal or winter-point.
POINT is also used for a cape or headland jutting out into the sea: thus seamen say, two points of land are in one another, when they are so in a right line against each other, as that the innermost is hindered from being seen by the outermost.