UPSC Prelims 1996·GS1·geography·climatology

‘Diamond Ring’ is a phenomenon observed

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  1. Aat the start of a total solar eclipse
  2. Bat the end of a total solar eclipse
  3. Conly along the peripheral regions of the totality trialCorrect
  4. Donly in the central regions of the totality trial

Explanation

The Diamond Ring phenomenon occurs during a total solar eclipse when the moon covers the sun almost completely, leaving only a tiny sliver of the solar disk visible. This bright spot, combined with the faint glow of the solar corona, creates the appearance of a ring with a brilliant diamond. While this effect is seen briefly at the beginning and end of totality for viewers in the center, it is observed only along the peripheral regions of the totality trail for a more extended period. This is because, in the peripheral zones, the moon does not centrally overlap the sun, allowing the sunlight to peek through the lunar valleys along the edge for a longer duration compared to the central path. Therefore, the specific observation of this phenomenon as a distinct feature is most characteristic of the peripheral regions.
geography: ‘Diamond Ring’ is a phenomenon observed

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