If the sun and moon positions in the sky effect the tides in a consistent manner then one might conjecture that tracking the tides is extra effort and that only the sun/moon position(s) are relevant (for any particular location). On the flip-side lunar distance may effect tide height so maybe one would want to track that too (making the algorithm a "sun/moon position and range" one and not just a position one)

If you check the link you will see a web-site put up by someone who has done some examination of this subject area.

Some general questions for all predictors might be: How does anyone prove to anyone else that whatever method they are pursuing for prediction is working or not ? Is the ones and twos notice of a successful prediction after the fact going to be convincing enough ? What standards do scientists use to convince each other of their claims? Shouldn't one who wishes to make claims be aware of these standards in order to be taken seriously ?

Just food for thought & my 2cents worth.

P.S. The graph shows some mag. 8's happening at the curves...interesting.

• Sun/moon position study link