Science Olympiad Reach for the Stars Practice Test

When the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, it causes a solar eclipse. During this event, the Moon temporarily blocks the light from the Sun, casting a shadow on specific areas of the Earth's surface. This can happen only during the new phase of the Moon when the alignment of the three celestial bodies—the Sun, Earth, and Moon—is precise.

In a solar eclipse, observers in the path of the Moon's shadow may witness different types of eclipses: a total eclipse, where the Sun is completely obscured; a partial eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun is hidden; or an annular eclipse, where the Moon is too far from the Earth to completely cover the Sun, leading to a "ring of fire" appearance. This alignment creates a unique astronomical occurrence that highlights the relationship between the Earth, Moon, and Sun, distinguishing it from other celestial events, like lunar eclipses and planetary alignments.