Which Moon phase is seen when the illuminated portion is a narrow crescent and is increasing in size?

Which Moon phase is seen when the illuminated portion is a narrow crescent and is increasing in size?

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

Answer: (C)

When the illuminated portion you can see is a narrow crescent and it’s getting larger, you’re looking at the waxing crescent phase. Waxing means the lit part of the Moon as seen from Earth is increasing, and a crescent signifies only a small sliver is illuminated right after New Moon. As days pass, more of the near side is lit until it grows into the first quarter phase. The other options don’t fit: a waning crescent would be shrinking, a New Moon shows almost no illuminated area, and a Full Moon would be fully illuminated.

When the illuminated portion you can see is a narrow crescent and it’s getting larger, you’re looking at the waxing crescent phase. Waxing means the lit part of the Moon as seen from Earth is increasing, and a crescent signifies only a small sliver is illuminated right after New Moon. As days pass, more of the near side is lit until it grows into the first quarter phase. The other options don’t fit: a waning crescent would be shrinking, a New Moon shows almost no illuminated area, and a Full Moon would be fully illuminated.