Start date May 4, 1985 | ||
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A total lunar eclipse took place on May 4, 1985.
Contents
This lunar eclipse is first of a tetrad, four total lunar eclipses in series. The last series was in 1967 and 1968, starting with an April 1967 lunar eclipse, while the next was in 2003 and 2004, starting with a May 2003 lunar eclipse.
Visibility
It is seen rising over the whole of Africa, Middle East, Europe and Asia. The eclipse was sighted over the Philippines at night. The second also followed on October 28, 1985.
Metonic series
This eclipse is the second of four Metonic cycle lunar eclipses on the same date, May 4–5, each separated by 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.
Saros series
It is a member of Saros cycle 121.