Our first quarter moon appears high in the evening sky on Christmas night. The moon is in the large zodiacal constellation Pisces, a constellation we associate with the close of autumn and early winter.

The moon advances through the winter constellations Aries and Taurus. The moon ends the year full and in the zodiacal constellation Gemini.

The two morning planets Mars and Jupiter continue to appear closer and closer together. They are in the zodiacal constellation Libra. Their movement towards each other is significant enough that it is noticeable from morning to morning, if you are out. Look towards the eastern sky, above where the sun rises. The two are high above the first signs of dawn.

Both planets are brightening, with Mars brightening more noticeably. Mercury, Venus and Saturn are too difficult to spot, being so close to the glare of the sun.