CAPE CANAVERAL — Last week, Mercury stole the show. Now it’s Mars’ turn.

On Sunday morning, Mars, Earth and the sun will line up perfectly in the sky. This once-every-two-years event is called Mars opposition. That’s because Mars and the sun will be on opposite sides of Earth.

Right now, Mars is about 77 million kilometres from us, coming ever closer until May 30, when the red planet passes within 75 million kilometres. That will be Mars’ closest approach in 10 1/2 years. In 2018, Mars will get a lot chummier, passing within a mere 58 million kilometres.

The modern-day record of 55.6 million kilometres 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 as much as 400 million kilometres apart when they wind up on opposite sides of the sun every couple years.

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 just 13 times or so a century. Nothing fancy is needed to gaze upon Mars — just your eyes.

Sky-watchers gazing to the south-east at nightfall can enjoy a brighter, seemingly bigger Mars well into June. A full moon on Saturday (May 21) will add to the viewing pleasure. The Hubble Space Telescope will zoom in for some pictures. AP