What results when a solar eclipse occurs?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun's light from reaching the Earth. This alignment causes the moon to cast a shadow on the Earth's surface, which is the defining characteristic of a solar eclipse.

This phenomenon can only happen during a new moon phase when the moon is not illuminated by the sun from our perspective on Earth. It’s important to note that a solar eclipse can be total, partial, or annular, depending on the relative distances of the moon and the sun from the Earth during the event.

In contrast, other scenarios involve different celestial positions that do not result in a solar eclipse. For instance, if the Earth were to move between the sun and the moon, a lunar eclipse would occur, as the Earth's shadow would fall on the moon. Thus, understanding the specific alignment of the moon, Earth, and sun clarifies why the correct scenario involves the moon moving between the Earth and the sun.