What is the primary cause of a solar eclipse?

The primary cause of a solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves directly between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on the Earth's surface. This alignment temporarily blocks the sunlight from reaching parts of the Earth, resulting in a solar eclipse. The phenomenon can happen only during a new moon phase when the moon is positioned in such a way that its shadow falls on the Earth. This intricate celestial event demonstrates the relationship and positions of the sun, moon, and Earth in space, which explains the dramatic and observable changes in daylight during the eclipse.