Question

The dark central area of a shadow cast by the Earth or the moon.

Answer 1

The dark central area of a shadow cast by the Earth or the Moon is called the **umbra**. In an eclipse, the umbra is the region where the light source is completely obscured by the occluding body. For example, during a solar eclipse, the area within the umbra experiences totality, where the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon.

Answer 2

The lighter outside area of a shadow cast by the Earth or the moon.

Answer 3

The lighter outside area of a shadow cast by the Earth or the Moon is called the **penumbra**. In an eclipse, the penumbra is the region where the light source is only partially obscured by the occluding body. For example, during a solar eclipse, areas within the penumbra experience a partial eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun is blocked by the Moon.