Which phenomenon occurs during a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth and temporarily blocking the Sun's light. This alignment allows observers in certain locations on Earth to see the Sun partially or totally obscured by the Moon.

During a solar eclipse, the geometry of this alignment is crucial: the Moon must be in the new moon phase, where it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. This specific positioning leads to the various types of solar eclipses, such as total, partial, and annular eclipses, depending on how closely the alignment occurs.

This phenomenon demonstrates the interplay of celestial mechanics and is a direct result of the orbital paths and positions of these three celestial bodies—Earth, Moon, and Sun—relative to one another.