Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Umbra
B
Penumbra
C
The area outside the eclipse path
D
The Earth's shadow
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
During a solar eclipse you must be inside the Moon’s umbra, the darkest part of its shadow. The umbra is the narrow cone of light that the Moon casts when it completely blocks the Sun, creating a total eclipse for observers within it. If you are only in the penumbra, the Sun is only partially covered, giving a partial eclipse. For example, when the Moon’s umbra sweeps across the Earth’s surface, people standing in that path see the Sun disappear entirely for a few minutes.
Detailed Explanation
The umbra is the darkest part of the Moon’s shadow, where it covers the Sun completely. Other options are incorrect because Many people think the penumbra gives a total eclipse because it is a shadow too; Some think that standing outside the eclipse path will still let you see the Sun disappear.
Key Concepts
Eclipse Phases
Moon's Shadow
Total Eclipse
Topic
Solar Eclipse Phases
Difficulty
easy level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Earth. What is the underlying reason for this phenomenon occurring?
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2
Question 2During a solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, causing the shadow of the Moon to fall on the Earth. This phenomenon can be described as the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and _____.
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3
Question 3Which of the following statements accurately describe the conditions necessary for solar and lunar eclipses to occur? Select all that apply.
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4
Question 4During a solar eclipse, what type of shadow is cast by the Moon when the Sun is completely obscured, resulting in darkness for observers on Earth?
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5
Question 5During a solar eclipse, what part of the Moon's shadow allows some sunlight to reach the Earth?
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6
Question 6Which of the following phenomena can be observed during a solar eclipse? (Select all that apply)
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7
Question 7What is the correct sequence of events during a lunar eclipse, from the Moon entering the Earth's shadow to the end of the eclipse?
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8
Question 8During a lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth's shadow, and when it is completely within the darkest part of the shadow, it is said to be in the _____.
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9
Question 9During a lunar eclipse, which phase of the Moon typically corresponds to the Earth casting its umbral shadow on the Moon?
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10
Question 10Earth's shadow on the Moon during a lunar eclipse is to a penumbral shadow as a person's shadow under a tree is to what?
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