Astronomy Practice Exam

What is the phase of the moon called when it is just after a new moon?

1. Waxing gibbous

2. Waxing crescent

3. First quarter

4. Full moon

The correct answer is: Waxing crescent

The phase of the moon that occurs just after a new moon is referred to as the waxing crescent phase. During this phase, a small sliver of the moon becomes visible, appearing as a crescent shape that is illuminated by sunlight. This illumination increases as the moon progresses through its phases, moving towards the first quarter. The waxing crescent phase indicates that the moon is transitioning from its dark phase, which occurs during the new moon, towards greater visibility. As it orbits the Earth, more of the moon's surface comes into sunlight, leading up to the first quarter phase when half of the moon is illuminated. Understanding the sequence of the moon's phases is crucial in astronomy, as each phase represents a specific position of the moon relative to the Earth and the sun. The waxing crescent is especially significant because it marks the beginning of the moon's visibility cycle for that lunar month.