UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 126: Science and Technology
‘Diamond Ring’ is a phenomenon observed
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The diamond ring is seen when the Sun's last or first sliver shines through a gap between lunar mountains and valleys at the Moon's edge, so the corona looks like a ring with a bright diamond. It occurs just before totality begins and again just after it ends, at the second and third contacts. The key picks the end of the eclipse. Remember: Baily's beads and the diamond ring come right at the edges of totality.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The diamond ring is also seen just before totality begins.
- (b) The key's pick: the diamond ring appears at the end of totality.
- (c) The effect is not confined to the peripheral regions of the path.
- (d) The effect is not limited to the central regions of the path.
Worth knowing: The diamond ring appears both just before totality and just after it, so (a) and (b) both describe it; the key picks the end.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.