Earth Shadow Tapering: Why Does It Happen?

[oreo]

The Earth casts a shadow. Why does this shadow taper?

 

[PietKuip]

Venus also casts a shadow. On Earth we just see a small spot when Venus transits the Sun.

 

[Drakkith]

Because the Sun is not a point source of light but an extended object. Does that answer your question or have I misunderstood what taper means here?

 

[oreo]

Because the Sun is not a point source of light but an extended object. Does that answer your question or have I misunderstood what taper means here?

You mean if it were a point source, the shadow would not tapper (thinned) . So would it get thicker?

 

[jbriggs444]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbra,_penumbra_and_antumbra

 

[oreo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbra,_penumbra_and_antumbra

Thanks. I got it