Tides

Gravitational Forces
- The moon exerts a gravitational force on Earth, and this force is responsible for the tides.
- However, the sun has a greater gravitational force on Earth than the moon does since the sun is much larger.
- Common misconception: Many believe the moon's gravitational force is stronger than that of the sun.

Earth orbits the sun, indicating a stronger attraction towards the sun.
The moon is smaller and is attracted to Earth due to its larger mass.
Both bodies exert gravitational forces on each other, but the moon's gravity primarily affects only the water, causing tides.

Tidal Bulges
- The gravitational attraction from the moon creates tidal bulges in Earth's oceans.
- The tidal force varies based on the moon's position relative to Earth, leading to different tide levels (high tide, low tide).
High Tides and Low Tides
- High tides occur approximately twice daily influenced by the moon's position.
- The sun also impacts tides, but to a lesser degree, providing additional force to enhance or lessen the tides.

Spring Tides
- Occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned (in a straight line).
- Result in higher high tides and lower low tides due to the combined gravitational pull.
Neap Tides
- Occur when the sun and moon are at a 90-degree angle relative to Earth.
- The gravitational pull from the sun and moon counteracts each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

The tidal forces create drag on Earth, slowly diminishing its rotation speed.
- The Earth’s rotation decreases by about 2 milliseconds every 100 years.
The moon is gradually moving away from Earth at a rate of centimeters every 100 years.
- This will result in a long-term scenario where one side of the Earth will always face the moon.

The moon is tidally locked with Earth, meaning its rotation period equals its orbital period.
- Consequently, we always see the same face of the moon, while the far side remains unseen unless one travels to space.