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Chapter 3: Problem 14

What is a penumbral eclipse of the Moon? Why do you suppose that it is easy to overlook such an eclipse?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A penumbral lunar eclipse is when the Moon moves through the Earth's partial shadow or penumbra, causing the Moon to slightly dim. Penumbral eclipses can be easily overlooked because they do not cause dramatic changes in the moon's appearance, making the changes hardly noticeable especially to the naked eye.

Step by step solution

01

Define Penumbral Eclipse

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra. The Earth obstructs part of the Sun's light from reaching the Moon, thus casting a shadow on it. The penumbra is the region where only a portion of light rays are obscured.
02

Explain The Characteristics

During a penumbral eclipse, the Moon dims slightly but doesn't go completely dark. The changes in the moon's brightness during a penumbral eclipse are very subtle and not as dramatic as in a total or partial eclipse.
03

Give Reasons For Its Easy Overlooking

Penumbral eclipses can easily be overlooked because the changes they cause in the moon's appearance are not very noticeable. Unlike total or partial eclipses, which have a clear and visible progression, the penumbral eclipse appears as a mere shadow that only slightly dims the moon and might not even be visible to the naked eye, especially if the sky is not clear or the observer is not specifically looking for it. Therefore, people might miss penumbral eclipses simply because they don't know they're happening or because changes in the moon's brightness are too subtle to be noticed.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Search the World Wide Web for information about the next total lunar eclipse. Will the total phase of the eclipse be visible from your location? If not, will the penumbral phase be visible? Draw a picture showing the Sun, Earth, and Moon when the totality is at its maximum duration, and indicate your location on the drawing of the Earth.

On a certain date the Moon is in the direction of the constellation Gemini as seen from Earth. When will the Moon next be in the direction of Gemini: one sidereal month later, or one synodic month later? Explain.

How did Aristarchus try to estimate the distance from the Earth to the Sun and Moon?

Explain the difference between sunlight and moonlight.

What is the difference between a sidereal month and a synodic month? Which is longer? Why?
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