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The Earth casts a shadow. Why does this shadow taper?
You mean if it were a point source, the shadow would not tapper (thinned) . So would it get thicker?Drakkith said:Because the Sun is not a point source of light but an extended object. Does that answer your question or have I misunderstood what taper means here?
Thanks. I got itjbriggs444 said:
Earth Shadow Tapering, also known as Earth's Umbra, is a phenomenon that occurs during a lunar eclipse. It is the gradual darkening and narrowing of the shadow cast by the Earth on the Moon.
Earth Shadow Tapering occurs during a lunar eclipse because the Earth blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. As the Moon moves through the Earth's shadow, the shadow tapers due to the varying distances between the Sun, Earth, and Moon.
Earth Shadow Tapering occurs during every lunar eclipse, which happens about twice a year. However, the visibility of the tapering may vary depending on the location and weather conditions.
No, Earth Shadow Tapering only occurs during a lunar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the Moon blocks the Sun's light from reaching the Earth, but there is no shadow tapering as the Moon is much smaller than the Earth.
Earth Shadow Tapering is a natural phenomenon that has been observed by humans for centuries. It has no significant impact on Earth or the Moon, but it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of celestial events.