Why Does a Lunar Eclipse Cause Sea Levels to Rise? Here's the Explanation

Kapanlagi.com - A lunar eclipse, an astronomical phenomenon that always manages to captivate many people, is back to showcase the beauty of the night sky. When this eclipse occurs, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to cover the glowing face of the Moon. However, this beauty is not just a sight; there are deeper impacts on our environment, particularly on the tides of the sea.

One of the most striking effects during a lunar eclipse is the phenomenon of maximum tide, where the surface of the sea experiences a significant rise. This can potentially cause problems for coastal areas, such as flooding or even tidal inundation. So, how does this process actually occur?

Summarized from various sources by Kapanlagi.com on Thursday (3/13/2025), let’s explore deeper the relationship between a lunar eclipse and rising sea levels. We will reveal how this amazing phenomenon can affect the lives of people, especially those living in coastal areas.

1. The Relationship of Lunar Eclipses with Ocean Tides

Many people wonder, does a lunar eclipse really cause the sea level to rise? The answer is no, not directly. The rise in sea level that often occurs simultaneously with a lunar eclipse is actually caused by the phenomenon of spring tide.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line. This position enhances the combined gravitational pull between the Sun and the Moon on the Earth, which directly affects the rise and fall of sea water.

How Does Gravity Affect Sea Water?

• The Moon has a gravitational force that pulls on the sea water, causing high tide in areas directly facing the Moon.
• The Sun also has gravity that affects sea water, although its influence is smaller compared to the Moon because of its greater distance.
• When the Moon, Sun, and Earth are aligned, this combined gravitational pull becomes stronger, causing perigean spring tide or higher than usual high tides.

According to BMKG, during a total lunar eclipse, the height of the sea level will experience a rise due to the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

2. Why Does the Sea Level Rise During a Lunar Eclipse More Than Usual?

The phenomenon of rising sea levels during a lunar eclipse is often referred to as maximum tide. This occurs due to the combined effects of the full moon phase and the alignment of the three main celestial bodies (Sun, Earth, and Moon).

Factors Influencing Maximum Tide:

• Alignment configuration between the Sun, Earth, and Moon → Results in a greater gravitational pull on the sea water.
• A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon → This is the phase where the tide effect is already higher than usual.
• Additional effects from the Moon's orbit → If the eclipse occurs when the Moon is at perigee (the closest distance to Earth), the maximum tide can be more extreme.

The impact of a total lunar eclipse on human life is a higher sea level (rise) compared to regular days when there is no eclipse, during Full Moon or New Moon.

3. Impact of Sea Level Rise During a Lunar Eclipse

The maximum tide caused by a lunar eclipse can have significant impacts, especially for communities living in coastal areas.

• Flooding → Rising sea levels can inundate coastal settlements and disrupt community activities.
• Disruption of fishing activities → Rising sea levels can cause difficulties in docking and catching fish.
• Potential disruption of transportation at ports → High tides can lead to delays in the loading and unloading of goods and the mobility of ships.

According to BMKG, communities in coastal areas should be aware of the potential for flooding due to maximum tides during a lunar eclipse.

4. How to Anticipate the Impact of Maximum Tides

• Monitor information from BMKG → Make sure you receive the latest updates about the potential rise in sea levels.
• Prepare flood mitigation measures → If you live in a coastal area, ensure your home has additional protection such as levees or sandbags.
• Avoid activities on the coast during maximum tides → Fishermen and port workers should avoid activities at sea if the tide is too high.
• Be aware of the impacts of extreme weather → Maximum tides can be exacerbated by weather factors, such as strong winds or storms.

With the right preventive measures, the impact of maximum tides due to a lunar eclipse can be minimized.

5. FAQ

1. Is a lunar eclipse harmful to health?

No, a lunar eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye without health risks, unlike a solar eclipse.

2. What causes tidal flooding during a lunar eclipse?

Tidal flooding is caused by the spring tide that occurs during a full moon, where the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun work together.

3. How to observe a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye, and does not require special equipment like a solar eclipse.

4. Do all lunar eclipses occur during a full moon?

Yes, a lunar eclipse only occurs during a full moon, when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon.

(kpl/rmt)