Does the strength of tides change between new moon and full moon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the variability of tidal strength between new moon and full moon phases, specifically exploring how these strengths can change over time and the factors influencing these changes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why tides are stronger at the new moon for certain months before shifting to stronger tides at the full moon.
  • Another participant explains that during new and full moons, the sun, Earth, and moon align, which enhances the gravitational effects contributing to tidal strength.
  • A third participant adds that the strongest tides occur at new or full moon when the moon is at perigee, noting that this alignment can coincide with either phase at different times, creating a repeating pattern.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints regarding the timing and strength of tides, indicating that there is no consensus on the specific reasons for the changes in tidal strength between the new moon and full moon phases.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential assumptions about the definitions of tidal strength or the specific conditions under which these phenomena occur, leaving some aspects unresolved.

SASGood
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Why are tides stronger at the new moon for a few months and then it changes back to having tides stronger at the full moon?
 
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At new moon and full moon the sun, Earth and moon are in a line.
The gravitational effects of sun add to the moon's effect
 
The strongest tides will be at new or full moon when the moon is at perigee (its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit). Sometimes perigee roughly coincides with full moon. A few months later, it will roughly coincide with the new moon. This pattern repeats indefinitely.
 
Thanks
 

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