[gitmo]

QUESTION
I have a question for you astronomy buffs. What is the large, bright planet (or star?) that is near the moon around 7-8 PM lately? I am on the East Coast, and this has been the brightest thing in the sky when the moon was unlit.

Thanks in advance. And please pardon my ignorance.

[cogitator]

What is the large, bright planet (or star?) that is near the moon around 7-8 PM lately? I am on the East Coast, and this has been the brightest thing in the sky when the moon was unlit.

The brightest object in the sky after sunset right now is the planet Venus. Two nights ago the Moon was close to Venus; last night it was close to Mars. (Three nights ago I saw Mercury low on the horizon below the Moon; for at least another week, after sunset all five naked-eye planets are visible at the same time).