SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-solar-eclipse-cause

What happens during a solar eclipse?

The Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and blocks some or all of the Sun.

Start playing free

  1. The Moon passes between the Sun and Earth ✔
  2. Earth passes between the Sun and Moon
  3. The Sun passes behind Earth

Why: In a solar eclipse the Moon lines up between the Sun and Earth. Its shadow falls on part of Earth, and people there see the Sun partly or fully covered.

Huh, didn't know that: When the Moon is a bit farther away and a bright ring of Sun shows around it, it is called an annular eclipse.

The dad joke
Why did the Sun go to school during the eclipse? To get a little brighter.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. In a solar eclipse the Moon lines up between the Sun and Earth. Its shadow falls on part of Earth, and people there see the Sun partly or fully covered.

  1. NASA Science: Types of Eclipses science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types
    A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesA lunar eclipse can only happen during which Moon phase?Flying & DronesWhy does the equator get more heat from the Sun than the poles?Flying & DronesWhy does warm air rise?

That's stuff everyone should know.