félárnyalatos

Félárnyalatos is a Hungarian term that translates to "half-shadowed" or "penumbral" in English. It is most commonly used in astronomy to describe a type of lunar eclipse. During a penumbral lunar eclipse, the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbra, which is the outer, fainter part of its shadow. The penumbra is where the Earth blocks only a portion of the Sun's direct rays, resulting in a subtle dimming of the Moon's surface. This type of eclipse is often difficult to observe with the naked eye, as the change in brightness can be very slight. Observers might notice a faint shading or a slight discoloration on the Moon's disk. In contrast, a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra, the darkest, central part of the shadow, and a partial lunar eclipse happens when the Moon is only partially within the umbra. The term félárnyalatos is therefore specific to this less dramatic, but still observable, celestial event. Beyond astronomy, the term can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or object that is only partially illuminated or obscured, existing in a state of ambiguity or partial clarity.