eastward

Eastward refers to the direction in which a point on Earth lies toward the right when facing north, following the standard geographical orientation. This cardinal direction is opposite of westward and is one of the four primary cardinal directions, along with north, south, and east. In navigation and cartography, eastward movement typically indicates progression toward higher latitudes or longitudes east of a reference point, such as a starting location or a meridian.

The term "eastward" is often used in various contexts, including travel, geography, and meteorology. In aviation and maritime navigation, pilots and sailors may specify eastward courses to describe their intended path. Meteorologists might use the term to describe wind or weather patterns moving eastward across a region. Additionally, in everyday language, "eastward" can describe a general trend or direction, such as economic or cultural influences spreading eastward from a central point.

Historically, eastward travel has been significant in human exploration, with many expeditions and migrations occurring along trade routes that extended eastward across continents. The concept of eastward movement has also influenced cultural and religious traditions, as many civilizations have historically viewed the east as a sacred or enlightened direction. Today, eastward remains a fundamental concept in geography, helping to define spatial relationships and guide movement across the globe.