2024 will offer skywatchers two central solar eclipses, including a much-anticipated total eclipse that will span the United States from Texas to New England. While no lunar eclipses will be particularly noticeable in 2024, the year will see a total solar eclipse in April and an annular solar eclipse in October. Eclipses occur when the Moon crosses Earth's orbit very close to the time of the new or full Moon. The lunar orbit is tipped about 5 degrees to Earth's orbital plane, so the Sun, Earth, and Moon only line up exactly for an eclipse to occur occasionally. https://skyandtelescope.org/observing/solar-and-lunar-eclipses-in-2024/