The Mars close approach to Earth happened last year at the times mentioned in Tom's post.  See details here: Space.com Article

Currently, Mars is very close to the sun and is not visible.  It won't become visible again until the early morning hours just before sunrise around the end of October / early November.

The bright planet that could be seen near the moon in the early morning hours mid Aug this year was Venus.  Right now, the moon can only be seen in the evening, not in the morning.  You will be able to see the moon near Venus in the morning again mid September.

Chris, AKA Prophbuff
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Thanks, Chris!
John