What geometrical requirement must the Moon satisfy for a solar eclipse to occur?

Answer

The Moon must be at the new moon phase and crossing the ecliptic plane

A solar eclipse requires the Moon to be positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun, which necessitates it being in the new moon phase, and simultaneously passing through the ecliptic plane.

What geometrical requirement must the Moon satisfy for a solar eclipse to occur?

#Videos

The Ecliptic: Crash Course Kids #37.2 - YouTube

sunpathCelestial sphereEarth's orbit