the lunar eclipse began with a subtle darkening of the lunar surface as it passed within the Earth's penumbra a penumbra of despair fell over the doomed city

Recent Examples on the Web

This full moon, which is classified as a strawberry moon, will bring a partial penumbral eclipse—in which the Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra, will appear on the moon's surface. Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "How To Watch Tonight's Penumbral Eclipse," 5 June 2020

The Strawberry Moon will also showcase a penumbral lunar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, or partial shadow, causing part of the moon to look darker. Tierney Mcafee, Country Living, "Tonight's Strawberry Moon Will Be One of the Largest-Looking Full Moons of the Year," 5 June 2020

Less spectacular than a total lunar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the outer part of Earth's shadow (known as the penumbra). Editors, USA TODAY, "Fourth of July, Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, penumbral lunar eclipse: 5 things to know this weekend," 5 July 2020

The Earth blocks some of the sun's light from directly reaching the moon's surface, and covers all or part of the moon with the outer part of its shadow, also known as the penumbra. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, "The Penumbral Eclipse Will Look Subtle — But Its Effects Are Major," 2 July 2020

Not as spectacular – or noticeable – as a total lunar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse is a rather subtle phenomenon that occurs when the full moon moves through the outer part of Earth’s shadow (known as the penumbra). Editors, USA TODAY, "George Floyd protests, Strawberry moon, Trump visits Maine: 5 things to know Friday," 5 June 2020

As seen from Asia, Africa, and Australia, 57% of the Strawberry Moon will be covered by Earth’s penumbra — its outer, fuzzy shadow in space — and for a few hours, our bright satellite will lose its luster. Jamie Carter, Travel + Leisure, "A Strawberry Moon Eclipse Will Be Visible in Parts of the World This Week," 31 May 2020

Catholicism is a dogmatic faith, but one that casts a penumbra far beyond its creed and doctrines. James Matthew Wilson, National Review, "Great American Fiction and the Catholic Literary Imagination," 16 Apr. 2020

The claim that the ERA is now part of the Constitution must also insist that there is a no-takebacks clause hiding in the penumbra of Article V. All these acrobatics are being performed for what seems like a very small prize. Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, "The ERA Is a Zombie Amendment," 20 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'penumbra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.