Gravitational tides refer to the variations in the Earth’s surface and ocean levels caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. These celestial bodies exert forces on the Earth, resulting in the periodic rise and fall of water levels in the oceans, known as tidal movements. The alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun affects the strength and timing of these tides, leading to high tides and low tides. Gravitational tides are influenced by several factors, including the alignment of the Moon and Sun, the Earth’s rotation, and the geographic features of coastlines. Tidal patterns can be complex and vary from location to location, resulting in different tidal ranges and frequencies. The study of gravitational tides is important for understanding marine and coastal ecosystems, navigation, and various human activities that are affected by changes in sea levels.
A recent study conducted by a team of astronomers has proposed a new mechanism for explaining the orbital decay of hot Jupiter exoplanets. The researchers suggest that stellar magnetic fields…