Tonight, May 8, 2025, the Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, about 86% illuminated and approximately 11 days old in its lunar cycle

. This phase occurs after the First Quarter and before the Full Moon, when more than half of the Moon's face is lit by the Sun but it is not yet fully illuminated

. The Waxing Gibbous Moon rises in the mid-afternoon, is high in the eastern sky at sunset, and remains visible through most of the night until a few hours before sunrise

. This phase is notable because the illuminated portion of the Moon continues to grow each night, making the Moon appear larger and brighter as it approaches the Full Moon

. There is no special event like a lunar eclipse or supermoon tonight; the next full moon will occur on May 12, 2025

. The Waxing Gibbous phase is a great time to observe the Moon's surface details through a telescope, as the shadows cast by the sunlight along the terminator (the line between night and day on the Moon) enhance the visibility of craters and mountains

. In summary, tonight's Moon is special for being a bright Waxing Gibbous, nearly full, offering excellent visibility and a striking presence in the night sky