Which type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth?

Which type of eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth?

• A. Solar Eclipse
• B. Lunar Eclipse
• C. Partial Eclipse
• D. Total Eclipse

Answer: (A)

When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, it blocks part of the Sun's light from reaching parts of the Earth's surface. That setup creates a solar eclipse—the Sun–Moon–Earth alignment causes the Moon's shadow to fall on Earth. Depending on distances and alignment, observers may see a total solar eclipse (Sun fully covered), a partial solar eclipse (only part of the Sun covered), or an annular eclipse where a bright ring surrounds the Moon. A lunar eclipse, in contrast, happens when the Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. The terms partial and total describe how much of the Sun is obscured during a solar eclipse.

When the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, it blocks part of the Sun's light from reaching parts of the Earth's surface. That setup creates a solar eclipse—the Sun–Moon–Earth alignment causes the Moon's shadow to fall on Earth. Depending on distances and alignment, observers may see a total solar eclipse (Sun fully covered), a partial solar eclipse (only part of the Sun covered), or an annular eclipse where a bright ring surrounds the Moon. A lunar eclipse, in contrast, happens when the Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. The terms partial and total describe how much of the Sun is obscured during a solar eclipse.