February 19, 2023
A new moon occurs tomorrow morning at 1 am. The Moon also reached perigee – it’s closest point to Earth – at 3 am this morning. During the full and new moon phases, the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun align to create larger “spring” tides on Earth. When perigee and the full or new phase of the Moon align, extra-high Perigean spring tides occur.
This diagram shows the gravitational affects of a new or full moon when at its closest point to Earth. Image credit: NOAA