That is the case during a total solar eclipse when the Moon's umbra falls on Earth. However, since the antumbra starts at a certain distance from the Moon, beyond the umbra, it does not form if the shadow hits a solid object within the umbra's range. Most of the time, it includes an antumbra. ![]() On its journey through space, the Moon always casts a shadow. If the antumbra falls on Earth, we can see an annular solar eclipse. Where they meet, the 2 shadow areas look a bit like an hourglass, if viewed from the side. In contrast to the umbra, the antumbra's diameter increases with growing distance from the Moon. If the umbra falls on Earth, we can see a total solar eclipse.Īs we move further away from the Moon, the umbra is followed by another V-shaped shadow. With growing distance from the Moon, the umbra's diameter decreases, creating a cone-shaped shadow core (see illustration). The core of the Moon's shadow consists of a dark center that is referred to as the umbra. The type of eclipse depends on the type of shadow that is involved.Īstronomical terms & definitions Causes Annular Solar Eclipses When the Earth enters the Moon's shadow, we see a solar eclipse when the Moon travels through the Earth's shadow, a lunar eclipse occurs.
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