What causes an eclipse?

Answer by  jheremans (1446)

An eclipse is caused by a planet blocking the view of another planet. For example, a lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth, and is no longer seen. A solar eclipse occurs typically when the moon passes between then earth and the sun and blocks out the rays of the sun.

Answer by  ScottM (86)

An eclipse is basically when one celestial body passes in front of another, relative to the observer. So, as long as one body is passing in front of another, it could technically be called an eclipse.