The moon appears near the star Spica (Virgo)this morning as seen from the Chicago area. (Click the image to see it larger.)  The moon appears 1 degree to the left of the star.  Mars is about 6 degrees to the upper right of Spica.  The planet passes 5 degrees north of the star next week.  Meanwhile Saturn appears farther to the east (left) of Spica near Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali.

As the moon continue to move eastward, it appears near Saturn on January 25.

Read more about the planets this month.