What is the major factor that governs whether a solar eclipse is total rather than annular when viewed from the center of the eclipse path on Earth?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major factor that determines whether a solar eclipse is total or annular is the Earth-Moon distance. When the Moon is closer to Earth, it can completely cover the Sun, resulting in a total eclipse. When it's farther away, it appears smaller in the sky and cannot completely cover the Sun, leading to an annular eclipse where a ring of the Sun's disk remains visible.

What Is the Major Factor That Governs Whether a Solar