If you’ve ever looked a detailed eclipse map, (after clicking link, scroll down to center graphic) you will notice there are two analemma-shaped areas (i.e., figure eight shapes) folded in half at either end of the path of totality. I cannot figure out what each half of the analemma shape is trying to portray.
Regarding the outermost sections of the analemmas (at either end of the map), you notice it contains no path of totality. Is that to say some degree of partial eclipse can be visible from some extreme location at either end of the path of totality? I WAG someone in this area could see some part of an eclipse only if viewed from above the earth’s surface?
And, regarding the inner portion of the analemmas: While the path of totality starts and ends where totality intersects the centerline bi-folded analemma, what does this inner portion of each analemma represent? Is there something special about these areas compared to all other areas outside the path of totality? I have no WAGs to offer on this one.
I guess this is what is happening: first of all, the diagram represents what is visible for observers on the Earth’s surface, not above. In the outermost sections where there is no path of totality, they will not see a total eclipse. They will see less than half of the eclipse, and the greatest eclipse visible will be whatever is eclipsed at sunrise/sunset, ranging from nothing at all to approaching mid-eclipse as you near the centre line labelled “maximum eclipse at sunrise/sunset”.
The inner portions, as you described them, have the special property that observers there will see between half and all of the eclipse, including totality if they are on the path.
Nitpick: there are no “analemma” shapes on the standard eclipse map. Your example shows no analemmas. There ARE two roughly ovular shapes, or perhaps teardrop shapes (depending upon whether or not the pole is involved).
As noted, for the oval on the left (west), this represents what is happening at sunrise. The westernmost half of the oval represents the limit where the eclipse is already over when that place has sunrise. The easternmost half of the oval represents the limit where the eclipse is just starting at sunrise. The line down the middle shows places where the eclipse is at its maximum extent at sunrise. If you are on that line, AND you are within the band of totality, you see the sun rise completely occluded by the moon.
At the other end, the same rules apply, just for sunset. To the right of the oval, the sun sets before the eclipse starts, etc.