2007-11-13 09:41:24 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Tides are caused by the gravity of the Moon (mostly) and the Sun (less importantly.). When the Moon is either New or Full, the Moon and the Sun align such that their tidal forces add together, making stronger tides. These are called Spring Tides.
When the Moon is at half phase, the alignment is such that the Sun's influence is subtracted from the Moon's (instead of being added to the Moon's). When this happens the tides are weaker than normal, and are called Neap Tides.
Since solar and lunar eclipses only occur at full and new moons, there are always Spring tides at those times.
2007-11-13 09:49:42 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because during full and new moons and eclipses, the moon, Earth and sun are in roughly an 180-degree alignment, increasing the gravitational pull.
At other times of neap tides, the moon, sun and Earth are at roughly 90-degree angles to each other, balancing the gravitational pull.
2007-11-13 09:53:04 · answer #2 · answered by correrafan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tides are higher on the side of the Earth where the Moon is closest to it because of the Moon's own gravitational pull.
2007-11-13 09:51:36 · answer #3 · answered by skylarkblaze 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
(not an answer, but a note- nothing happens when you run out of time on a k12 test so don't rush your answers. just saying. XD)
2016-05-23 01:12:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋