A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light either partially or completely. This alignment can only happen during a new moon phase, and the type of eclipse—total, partial, or annular—depends on the alignment and distance of the Moon from the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, allowing observers in the path of totality to see the Sun's corona. A partial solar eclipse occurs when only a part of the Sun is obscured, while an annular eclipse happens when the Moon is too far from the Earth to cover the Sun entirely, resulting in a ring-like appearance.