Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
The uneven surface of the Moon allows sunlight to peek through valleys and mountains.
B
The Earth's atmosphere refracts sunlight, creating optical illusions.
C
The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth reflects solar radiation differently.
D
The gravitational pull of the Moon intensifies the Sun's light.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
During a solar eclipse the Moon’s edge is not smooth but has mountains and valleys, and sunlight can shine through the valleys that are still exposed to the Sun. Each small opening lets a bright point of light, called a Baily’s bead, appear around the Moon’s rim as the Sun is almost entirely covered. When only one or a few of those beads remain, the bright sunlight looks like a single bright spot against the darkened Moon, creating the “diamond ring” effect. For example, as the Sun’s disk disappears, the last bead glows like a tiny diamond before the sky turns dark, then the ring of light fades as the eclipse completes.
Detailed Explanation
The Moon’s surface is uneven. Other options are incorrect because Some think the sky’s fog makes the beads; People may think the angle of the Sun, Moon and Earth makes the beads.
Key Concepts
Solar Eclipse Phenomena
Lunar Surface Features
Optical Effects in Astronomy
Topic
Solar Eclipse Phenomena
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Arrange the following phenomena that occur during a solar eclipse in the correct chronological order: A) Baily's Beads, B) Diamond Ring effect, C) Totality, D) Return of sunlight.
mediumAstronomy
Practice
2
Question 2Baily's Beads : The appearance of bright patches during a solar eclipse :: Diamond Ring effect : ?
mediumAstronomy
Practice
3
Question 3What causes the appearance of Baily's Beads during a solar eclipse?
mediumAstronomy
Practice
4
Question 4During a solar eclipse, why do Baily's Beads occur, and what does this phenomenon illustrate about the Moon's surface?
hardAstronomy
Practice
5
Question 5During a solar eclipse, a group of students is observing the event from a location where they can see the Diamond Ring effect. They notice that just before totality, the sunlight creates a bright spot on the edge of the Moon. Why does this phenomenon occur, and what does it tell us about the nature of solar eclipses?
mediumAstronomy
Practice
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