It was as if

 

The moon was sweeping the stars away on this dark and frosty morning.

Stars that bright are only seen here, so close to the lights of the towns, when wintery air descends upon us. 

Today at pre-dawn dog walking time there was a center line in the sky, bright, gleaming, glowing stars sparkling on the west, foggy blue-grey nothingmuch to the east with the moon holding court just east of center.

But no, it was the sun, wielding the broom from his hiding place just below the horizon. No stars now, just clear, icy blue skies with a narrow touch of lacy ice fog around the edges.