Why do solar eclipses look dark?

Answer: Moon blocks sunlight from Earth

Earth's shadow covers sun — Wrong. Earth's shadow on the moon creates lunar eclipses. Solar eclipses happen when the moon's shadow falls on Earth, blocking sunlight.

Moon blocks sunlight from Earth ✓ — Correct! Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes directly between Earth and sun during new moon phase. The moon casts a shadow on Earth—those in the umbra (dark center) see total eclipse, those in penumbra see partial. Total eclipses are rare because moon's shadow is small and alignment must be precise!

Atmosphere filters light out — Wrong. Atmosphere doesn't block sunlight during eclipses. The moon physically blocks the sun's light, casting a shadow on Earth.