How long does it take for the moon to complete one lunar cycle?

The time it takes for the moon to complete one lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days. This lunar cycle, also known as a lunar month, encompasses all the phases of the moon, starting from one new moon to the next. During this period, the moon goes through various phases, including the waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent, before returning to the new moon phase.

Different options reflect common misconceptions about the lunar month. For example, 28 days is often thought of as representative of a lunar cycle due to the quick transitions, but it does not account for the extra time needed for the moon to reset to the new moon phase after a complete round of phases. The periods of 14 days align with half of the cycle, representing the time from the new moon to the full moon, while 30 days is sometimes rounded from the average length of a lunar month. However, the most accurate average duration for the entire cycle is indeed 29.5 days, which is what makes this choice the correct answer.