A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun’s light. This event can only happen during a new moon phase, when the moon is located between Earth and the sun. The moon’s shadow consists of two parts: the penumbra, the outer part where only a partial eclipse is visible, and the umbra, the inner and darker part where a total eclipse can be observed.
The Distance and Speed of the Moon
The distance and speed of the moon play a significant role in the width of the umbra and penumbra and the speed at which the shadow moves. The moon orbits Earth from west to east, moving faster than Earth’s rotational speed.