Astronomy quiz question: partial solar eclipse

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Spring Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

What would be seen by an observer on the side of Earth facing the moon, during a partial solar eclipse?
(A) A new moon that will not be big enough to entirely block the sun when it passes in front of it.
(B) A full moon that will appear a very, very dark brown-red.
(C) A full moon that will appear to be slightly dimmer than usual.
(D) A dark shadow across part of a full moon.
(E) The entire sun blocked by a new moon.
(F) Part of the sun will be blocked by a new moon.

Correct answer: (F)

During a partial solar eclipse, an observer on Earth will see the new moon covering a portion of the sun.

Section 30676
(A) : 16 students
(B) : 5 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 7 students
(E) : 4 students
(F) : 38 students
(Blank: 2 students)

Success level: 54% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.48

Previous post:
Astronomy quiz question: partial lunar eclipse, Spring Semester 2010.