24/7 LivePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaNew JerseyDelaware
  • solar eclipse

Why are solar eclipses so rare?

WPVI logo
Monday, July 31, 2017
Why are solar eclipses so rare?

The moon orbits the earth and passes the sun every 27 days, so why don't we see solar eclipses every month?

According to AccuWeather, the moon's orbit wobbles, changing the placement of its shadow. Sometimes the shadow is too high and sometimes the shadow is too low. In order for an eclipse to happen, the shadow needs to align perfectly with the earth.

Report a correction or typo
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Related Topics

  • WEATHER
  • SOLAR ECLIPSE
  • ACCUWEATHER
  • MOON
  • SPACE

Solar Eclipse

2026's first solar eclipse: What to know about the event

    Partial solar eclipse to be visible in US | How to see it

      Next solar eclipse: When and where to view the celestial event

        Vision issues after the eclipse? Here are symptoms of eye damage

          Watch Live
          ON NOW

          Top Stories

          NFL Draft: Eagles trade up to select WR Makai Lemon in first round

          • 1 hour ago

          Man shot girlfriend, fired at bystanders, pointed gun at cops: Police

          Homicide victim identified nearly 50 years after remains were found

          2 Delco cops accused of leaking information to drug dealer

          Fmr. Eagles WR named in lawsuit over alleged assault by DSU player

          76ers upgrade Embiid to doubtful ahead of Game 3 vs. Celtics

          5 in custody in mall shooting that killed 1, injured others: officials

          AccuWeather: Mild end to the work week

          6abc Philadelphia
          Topics
          HomeWeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
          Regions
          PhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaNew JerseyDelaware
          More Content
          InvestigationTroubleshootersConsumerHealthcheckOverheardLinks from Action NewsArt of Aging
          6abc
          About 6abc/Contact Us!Action News Biographies6abc Contests & PromotionsTV ListingsAccessibilityEmploymentCommunityHelp With An Antenna
          Privacy Policy
          Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
          Children's Privacy Policy
          Your US State Privacy Rights
          Terms of Use
          Interest-Based Ads
          Public Inspection File
          FCC Applications
          Copyright © 2026 ABC, Inc., WPVI-TV Philadelphia. All Rights Reserved.