The Umbra reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Umbra

The umbra (Latin for shadow) is that part of a shadow which is darkest. From within the umbra, the source of light is completely blocked by the object causing the shadow. This contrasts with the penumbra where the light source is not completely blocked and there is only a partial shadow.

The umbra is also the compararively dark central region of a sunspot.

See also eclipse.

The word is in the famous Latin phrase Pulvis et umbra sumus (dust and shadow we are) from Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), Carmina (Book IV, 7, 16)

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