106 
The mean ascending node of all planets, planetoids, and 
comets, with direct motion, is at or near this point at 265°, 
whilst the greater part of the comets, with retrograde motion, 
group on the opposite point at 85°. There is a mean tendency 
in orbit planes to cross the solar equator at 265°, and to lie 
within the lenticular zones between the solar equator and the 
nearest section of the milky way (an angle of about 70°). 
Planetary orbits lie nearest the equator plane, and in other 
orbits the successive increase of mean orbit distance from the 
sun is accompanied with a like successive increase in inclina- 
tion — or divergence from the solar equator plane — until the 
comets, which penetrate furthest into space, tend to lie in the 
plane of the milky way. 
A line connecting the two grouping points at 265° and 85° 
is very nearly the mean direction of the major axes of orbits of 
all kinds, when projected upon the solar equator plane ; and 
a considerable excess in the grouping of major axes is found 
within 15° on each side of that line, both in planetoids and 
comets. 
The perihelion points of all major axes, except retrograde 
comets, are grouped in very marked preponderance on the 
point at 85°, whilst a similar excess of perihelia of retrograde 
comets is found on the opposite point at 265°. 
If rotation is assumed to have a cosmical value, the action 
of the sun and planets on each other ought to be polar in 
character ; and if so, the major axis of an elliptic orbit, and 
the axis of rotation of the planet, should tend to have a 
common determinate general direction in space. It appears 
that when the axis of rotation of each planet, and the major 
axis of its orbit are both projected perpendicularly upon the 
plane of the solar equator, there is a very remarkable 
tendency to absolute coincidence in several cases ; and with 
only Uranus and Neptune — the planets with retrograde 
rotation — as decided exceptions. 
The poles of all the planets are within 30° of the milky 
way. A great circle drawn through the position of the sun’s 
