Seen the same thing in Germany (5 p.m.) today, too. Very bright and no other stars. I assume it's a planet. Found a thread about January:
earthsky.org...
Seems to be a interesting month for observing the sky. Maybe it's also the explanation for the huge UFO sightings in January.
edit on 15-1-2012
by CaptObvious because: (no reason given)