An observer sees the right half of the Moon lit. Which statement best describes the Moon at this point in its cycle?

When the right half of the Moon appears lit, it is at first quarter. The illuminated portion grows after first quarter, so the next phase is waxing gibbous. Thus, the correct choice is “The Moon is in the first quarter and will become a waxing gibbous next.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.