☀️ 🌑 🌍 Solar Eclipse Geometry Visualizer

Orbital Geometry & Shadow Ray-Tracing Scale Model (Schematic)

Umbra (Total)

Antumbra (Annular)

Penumbra (Partial)

Observer Sky View Earth Surface Perspective

Eclipse Type

Total

Obscuration

100.0%

Apparent Size Ratio

1.034×

Interactive Physics Parameters

Orbital Node Alignment (Inclination)0.0° (Aligned)

Moon Distance (Perigee ↔ Apogee)363,000 km (Perigee)

Eclipse Phase / Earth RotationMaximum Eclipse (0m)

Why don't eclipses happen every month?
The Moon's orbit is tilted ~5.14° relative to Earth's orbital plane (the ecliptic). A solar eclipse only occurs when a New Moon crosses the ecliptic at points called nodes.

Total vs Annular Eclipses
The Moon's orbit is elliptical. At perigee (close to Earth), the Moon appears larger than the Sun, casting an Umbra for a Total eclipse. At apogee (far), the Moon is smaller, casting an Antumbra creating a "Ring of Fire".

Corona & Baily's Beads
During 100% totality, the intense photosphere is completely blocked, revealing the Sun's outer plasma atmosphere (the corona) and beads of sunlight shining through lunar valleys.