Final answer:
During a solar eclipse, the umbra moves across Earth's surface from west to east.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a solar eclipse, the umbra, which is the darkest part of the Moon's shadow, moves across Earth's surface from west to east. This happens due to the combined effect of the Earth's rotation and the motion of the Moon in its orbit. The tip of the Moon's shadow, as a result, sweeps eastward at about 1500 kilometers per hour along a thin band referred to as the eclipse path. During a total solar eclipse, individuals located within this narrow zone will experience the Sun being completely obscured by the Moon for a short period, which can last up to approximately 7 minutes but will usually be less. Elsewhere, observers within about 3000 kilometers on either side of the eclipse path will only see a part of the Sun eclipsed by the Moon, experiencing what is known as a partial solar eclipse. The motion of the Moon's shadow is swift and thus, total or partial eclipse visibility at any given location is relatively brief.