tides in astronomy

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's water. As the Earth rotates, different areas experience varying gravitational strengths, leading to high tides (when water bulges toward the gravitational source) and low tides (when the water recedes). This cycle typically occurs twice a day, creating a rhythmic pattern influenced by the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Tides can also be affected by local geography and weather conditions, making them predictable yet variable in specific locations.