MCQ Detailed View

A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon that happens when the Moon comes directly between the Earth and the Sun. This alignment causes the Moon to block the Sun’s light partially or completely, creating a shadow on the Earth’s surface.

There are three main types of solar eclipses:

1. 
   

   Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun, making it appear dark for a short period during the day.

   
   


2. 
   

   Partial Solar Eclipse: Only a part of the Sun is covered by the Moon.

   
   


3. 
   

   Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a visible ring of sunlight, also called the “ring of fire.”

   
   

A solar eclipse can only happen during a new moon, when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. It cannot happen during other phases of the Moon.

The shadow of the Moon has two parts:

• 
  

  Umbra: The darkest part, where a total eclipse is visible.

  
  


• 
  

  Penumbra: The lighter part, where a partial eclipse is visible.

  
  

Solar eclipses are rare for any specific location on Earth because the Moon’s shadow is small compared to the Earth. Observing a solar eclipse safely requires special protective glasses to avoid eye damage, as looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent blindness.

It is important to note that a solar eclipse does not occur when Venus is between Earth and Sun, the Sun is between Earth and Moon, or the Moon is between Earth and Neptune. These positions do not block sunlight in the way a solar eclipse requires.

In summary, the correct answer is B. Moon is between Earth and Sun, which is the alignment necessary for a solar eclipse to occur.