Early risers are in for a celestial treat this weekend when four planets in our solar system align in a rare event.

The planets will be visible to the naked eye, appearing like bright stars in perfect formation, a phenomenon known as the “planetary parade”.

Australian National University astrophysicist Dr Brad Tucker said the phenomenon was unique as Saturn took 29 years to orbit the Earth, with the last similar alignment in 2002.

“Saturn is on top, followed by Mars, third is Venus, which is super bright, followed by Jupiter, and then you have the moon as the fifth celestial wheel,” Tucker told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

“Jupiter and Venus will get so close on Sunday morning, they will look like one planet… they will not be social distancing.”

For stargazers, it will be visible from anywhere between April 30 and May 1 across Australia, as long as the sky is clear.

Matt Woods from the Perth Observatory says the best time to see it will be around 4am and 5am local time in the state you’re living in.

“Four or five is the best time to go out. Just go outside and go outside in the front yard or backyard. That’s the easiest way to see it,” Woods said.

“It’s going to be high enough by four or five that it will be above any trees or anything like that and it’s quite noticeable.”

Press PLAY below to hear more on the planetary alignment this weekend