Final answer:
Neap tides, which are the lowest tides, occur when the Sun and Moon's gravitational forces are at right angles to each other, typically during the first and third quarter moon phases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lowest tides, known as neap tides, occur approximately twice a month when the Sun is at a 90° angle to the Earth-Moon alignment. During these periods, the gravitational forces of the Sun and the Moon act at right angles to each other, which reduces the overall tidal effect. Neap tides happen during the first and third quarters of the Moon’s phase, also referred to as the half-moon. Conversely, the highest tides, called spring tides, happen when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned, typically during a new or full moon when their gravitational forces combine to create stronger tides.