occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, and the shadow of the moon falls on earth.

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The celestial event you're referring to is called a solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the moon comes between the sun and the Earth, and as a result, the shadow of the moon falls onto the Earth's surface. The moon blocks the light from the sun, casting a shadow on a portion of the Earth.

To understand how solar eclipses occur, it is important to know that the moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical path, while the Earth orbits the sun. For a solar eclipse to happen, three conditions need to be met: the moon must be in its new moon phase, the Earth, the moon, and the sun must align in a straight line, and the moon must be close enough to the Earth to cast a shadow on its surface.

If you're interested in observing a solar eclipse, it is crucial to take proper precautions to protect your eyes. Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause serious damage to your eyes. There are special solar viewing glasses available that block out the harmful rays, allowing you to safely observe the eclipse.

Solar eclipses are fascinating natural phenomena that have captivated humans for centuries. They provide an awe-inspiring opportunity to witness the celestial dance between the Earth, the moon, and the sun.