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Astronomy quiz question: August 2017 partial/total solar eclipse in St. Louis, MO

Astronomy 210 Quiz 2, spring semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

In August 2017, observers in different neighborhoods of St. Louis, MO will either observe a partial solar eclipse or a total solar eclipse[*], depending on whether they are located in the moon's __________ or __________, respectively.
(A) negative shadow; penumbra.
(B) negative shadow; umbra.
(C) penumbra; negative shadow.
(D) penumbra; umbra.
(E) umbra; negative shadow.
(F) umbra; penumbra.

[*] eclipse2017.org/2017/maps/cities/STL.htm.

Correct answer: (D)

An observer in the moon's penumbra will see a partial solar eclipse, while an observer in the moon's umbra will see a total solar eclipse. (The "negative shadow" refers to the antumbra of the moon.)

Section 30674
Exam code: quiz03Ne3v
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 0 students
(D) : 14 students
(E) : 1 student
(F) : 7 students
(No response: 1 student)

Success level: 47% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.23

Section 30676
Exam code: quiz02Sl1v
(A) : 5 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 8 students
(D) : 15 students
(E) : 5 students
(F) : 5 students

Success level: 41% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.73

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