Mars

I am not to informed of Astronomy as most on this newsgroup are - I live in
Central NJ - early this morning about 4:30 AM I looked up in the southern sky
and saw a bright Yellow Star (usually stars I see are white) this was larger
than what I usually see - I have no telescope - just a cheap pair of binoculars
I use for back yard birding -I am wondering if it was Mars I saw -
About thirty miles away in Milford,NJ ( Hunterdon County) an earthquake hit
about 4PM - also wondering if Mars had an effect on this event - would
appreciate some information - please don't be critical of my lack of knowledge