human
How does the moon affect the tides?
assistant
The moon exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans, causing the rise and fall of the tides. The gravitational pull of the moon is strongest when it is closest to the Earth, called “perigee,” which results in higher than usual high tides. Conversely, when the moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, referred to as its “apogee,” the gravitational pull is weaker, resulting in lower than usual low tides. As the moon orbits the Earth each month, a cycle of high and low tides is created. The degree to which the ocean tides are affected by the moon’s gravitational pull varies based on the placement of the moon in the sky, as well as other external factors such as wind and atmospheric pressure.