The moon takes charge of our evenings in the coming week. Tonight, the first quarter moon appears high the evening sky, in the zodiacal constellation Aquarius. The distant and faint planet Neptune, not visible to most of us, is nearby.

The moon becomes gibbous and gains brightness in the following nights, moving through the zodiacal constellations Pisces. By the end of next week, the moon is full and in the zodiacal constellation Taurus.

We call the approaching full moon the Holly Moon, named after the local seasonal plant of winter that remains green and carries bright red berries and makes a perfect holiday decoration.

Venus

Who will be the first to see the bright planet Venus, hovering close to the western horizon after sunset? During the last summer Venus was an early morning planet. Venus was high and easy to find in the east an hour before sunrise, but you had to be an early riser.

Now we are about to see Venus take charge of our evening sky. For the moment, Venus is very low. It appears amid the light of twilight shortly after sunset; then it sets.

You can find the planet now. Look to west, preferably from an unobstructed viewing site such as the Gay Head Cliffs, Menemsha Beach or West Chop overlook. There is no mistaking Venus when you see it, for it is brilliant. The viewing time is short, however, less than an hour after sunset.

Viewing will be far easier later in December and certainly easier early in the New Year.