On Monday night the gibbous moon appears close to the red planet Mars. Both are in the zodiacal constellation Taurus. For those who have watched Mars, the planet has clearly lost its brilliance of a month ago. When Mars was in opposition in early December, it was the brightest it has been in many years. Mars is now farther from us and thus not as bright. Astronomers estimate the planet is 81 million miles away, almost twice as far away as it was two months ago. Our Earth is moving rapidly away from Mars By the end of February Mars will be 102 million miles away.

The gibbous moon is a week away from being full. The moon is also appearing higher too. The moon will move through Gemini in the nights ahead and finish off the week in the zodiacal constellation Cancer.

Venus and Saturn

The brightest planet in the western sky Venus continues to appear higher and higher. The planet has separated from Saturn, now appearing way below. Say goodbye to Saturn. The ringed planet is getting closer and closer to the glare of the setting sun. When that happens, the planet will be unavailable until it shows up as a morning planet late in spring.