For those who are up early Tuesday morning there is a pretty sight in the southeastern sky well before sunrise. A thin crescent moon appears low, close to where the sun will rise. Next to the moon is the brilliant planet Venus and a much fainter red planet Mars. The three form an elongated triangle with Mars above the moon and Venus. You’ll have no trouble finding the moon or Venus. Seeing Mars only takes a little more effort. A clear view of the southeastern sky is all that is necessary.

You’ll be able to see the three earlier in the week. Over this weekend, you’ll find the moon farther away, but Mars and Venus will be there. The Tuesday morning view of the three so close together is tied to the placement of the Moon.

Mars and Venus are the Earth’s closest planetary neighbors. These are the two closest planets to us. Adding the moon to the scene describes our close three neighbors. Look around 5 a.m. before it gets too bright.

Looking weeks ahead, Mars will continue to slowly get higher and higher in the eastern sky and get brighter. Venus is dropping slowly. Venus will appear closer to the horizon, while Mars gets higher.