As the Moon orbits around the Earth, it goes through different phases, from new moon to full moon. During a new moon, the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun, making it difficult to see. However, the Moon's orbit around the Earth is not in the same plane as the Earth's orbit around the Sun, it is tilted by about 5 degrees. So, usually the new moon pass above or below the sun and doesn't block it. But, about twice a year, the new moon aligns with the Sun, and Earth passes through the shadow that the Moon cast on space. This alignment causes a solar eclipse, where the Moon blocks out some or all of the Sun's light from reaching the Earth.
It is important to note that not all new moons cause eclipses, this is because the Moon's orbit is an ellipse, not a circle. So, the distance between the Moon and the Earth varies during its orbit, and that can affect the size of the Moon's shadow on Earth. If the Moon is farther away from the Earth when it is between the Sun and the Earth, its shadow will not reach the Earth and no eclipse will occur.
There are two types of solar eclipses: total and partial. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, and the sky becomes dark as if it were nighttime. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon only partially covers the Sun, and a crescent shape of the Sun is still visible.
Total solar eclipses are a relatively rare event, they happen about once every 18 months, and the location of the eclipse changes every time. They can only be seen from a small area on Earth, called the path of totality, which is the area where the Moon's shadow falls on the Earth. The rest of the Earth will see a partial solar eclipse.
It is important to note that looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse, even during a partial eclipse, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. One should use special eclipse glasses or other protective devices when viewing a solar eclipse.
Solar eclipses have been observed and studied by humans for thousands of years, and they have played an important role in the development of our understanding of the motions and positions of the Sun, Moon and Earth. They also have cultural and historical significance in many societies, and continue to be a source of wonder and awe.