Among other celestial delights, the upcoming year may be best remembered for a planetary disappearing act and a Martian close-up.

Mars will be at its biggest and brightest in May, and then in the fall will appear to pass close to a famous nebula. And in another beautiful view, the tiny planet Mercury will pass in front of the sun, appearing as a black spot traveling across the sun's face.

Here's a rundown of these and more of the skywatching events worth circling on your calendar in 2016.

The sun undergoes the most amazing celestial disappearing act this year—a total eclipse—when the moon slides in front of it. Complete cover, or totality, lasts for four minutes and will be visible along a narrow