How often do total solar eclipses happen?
Quick Answer: Total solar eclipses happen about every 18 months somewhere on Earth. However, any specific location experiences one roughly once every 375 years on average due to the narrow path of totality.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun as seen from Earth. Because the Moon's shadow is small and moves quickly, only a thin strip of the planet falls within the path of totality.
While total eclipses happen globally about every year and a half, the chance of seeing one from your backyard is rare. The Moon's orbit and Earth's rotation combine to make these events infrequent for any single spot.