Basically, the moon is in such a position that one can only see the edge of the sun because the moon blocks it. This also allows one to see the coronas and solar flares erupting from the sun.
However, they are very dangerous to look at!
If you want to see one, use a pinhole projector!
2007-04-11 09:33:40
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answer #1
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answered by Evil Genius 3
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The moon actually, from earth prospective, COVERS the sun in it's orbit. There's nothing particularly special about it, besides the fact that it looks neat from down here. It's equivalent to two people walking in a circle around each other. At one point, those two people would be in the same direct line, so one person would be "in front of" the other. Same thing with the old sun and moon. It happens the opposite way as well, when the sun covers the moon. A lunar eclipse. The only reason it's even mentioned is because during the solar eclipse it gets dark.
2007-04-11 09:37:26
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answer #2
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answered by ♫Rojas♫ 4
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Most answers you have already gotten are essentially correct. However there are several criteria that must be made for a TOTAL solar eclipse to occur. First you need a new moon phase. Second, it has to occur when the moon's ecliptic plane crosses the Earth's ecliptic plane. If not, then a partial eclipse will occur. Next for a totality the moon must be at perigee. If not at perigee, an annular eclipse will occur.
2007-04-11 09:58:22
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answer #3
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answered by Bruce D 4
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You almost got it. The Moon is not at a right angle, it is on a line directly between the Earth and Sun. That is basically no angle, or 0 degrees. A right angle in 90 degrees.
2007-04-11 09:34:12
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answer #4
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answered by campbelp2002 7
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Not quite right. The moon passes directly between the earth and the sun. That is "new" moon. At right angles, the moon would be half full (waxing or waning).
2007-04-11 09:34:22
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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