Which term refers to the different shapes of the moon observed throughout its cycle?

The term that refers to the different shapes of the moon observed throughout its cycle is "Moon Phases." This concept describes the various appearances of the moon as it orbits the Earth, which occurs due to the changing angles of sunlight that illuminate the moon's surface. The phases progress from new moon to full moon and back again, showing a range of forms including crescent, quarter, and gibbous shapes. Understanding moon phases is crucial for grasping how lunar cycles affect natural phenomena and cultural calendars.

Lunar cycles describe the entire process involving the moon's phases from start to finish but do not specifically refer to the observable shapes. Solar phases are unrelated, as they refer to phenomena related to the sun, while gravity effects pertain to the influence of gravity on objects rather than visual aspects of the moon.