Shadow Types

TYPES OF SHADOW

The Moon's shadow has three components - the Umbra, Penumbra and Antumbra. The earth's shadow has the same components, but only the penumbra and umbra play a part in eclipses.

The umbra, or central shadow cone is the darkest shadow and if you are in this shadow, of either the Earth or the Moon, you will not be able to see the Sun.

In this section: [Types of Shadow]  [Eclipse Types]  [The Saros Cycle]

The penumbra is the outer shadow cone and is not as dark as the umbra.  A part of the Sun can be seen from within the penumbra. This shadow becomes less dark the closer you get to its outer edge.  So, if you are within the penumbral shadow of either the Earth or the Moon, you will see a partially eclipsed Sun.

The last component is the antumbra and is an extension of the umbra. This shadow is important only for annular eclipses, which will be detailed later. If you are in the Moon’s antumbral shadow, the lunar disk will appear smaller than the solar disk, and the Sun will be seen as a ring (or annulus).

Last updated 2009 January 08.  Please email me if you link to this site.