Historically, the events surrounding Eclipses are distinctive for their dramatic impact of both the globe and human affairs. This period of elevated drama seeds a series of related events over an extended period of time.

There are two major Eclipse cycles. The greater 1300-year Saros cycle, begins with a New Moon at the North or South Pole - finishing its cycle at the opposite pole. The shorter Eclipse cycle, called the Metonic Cycle, has a 19-year pattern repeating 3-5 times over a span of about 57-95 years. A deeper study of the Metonic Cycle reveals the key to the timing of Eclipse events.

Within the Metonic Cycle there is a two and a quarter year sub-cycle indicated with subsequent phases of the Moon at nine-month intervals. This unique sub-cycle which the author discovered and named the "Lunar Gestation Cycle" reveals a full set of related Moon Phases beginning with the New Moon/Solar Eclipse, followed by the First Quarter, to Full and finally the Last Quarter Moon. All occur near the same degree as the parent moon (the New Moon/Solar Eclipse) and are separated at nine month intervals. Thus, the group of related Moons is named a "Moon Family".

Learn more about the Lunar Gestation Cycle in the book Lunar Shadows.

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