Set your alarm: a planetary grouping happens this April

Stargazers are in for a cosmic treat this weekend weather permitting, as three planets appear together in the morning sky.

From April 19 to 23, Mars, Mercury and Saturn are putting on a show in the early hours. Look east from around 5am until dawn and you'll spot all three hanging out close together – no telescope needed. They're visible to the naked eye right across the country.

It's what astronomers call a planetary grouping , when several planets line up from Earth's perspective. The beauty of this one? You don't need any fancy equipment. Just drag yourself out of bed before sunrise, glance towards the eastern horizon and there they are. 

If you're handy with a camera, this is your moment. Set that alarm, grab your kit and see what you can capture in the pre-dawn darkness. Got something brilliant? We want to see it.

It's not every day three planets decide to cluster together like this, so the early wake-up call is definitely worth it. Just make sure you've got the coffee ready.