The lunar cycle refers to the regular changes in the appearance of the Moon as it orbits the Earth. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days and includes eight distinct phases, starting from the New Moon and progressing to the Full Moon, before returning to the New Moon again. Each phase is characterized by the amount of sunlight reflecting off the Moon's surface. The primary phases of the lunar cycle are the New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases occur due to the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, affecting how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated from our perspective.