This Friday, June 3, Saturn reaches opposition to the sun. Directly opposite the sun in the sky, Saturn rises as the sun sets and sets as the sun rises, remaining visible all night.

On May 30, Mars will come within 46.8 million miles (75.3 million kilometers) of Earth — closer than the Red Planet has been since 2005. Here's what to expect.

When is the best time to look at the moon? Check out the first and last quarter for a vivid view.

On Monday (May 9), you will have an opportunity to witness one of the rarest astronomical events: a transit of Mercury across the face of the sun. Here's what to expect.

See what's up in the night sky for May 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

Start preparing now for one of the major astronomical events of 2016: On May 9, Mercury will pass across the face of the sun.

See what's up in the night sky for April 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

See what's up in the night sky for March 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

Here's how to spot the faint zodiacal light, the mysterious glow caused by millions of particles left over from the solar system's formation.

Here's how to see the circumpolar constellations, such as the Great Bear, which are always with us.

As you gaze at the first-quarter moon this week, you may wonder when the last-quarter moon will occur this month. But there won't be one, if you live in North or South America.

See what's up in the night sky for February 2016, including stargazing events and the moon's phases, in this Space.com gallery courtesy of Starry Night Software.

Step outside on any evening this month and look toward the south. You will see one of the best-loved constellations, Orion the Hunter, surrounded by a circle of six brilliant stars.