An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

1) The portion of a shadow in which light from an extended source is partially but not completely cut off by an intervening body; the area of partial shadow surrounding the umbra.
2) The lighter part of a shadow during an eclipse. An observer standing in the penumbra of a Solar eclipse will see a partial eclipse.
3) The lighter zone surrounding the dark area (→ umbra) of a → sunspot. It consists of fine, light filaments which are approximately radial for sunspots with circular outline, but irregular for complex spots.

N.L., from L. pæne "almost" + → umbra "shadow."

Nimsâyé, from nim "mid-, half" (Mid.Pers. nêm, nêmag "half;" Av. naēma- "half;" cf. Skt. néma- "half") + sâyé, → shadow; →umbra.

Of or relating to a → penumbra.

→ penumbra; → -al.

A lunar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's → penumbra, but misses the darker umbral shadow. Because the Moon is only partially dimmed, a penumbral eclipse is not impressive. Total penumbral eclipses are rare, and when these occur, that portion of the Moon which is closest to the umbra can appear somewhat darker than the rest of the Moon.

→ penumbral; → eclipse.