Lunar cycles refer to the phases of the Moon 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 is characterized by the amount of sunlight reflected off the Moon's surface, which changes as it moves in relation to the Earth and the Sun. The cycle begins with the new moon, when the Moon is not visible from Earth. As it waxes, more of its surface becomes illuminated until it reaches the full moon, when it is fully visible. After the full moon, the Moon begins to wane, gradually decreasing in visibility until it returns to the new moon phase, completing the cycle.