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i would really like to know that if the moon is full all the time regardless of the suns light, then why does a so called full moon have a bigger affect on the tides?the light of a full moon has no affect on the pull from the moon.tj age 6
Dear Tom,
Wow, what a great question! Higher tides do occur at new and full moons, but not because the moon's gravitational pull is stronger at those times. Rather, the tides are higher then because at the time of the full moon, (and at the time of the new moon),the sun, earth, and moon are in a line and the tidal force of the sun joins that of the moon at those times to produce higher tides.
I hope this helps. Keep Looking Up!
-Ed
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hi Ed, Thank you for responding so quickly. Thank you also for the links to the other sites to look at stars. You helped me out. Thanks. Karen B. I guess I forget about Leo, but now I won't. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Ed
Expertise
I am not a professional astronomer by any means, but astronomy has been an interest of mine since childhood, and I am well-informed on the subject. If unable to answer someone`s question personally, I will know how to quickly find the answer online, because I keep myself informed about developments in the field and I know where to look for information.
Experience
I worked in an observatory for awhile at one point, doing various interesting things with a computer.
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