First total solar eclipse of Saros 139 over southern Asia

Background. The Saros cycle is a period of 223 synodic months, approximately 18 years and 11 days, used to predict eclipses. Solar Saros series 139 occurs at the Moon's ascending node. This series contains 71 eclipses, including 55 umbral eclipses, of which 43 are total. The first eclipse of the series was on May 17, 1501, but the first total eclipse occurred later.

Event Details. The first total eclipse of Saros 139 took place on December 21, 1843. It occurred over southern Asia and lasted for 1 minute and 43 seconds. The provided sources do not confirm the specific path crossing Kerala or Kollam, only that it occurred over southern Asia. The legacy hint regarding Kollam is unverified by the supplied passages.

Series Characteristics. Saros series 139 is an active series that repeats every 18 years and 11 days. It contains 71 eclipses, including 12 hybrid and 43 total eclipses. The series began with a partial eclipse on May 17, 1501. Starting in 2078, this series will produce the longest total eclipses of any series, surpassing Solar Saros 136.