Why does the moon have a stronger effect on tides?

The moon has a stronger effect on tides primarily because it is much closer to Earth than the sun, despite the sun's larger size. The gravitational pull of the moon creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high tides in the areas closest to it and a corresponding low tide on the opposite side. This gravitational pull is significantly stronger than that of the sun, making the moon the dominant force in tidal movements. Consequently, the interplay of the moon's gravity and the Earth's rotation results in the regular rise and fall of ocean levels.