2006-09-14 06:36:23 · 4 answers · asked by LevitatingYogi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon is close to constant, although it does vary a little bit because the Moon's orbit is slightly elliptical (not a perfect circle).
The reason the tides are highest at New and Full Moon is because of the interplay between the tidal forces from the Sun and the Moon. The Moon causes tides on Earth, but if that were the end of the story there would be no variation in the tides. The Sun also causes tides on Earth, but these are only about half the strength of the tides the Moon causes.
When the Sun, Earth, and Moon all line up, we have the highest high tides - this happens at New and Full Moon. When the Sun, Earth, and Moon create a 90 degree angle, we have the weakest tides - this happens at First and Third Quarter Moon.
The tides do not vary with the seasons.
2006-09-14 13:45:00 · answer #1 · answered by kris 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has nothing to do with phases or seasons. The only factors in gravitation are mass and distance. Since both the earth and the moon are of unchanging mass, the only variation of the moon's gravitational influence is due to small changes in its distance from earth. The relative variation of the moon's orbit is so small, however, that the variation in gravity is negligible.
2006-09-14 13:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by x 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When the moon is at perigee, closest, the tidal forces are strongest.
The moon's force will not change with seasons because its mass doesn't not change. However, the sun's force will be greater when it is closer (winter in northern hemisphere).
2006-09-14 13:51:13 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the phase has no effect then why are the tides the strongest during new and full moons and weakest during the quarters?
2006-09-14 13:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by indiatravels2002 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋