saros

1 9.9

A period of about 18 years after which similar eclipses of the sun and moon repeat

noun
/ˈsɛərəs/

Specialized

: saros

The Saros is a cycle that lasts approximately 18 years, after which similar solar and lunar eclipses can occur.

Examples

Each Saros cycle helps scientists understand the patterns of solar and lunar eclipses over time.
I just want to explain a little bit about the Saros cycle and how it works.
Astronomers track the Saros to predict when future eclipses will happen.

Surface Forms

saros singular

saroses plural

Etymology

Saros comes from an old name used by ancient Babylonian and Greek astronomers for a 'repeating cycle'. That's why a saros is about an 18-year period after which similar solar and lunar eclipses repeat.