Definition
Solar Saros 150 is a series of solar eclipses that recur at intervals of one Saros period—approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. Each eclipse in the series is separated from the next by this interval, causing the geometry of the Earth‑Moon‑Sun system to repeat with a shift in longitude.
Overview
Solar Saros 150 belongs to the family of Saros series that occur at the Moon’s ascending node. The series comprises 71 eclipse events spanning more than twelve centuries. According to the catalog of solar eclipses compiled by NASA, the series began with a partial solar eclipse on 29 May 1729 and will conclude with a partial eclipse on 30 June 2997. Within this interval the series produces a sequence of annular eclipses, flanked by partial eclipses at its beginning and end. No total or hybrid eclipses are present in Solar Saros 150.
Etymology/Origin
The term Saros derives from a Babylonian word (possibly “sharu”) that denoted a period of 3,600 days; it was revived in the 17th century by Edmond Halley to describe the eclipse‑recurrence cycle. The numeric designation “150” simply identifies this particular series within the ordered list of solar Saros cycles.
Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Period | 18 years 11 days 8 hours (≈ 6585.321 days) |
| Number of eclipses | 71 (partial and annular) |
| Node | Ascending node of the Moon’s orbit |
| Range of dates | 29 May 1729 – 30 June 2997 |
| Eclipse types | Initial and final partial eclipses; a central phase of annular eclipses lasting several centuries |
| Geographic shift | Each successive eclipse occurs about 120° west in longitude relative to the previous one, due to the 8‑hour fraction of a day in the Saros period. |
| Annular phase | Annular eclipses occur roughly between the early 22nd century and the mid‑27th century, with the greatest number of central eclipses in that interval. |
Related Topics
- Saros cycle – the 18‑year eclipse repetition pattern used for predicting both solar and lunar eclipses.
- Solar eclipse – the astronomical phenomenon in which the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, partially or completely obscuring the Sun’s disk.
- Lunar Saros series – analogous series of lunar eclipses that share the same Saros period.
- NASA Eclipse Web Site – a primary source of detailed eclipse catalogs and Saros series data.
- Eclipse prediction – the mathematical methods and historical practices employed to forecast future eclipses.