Which phase appears after New Moon as illumination grows toward the Full Moon?

Which phase appears after New Moon as illumination grows toward the Full Moon?

• A. Full Moon
• B. First Quarter
• C. Third Quarter
• D. New Moon

Answer: (B)

As the Moon orbits, the visible illumination grows from New Moon toward Full Moon. The first named phase you see after New Moon with the illumination increasing toward Full Moon is First Quarter, when about half of the Moon’s near side is lit and the light is steadily expanding. This is part of the waxing sequence: New Moon → waxing crescent → First Quarter → waxing gibbous → Full Moon. Full Moon comes later when the entire near side is illuminated, while Third Quarter (Last Quarter) is the next half-illuminated phase after Full Moon but during the waning portion.

As the Moon orbits, the visible illumination grows from New Moon toward Full Moon. The first named phase you see after New Moon with the illumination increasing toward Full Moon is First Quarter, when about half of the Moon’s near side is lit and the light is steadily expanding. This is part of the waxing sequence: New Moon → waxing crescent → First Quarter → waxing gibbous → Full Moon. Full Moon comes later when the entire near side is illuminated, while Third Quarter (Last Quarter) is the next half-illuminated phase after Full Moon but during the waning portion.