Tonight, the first quarter moon appears close to the bright planet Jupiter in our southern sky. Both are in the zodiacal constellation Libra. For those visiting the agricultural fair tonight, see how many planets you can see, starting with Jupiter.

All of the our visible planets, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, are now near the southern horizon. Venus is setting in the southwestern sky, right after sunset. Look more southerly and there is Jupiter.

You don’t have to turn your head too much to see Saturn in the zodiacal constellation Sagittarius. Turn more to the southeastern sky and the bright red planet Mars is in the zodiacal constellation Capricornus.

Take a look in the nights ahead and the moon will appear to visit with each one. So by the evening of Thursday, August 23, the moon will be near Mars. You can’t beat that for our touring Moon.