Figuring the next solar eclipse

Solar eclipses occur in cycles of 18 years, 11 days, 8 hours. This means after a location experiences a solar eclipse, another can be expected at the same location 18 years and 11 days later, but 8 hours later in the day. This cycle is called a saros.

After a solar eclipse, in 9 years and 5.5 days (a half saros) a lunar eclipse will occur in the same area.

One may experience other eclipses during a saros cycle, but they will not be identical to the ones referenced above. Each one will have its own saros cycle, appropriate for its own earth-moon-sun orientation.

One may find added information about this on Wikipedia and other sources.

 

Author: David

I grew up near Clayton, AL and have lived over 30 years near Atlanta, GA. My interests include family, church, guitar, gardening, working with kids... and math! Life can be very interesting. My websites: chasingtrees.net mathshortcutblog.wordpress.com

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