This is what keeps the moon in orbit around the earth, and it is also what causes tides to occur in the ocean. The Sun Tide The tides are caused mainly by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the earth, but there is also a gravitational attraction between the earth and the sun. The effect of the sun upon the tides is not as significant as the moon’s effects. Basically, the sun’s pull can heighten the moon’s effects or counteract them, depending on where the moon is in relation to the sun. Source(s): ~Miss Curious~ · 7 years ago.