What event involves the sun being temporarily obscured from view?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun's light from reaching the Earth. This event can only take place during a new moon, and it can occur in total, partial, or annular forms, depending on the moon's position relative to the Earth and the sun. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, and the sky darkens as if it were twilight. This striking phenomenon allows observers to see the sun's corona, which is usually hidden by the sun's bright light.

In contrast, other celestial phenomena mentioned do not involve the sun being obscured. For instance, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the moon. Comet appearances refer to the visibility of comets in the sky, and celestial conjunction involves two celestial bodies appearing very close together in the sky but does not involve obscuring the sun. Thus, the solar eclipse is uniquely characterized by the temporary obscuration of the sun's light.