Umbra
- “what is the umbra”
- “why is the path of totality narrow”
- “umbra vs penumbra”
- “why aren't there eclipses every month”
:: COMPARE ::
UmbravsAntumbra
The short answer
The antumbra begins where the umbra's cone tapers to a point and ends. Inside the umbra the Moon covers the Sun entirely, giving a total eclipse; inside the antumbra the Moon is too small to cover it, so a ring remains. Same geometry, one distance apart.
Side by side
| Aspect | Umbra | Antumbra |
|---|---|---|
| Sun is | Fully covered | Ringed |
| Eclipse type | Total | Annular |
| Position | Before the cone's tip | Beyond it |
| Moon appears | Larger than Sun | Smaller |
Which one you meant
Readers who land here meaning Umbra rather than Antumbra are usually searching for phrases like “what is the umbra”, “why is the path of totality narrow”, “umbra vs penumbra”.
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