24/7 LiveSan FranciscoEast BaySouth BayPeninsulaNorth Bay
  • solar eclipse

Why are solar eclipses so rare?

KGO 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 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Related Topics

  • WEATHER
  • SOLAR ECLIPSE
  • ACCUWEATHER
  • MOON
  • SPACE

Solar Eclipse

Blood moon may not be visible in Bay Area due to clouds

    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

          Live Streams
          ON NOW

          Top Stories

          House Ethics panel opens investigation into Swalwell allegations

          • 16 minutes ago

          FBI raids TX house possibly linked to attack at Sam Altman's SF home

          • 15 minutes ago

          Neighbor describes aftermath of Novato crash that killed teen, hurt 4

          Rumors of Swalwell's alleged behavior was well-known secret: McCarthy

          • 3 hours ago

          Trump fires entire San Francisco Presidio Board of Trustees: report

          Trump removes image showing him as Jesus-like

          • 1 hour ago

          Live updates: US blockade of Strait of Hormuz ports to begin Monday

          • 1 hour ago

          OpenAI CEO's San Francisco home struck by gunfire: Police

          ABC7 San Francisco
          Topics
          HomeWeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
          Regions
          San FranciscoEast BaySouth BayPeninsulaNorth Bay
          More Content
          Building A Better Bay AreaTake Action Resources7 On Your SideI-Team
          Company
          About ABC7 Bay AreaABC7 Newsteam Bios#ABC7Now: Connect with ABC7Take Action in Your CommunityAccessibilityEmploymentContests, Promotions, & Rules
          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., KGO-TV San Francisco. All Rights Reserved.
          More:News • Local • Sports • Politics • Technology • Entertainment • Weather • Health • Business • Us • World • Traffic