When do Solar Tides primarily occur?

Solar tides primarily occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned in a straight line. This alignment enhances the gravitational forces exerted by the sun on the Earth, contributing to the formation of solar tides. The gravitational pull of the sun acts to raise sea levels in certain areas, creating higher tides when combined with the moon's influence, which is also significant in the formation of tides.

When the sun, moon, and Earth are in this collinear arrangement, it results in synergistic tidal effects, leading to what are known as spring tides, where the tidal ranges are greater. This phenomenon is distinct from when the Earth and moon are at right angles relative to the sun, which leads to neap tides with lesser tidal ranges due to the opposing gravitational effects.

The timing of the sun being at its highest point in the sky or its gravitational pull being considered 'strongest' does not correlate directly with the occurrence of solar tides, as these factors do not specifically relate to the geometry of the Earth-sun-moon system necessary for solar tidal extremes.