Mercury stole the show last week. Now it's Mars' turn.
On Sunday (Monday AEST), Mars, Earth and the sun will line up perfectly in the sky. The once-every-two-years event is called Mars opposition as Mars and the sun will be on opposite sides of Earth.
Mars is about 48 million miles (77.23 million km) from us, coming ever closer until May 30, when the red planet passes within 46.8 million miles (75.3 million km). That will be Mars' closest approach in 10 1/2 years. In 2018 Mars will pass within 36 million miles (57.92 million km).
The modern-day record of 34.6 million miles (55.67 million km) between Earth and Mars was set in 2003. That won't be surpassed until the year 2287, according to NASA.
At the other end of the scale, Earth and Mars can be up to 249 million miles (400.64 million km) apart when they wind up on opposite sides of the sun every couple of years.
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May is proving a busy month for stargazers.
On May 9 Mercury passed directly between Earth and the sun, resembling a black dot against our vast, bright star.
Telescopes or high-powered binoculars were needed to see that Mercury transit, which occurs 13 times or so a century. Nothing fancy is needed to gaze upon Mars - just eyes.
Sky watchers can enjoy a brighter, seemingly bigger Mars well into June. A full moon, on May 21, will add to the viewing pleasure.
The Hubble Space Telescope already is zooming in for pictures. On Thursday the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore released a snapshot of Mars taken on May 12 from 50 million miles (80.45 million km) out. The image shows details down to 20 miles (32.18 km) across.
