Date 16 May 2003 | ||
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Other Instances April 2099 lunar eclipse | ||
A total lunar eclipse took place on May 16, 2003, the first of two total lunar eclipses in 2003, the other being on November 9, 2003.
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This lunar eclipse is first of a tetrad, four total lunar eclipses in series. The previous series was in 1985 and 1986, starting with a May 1985 lunar eclipse. The next one was in 2014 and 2015, starting with the April 15, 2014 lunar eclipse.
Saros series
It is a member of Saros cycle 121.
Lunar year series
It is also the second of four lunar year cycles, repeating every 354 days.
Metonic series
This eclipse is the second of four Metonic cycle lunar eclipses on the same date, May 15–16, 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 be in nearly the same location relative to the background stars.