What causes a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on the Earth. This can only happen during a new moon when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. There are three types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular, depending on the alignment and distance between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon's shadow falls on Earth. This only happens when the Moon is new, and it is in line with the Sun and Earth.

There are two types of solar eclipses:

- Total solar eclipse: The Moon's shadow completely blocks the Sun's light. This can only happen when the Moon is very close to Earth and is directly in line with the Sun.
- Partial solar eclipse: The Moon's shadow only partially blocks the Sun's light. This can happen when the Moon is not directly in line with the Sun and Earth, or when the Moon is not close enough to Earth to completely block the Sun's light.

Solar eclipses are rare events. Total solar eclipses only occur about once every year or two. Partial solar eclipses occur more frequently, but they are not as impressive as total solar eclipses.