During which term is the Moon's illumination increasing toward a full Moon?

During which term is the Moon's illumination increasing toward a full Moon?

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

Answer: (D)

Illumination grows as the Moon moves from new toward full, so that growing phase is waxing. The lit portion of the Moon increases each night until it reaches a full Moon, when it’s fully lit. After that, the illumination decreases in the waning phase as it moves toward the new Moon. A new Moon is when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth and appears dark, while a full Moon is when the near side is fully illuminated. Since the question asks for the term describing the increasing illumination toward a full Moon, the correct term is waxing.

Illumination grows as the Moon moves from new toward full, so that growing phase is waxing. The lit portion of the Moon increases each night until it reaches a full Moon, when it’s fully lit. After that, the illumination decreases in the waning phase as it moves toward the new Moon. A new Moon is when the Moon is between the Sun and Earth and appears dark, while a full Moon is when the near side is fully illuminated. Since the question asks for the term describing the increasing illumination toward a full Moon, the correct term is waxing.