What causes the different phases of the Moon, and how do these phases affect tides on Earth?
Answer 1
Edward Miller
The different phases of the Moon are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. As the Moon orbits Earth, varying portions of its illuminated half are visible from Earth, creating the phases. These phases affect Earth’s tides due to the gravitational pull exerted by the Moon. During full and new moons, the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon causes higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides. Conversely, during the first and third quarters, the gravitational forces are less aligned, resulting in neap tides, which have less extreme tidal differences.
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