How common for almost same solar eclipse 17 months later?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the occurrence of two total solar eclipses in South America, specifically in Chile and Argentina, occurring 17 months apart. The first eclipse is on December 14, 2020, and the second on July 2, 2022, both following similar paths. This phenomenon is linked to the Saros cycle, with the specific Saros and Inex notations being 37 S and -23 I, respectively. The rarity of such occurrences is highlighted, noting that there are approximately 34 Pentalunex events every 123 years, making this alignment uncommon.

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Note that 17 months is near a whole number of days. That sends the same lunar phase right back to the same time zone on Earth. Note that 17 months is nearly 1 & 3/8 years.

This eclipse cycle has 3 eclipse seasons. We can write the Saros-Inex notation;
Saros = 358*E - 61*M = 37 S
Inex = 38*M - 223*E = -23 I

This eclipse cycle is written 37 S -23 I. It won't repeat. The cycle contains a Pentalunex. There are about 34 Pentalunex every 123 years, and 3 ways 17 months can contain it.
 
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swampwiz said:
I see that South America (Chile/Argentina) will be getting a total solar eclipse this winter (i.e., winter there) and then another one only 17 months later that seems to be along the same type of path, albeit a little bit south. This can't be very common.
Found the graphic I stored so long ago ... It might enlighten you :smile:

241818


Do you see the patterns ?

Dave
 

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