What statement best describes the phases of the Moon?

The phases of the Moon refer to the varying appearances of the Moon as it orbits Earth, resulting from the changing angles of sunlight illuminating its surface. There are eight primary phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. These phases cycle approximately every 29.5 days, reflecting the Moon's position relative to the Earth and the Sun. As a result, we observe different portions of the Moon's illuminated side throughout the month.