A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of and blocks out the sun. This can happen when three conditions are met:

• When the moon is new.
• When the moon and sun are near a node (intersection) in the sky.
• When the moon is large enough to completely cover the sun.

These conditions occur on average once a year. However, in the case of a total solar eclipse it may occcur as infrequently as three years. Moreover, even when these rare conditions exist, eclipses usually occur in remote locations. Fortunately, the total solar eclipse of March 29, 2006 is conveniently located in the Mediterranean. For more information on Solar Eclipses try these links:

• Wikipedia
• San Francisco Exploratorium
• NASA
• NASA and Google Maps

  Please note: A broadband connection and ample ram space is required to use this link.

The map below shows the path of the moon's shadow across the Mediterranean region.