What phase follows the New Moon as more of the moon’s surface becomes visible?

The phase that follows the New Moon is the Waxing phase. During this time, the moon gradually becomes more illuminated as it moves in its orbit around the Earth. The term "waxing" specifically refers to the increasing visibility of the moon's surface as it transitions from the New Moon phase, where the moon is not visible, to the Full Moon phase, where it is fully illuminated.

As the Waxing phase progresses, more of the moon's surface reflects sunlight, culminating in the Full Moon phase. This visible change occurs because the moon orbits Earth, and as it does so, different portions of its surface are illuminated by the Sun. Understanding the Waxing phase is essential in grasping how the moon cycles through its phases and how they are observed from Earth.