Every solar eclipse occurs during the new Moon phase.

Quick Scoop

  • A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth.
  • This straight-line alignment is only possible when the Moon is in the new Moon phase, with its sunlit side facing away from Earth.
  • Other phases (like first quarter, full, or last quarter) do not line up the Sun, Moon, and Earth in the right geometry for a solar eclipse.

In simple terms: no new Moon, no solar eclipse —every solar eclipse you ever see is tied to a new Moon.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.