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The combined gravitational force of the Moon and the Sun causes the tides in Earth's oceans. There are 2 high tides and 2 low tides about every 24 hours.
Twice a month, when the Earth, Sun, and Moon line up, their gravitational power combines to make exceptionally high tides, called spring tides, as well as very low tides where the water has been displaced. When the Sun is at a right angle to the Moon, moderate tides, called neap tides, result.
The force of the moon’s gravity pulls both the Earth and the water on Earth’s surface closer to the moon. When water is pulled towards the moon the tide goes up. Whatever part of the Earth is closest to the moon experiences the most intense lunar gravity, and therefore the most intense moon tide.
Aug 5, 2021 · When the Sun is at a right angle to the Moon, moderate tides, called neap tides, result. From our view on Earth, these tides coincide with certain lunar phases since they occur when the Moon reaches specific positions in its orbit.
- NASA/Vi Nguyen
How The Moon Affects the Tides. Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water that happen regularly along coastlines. The main reason for this is the gravitational pull of the moon on Earth. You can think of the moon as a giant magnet with a strong pulling force, tugging at the water in the oceans.
Aug 2, 2023 · When the new moon or full moon closely aligns with perigee – closest point to Earth in the moon’s orbit – then we have a supermoon and extra-large spring tides.
Jun 13, 2024 · The Short Answer: High and low tides are caused by the moon. The moon's gravitational pull generates something called the tidal force. The tidal force causes Earth—and its water—to bulge out on the side closest to the moon and the side farthest from the moon. These bulges of water are high tides.
