
Diagram Showing Solar Eclipse Geometry

by Science Photo Library
Title
Diagram Showing Solar Eclipse Geometry
Artist
Science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Diagram illustrating the geometry of a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse is seen when the Moon passes between the observer and the Sun. The Moon then casts two types of shadow: a dark central umbra where a total eclipse is seen, and a less dark but much larger penumbra where a partial eclipse is visible. Celestial mechanics dictate that in any given year there must be at least two eclipses (both total) but no more than seven (of which at least two must be total) visible from the surface of the Earth. Total eclipses also include the annular eclipses, where the apparent size of the disc of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun.
Uploaded
September 15th, 2018
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