The Moon Cycle, also known as the lunar cycle, refers to the regular progression of the Moon's phases as it orbits the Earth. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days and includes eight distinct phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. Each phase represents a different portion of the Moon illuminated by the Sun. The cycle begins with the new moon, when the Moon is not visible from Earth. As it moves through its phases, the visible portion increases until it reaches the full moon, where the entire face is illuminated. After the full moon, the illumination decreases until it returns to the new moon phase, completing the cycle.