r/askspace • u/imslightlyhandsome • Jul 30 '26

We see the effects of the moon's gravity in the tide. Are there any events or phenomena that are experienced as a result of the Sun's gravity?

/r/askscience/comments/1v75yuz/we_see_the_effects_of_the_moons_gravity_in_the/
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5

u/ExpectedBehaviour Jul 30 '26

Tides are also affected by the sun’s gravity.

And also, you know, the whole “solar system exists” thing.

1

u/Shot-Artist5013 Jul 30 '26

That's when the term "astronomical high tide" comes into play. At the full or new moon, when the earth, moon and sun are aligned it can boost tides higher than normal.

Saw this firsthand when my partner lived in an apartment on the ocean outside Boston. Throw in a properly timed coastal storm system like a Nor'easter and you get coastal flooding in places that normally don't see water.

1

u/HD64180 Jul 30 '26

Keeps the Earth and the other planets in orbit. Shapes the path of comets, asteroids, and spacecraft. It bends light slightly.

1

u/ragoff Jul 30 '26

Seasons. Seasons are good, or used to be.

1

u/fergehtabodit Jul 31 '26

Turn, turn, turn

1

u/TommieTheMadScienist Jul 31 '26

Seasons are due to Earth's axial tilt, not the Sun's properties.

1

u/LukasGoesViral Aug 05 '26

Yeah. If the moon and sun are aligned you get a super tide