Solar eclipse of March 18, 1988

A total solar eclipse occurred at the Moon's ascending node of orbit on Friday, March 18, 1988, with a magnitude of 1.0464. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is larger than the Sun's, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness. Totality occurs in a narrow path across Earth's surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide. Totality was visible in Indonesia and southern Philippines.

Observation
The tourism office of the General Santos City government in the Philippines promoted it as a big tourism event. Hordes of scientists, astronomers, journalists, TV crews and tourists from all over the globe observed the totality from there. Then President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino also joined in to experience the event.

Eclipses in 1988

 * A penumbral lunar eclipse on March 3, 1988.
 * A total solar eclipse on March 18, 1988.
 * A partial lunar eclipse on August 27, 1988.
 * An annular solar eclipse on September 11, 1988.

Metonic

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of May 30, 1984
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of January 4, 1992

Tzolkinex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of February 4, 1981
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of April 29, 1995

Half-Saros

 * Preceded by: Lunar eclipse of March 13, 1979
 * Followed by: Lunar eclipse of March 24, 1997

Tritos

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of April 18, 1977
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of February 16, 1999

Solar Saros 139

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of March 7, 1970
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of March 29, 2006

Inex

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of April 8, 1959
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of February 26, 2017

Triad

 * Preceded by: Solar eclipse of May 18, 1901
 * Followed by: Solar eclipse of January 16, 2075