What is the timing of spring and neap tides in relation to the Moon?

The timing of spring and neap tides is influenced significantly by the position of the Moon and the gravitational effects exerted on Earth. Spring tides occur when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun align, which happens during the new moon and full moon phases. During these times, the gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun combine to produce higher high tides and lower low tides.

Neap tides, on the other hand, occur when the Moon is at a right angle relative to the Sun from Earth's perspective. This typically occurs during the first and third quarters of the lunar phase. During neap tides, the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun partially cancel each other out, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

While timing does involve a relationship with the lunar cycle, the phrasing "2 days behind the Moon’s orbit around the Earth" suggests a misunderstanding of the lunar phases and their correlation with tidal events. Spring and neap tides follow a predictable cycle based on the positions of the Moon and Sun, but they do not occur a fixed number of days after the Moon moves through its phases. Properly understanding the gravitational effects and lunar position clarifies the relationship between these tides and the Moon's orbit.