Solar Eclipse Simulation
Explore how solar eclipses form
Eclipse Status
Annular Eclipse
Moon Position
180°
Orbital Tilt
0.0°
Earth-Moon Distance
384,400
Experiment Controls
Legend
Sun
Earth
Moon
180°
0°180° (Eclipse Zone)359°
0.0°
0° (Coplanar)5.14° (Real Value)15°
384,400 km
Perigee 356,355Apogee 406,725
Moon apparent diameter < Sun → Only annular eclipse
1x
How Eclipses Work
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and the three bodies are nearly aligned, causing the Moon to block sunlight and cast a shadow on Earth.
The Moon's orbital plane is tilted about 5.14° relative to the ecliptic (Earth's orbital plane), so eclipses do not occur every month — only when the Moon is near a node (ascending or descending).
Total eclipse: the Moon completely covers the Sun's disk. Partial eclipse: the Moon partially covers the Sun. Annular eclipse: the Moon is farther from Earth, appearing smaller than the Sun, leaving a ring of light.