The Moon plays hide-and-seek with the Earth in eight phases.

At the New Moon, the Moon tucks itself between the Sun and the Earth.

The Sun tries to shine through, but the Moon melts into the night sky, casting a shadow on the earth.

When the Moon wakes, the Sun shyly peeks out on the right side of its face.

This is the Waxing Crescent phase, the second phase. Waxing means the light is growing.

The Sun is bolder but gingerly steps forward during the First Quarter.

Half the Moon's face on the right now glows brightly, slowly illuminating the night sky.

The Moon's half glow shows it trudging through the Lunar Cycle.

During the Waxing Gibbous phase, the Moon glows on the right side. This is because the Sun's reflection shines through more than half the Moon like a lantern in the sky.

This is the fourth phase.

The Full Moon occurs when the Moon is done waxing.

The Sun is no longer shy. It boldly steps into the center stage, and now the Moon's face is fully lit.

The Moon smiles, turning the dark canvas into a luminous spectacle.

The Sun's reflection on the Moon's face gracefully shines through more than halfway.

This announces the arrival of the Waning Gibbous phase.

Half of the Moon's face disappears into the night sky.

This is because the Sun is peeking, half-lit, and waning to the left in the Last Quarter phase.

The Waning Crescent phase is where the Sun shyly peeks out on the left side of its face.

This completes the circle and also announces the Moon's return for another cycle of playful hide-and-seek.