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A partial lunar eclipse took place on August 16, 2008, the second of two lunar eclipses in 2008, with the first being a total eclipse on February 20, 2008. The next lunar eclipse was a penumbral eclipse occurring on February 9, 2009, while the next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 21, 2010.
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Viewing
Parts of Australia saw it begin before sunrise, while parts of South America saw it end just after sunset. The eclipse is also seen in the Philippines and other parts of Asia at moonset. Parts of Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw it when it is visible.
The penumbral eclipse began at 18:23 UTC, with the partial eclipse beginning at 19:36. The time of greatest eclipse was 21:10. The partial eclipse ended at 22:44, and the penumbral eclipse will ended at 23:57.
The planet Neptune was 2 days past opposition, visible in binoculars as an 8th magnitude "star" just two degrees west and slightly south of the moon.
Saros series
Lunar saros series 138 has 19 total eclipses between September 7, 2044 and June 8, 2495. The longest eclipse will be on January 7, 2243, and last for 102 minutes.
Partial eclipses will occur between June 13, 1900 and August 13, 2603. Penumbral eclipses will occur between October 5, 1503 and March 30, 2982.
Metonic cycle (19 years)
The Metonic cycle repeats nearly exactly every 19 years and represents a Saros cycle plus one lunar year. Because it occurs on the same calendar date, the earth's shadow will in nearly the same location relative to the background stars.