When are neap tides observed?

Neap tides are observed during the first quarter and last quarter phases of the moon. This happens because, during these phases, the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun are at right angles relative to the Earth. As a result, the gravitational pull on Earth's water is less pronounced, leading to lower high tides and higher low tides. This phenomenon creates a smaller difference between the tidal ranges compared to spring tides, which occur during the full and new moon phases when the gravitational forces are aligned and the tidal ranges are greater. Understanding this pattern helps clarify the cyclical nature of tides and their dependence on the alignment of celestial bodies.