Multiple choice

The solar eclipse occurs

  1. when the moon comes between the earth and the sun

  2. when the earth comes between the moon and the sun

  3. when the earth and the sun are parallel

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely from certain areas on Earth. This alignment can only happen during a new moon phase when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. The Moon's shadow falls on Earth's surface, creating the eclipse phenomenon. Total solar eclipses are rare events at any given location because the Moon's shadow is relatively small.