What phenomenon occurs when the moon is directly between the sun and Earth?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is positioned directly between the sun and Earth. This alignment causes the moon to block some or all of the sunlight from reaching Earth, resulting in a shadow that moves across the Earth's surface. Depending on the alignment and the distances involved, this phenomena can be categorized into:

1. Total Solar Eclipse: where the moon completely covers the sun.

2. Partial Solar Eclipse: where only a part of the sun is obscured by the moon.

3. Annular Solar Eclipse: where the moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the sun, resulting in a "ring of fire" appearance.

The sun and moon must be in alignment along the same line, which can only happen during a new moon phase. This alignment is responsible for the unique visual effects observed and the scientific phenomena related to solar eclipses, including the study of the sun's corona.

Other options, such as a lunar eclipse, occur when Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon, leading to the moon passing through Earth's shadow. The terms "stellar eclipse" and "transitional eclipse" do not correspond to established astronomical events recognized in the context of moon and sun interactions.