What phase follows the New Moon?

What phase follows the New Moon?

• A. Waxing Crescent
• B. Waning Crescent
• C. Full Moon
• D. New Moon

Answer: (A)

The phase after a New Moon is the waxing crescent. After the Moon is between the Earth and Sun (New Moon), it begins to move in its orbit and the Sun starts to illuminate more of its near side. That growing illumination creates a small crescent shape, which is called a waxing crescent because the lit portion is increasing. It’s typically visible just after sunset or a little before sunrise, depending on the season. The terms “waxing” vs. “waning” reflect whether the visible illuminated amount is increasing or decreasing, and after the New Moon, it’s increasing, hence waxing crescent.

The phase after a New Moon is the waxing crescent. After the Moon is between the Earth and Sun (New Moon), it begins to move in its orbit and the Sun starts to illuminate more of its near side. That growing illumination creates a small crescent shape, which is called a waxing crescent because the lit portion is increasing. It’s typically visible just after sunset or a little before sunrise, depending on the season. The terms “waxing” vs. “waning” reflect whether the visible illuminated amount is increasing or decreasing, and after the New Moon, it’s increasing, hence waxing crescent.