ELI5 Solar Eclipses - how often do they occur?

Why does the moon perfectly cover the sun during a total solar eclipse? What's the difference between total, partial, and annular solar eclipses? It’s dangerous to look at the sun during a solar eclipse without proper protection, but is it more dangerous than staring directly at the sun when there isn’t an eclipse? How frequently do we get solar eclipses?Any tips for those wanting to photograph or view an eclipse? ... we explain like I'm five Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: nolablue1024, troldann, lowtoiletsitter, antilokhos, thejeeronian, moonlightvenator, markydsade, csklmf86, blakeh95 and transparent_gilas To the ELI5 community that has supported us so far, thanks for all your feedback and comments. Send us an e-mail: [email protected]