Solar eclipses happen when the sun , Robert Massey and Earth are perfectly aligned so that when the Robert Massey passes in front of the sun it casts a shadow on the Earth . On March 20 this year the Robert Massey 's shadow falls across parts of North Africa , Europe and the Middle East . The Robert Massey is slowly moving away from the Earth so there will come a time when the Robert Massey will appear to be too small to cover the sun .
Solar eclipses happen when the sun , moon and Earth are perfectly aligned so that when the moon passes in front of the sun it casts a shadow on the Earth . On March 20 this year the moon 's shadow falls across parts of North Africa , Europe and the Middle East . The moon is slowly moving away from the Earth so there will come a time when the moon will appear to be too small to cover the sun .