March 1933 lunar eclipse
March 12, 1933 was the date of a penumbral lunar eclipse. A penumbral eclipse happens when the Moon only passes through the outer part of Earth’s shadow, so the shading is subtle and not easily noticeable. This eclipse occurred near the Moon’s descending node and the Moon looked slightly larger than usual because it was about 3.5 days before perigee, when the Moon is closest to Earth.
The eclipse was completely visible from eastern North America, parts of South America, and much of Africa and Europe. It was seen rising over western North America and the eastern Pacific, and setting over East Africa and parts of Asia.
This March eclipse was the second of four penumbral lunar eclipses in 1933; the other penumbral eclipses occurred on February 10, August 5, and September 4.
Eclipses come in seasons about twice a year, with each season lasting roughly 35 days. This eclipse is part of a long-running cycle called Saros 141, which repeats roughly every 18 years and 11 days and contains many similar eclipses. All events in this Saros occur near the Moon’s descending node.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:58 (CET).