Music fans may feel as if they have entered an alternate universe when they hear one of the world's greatest scientists cover a Monty Python classic.

Professor Stephen Hawking can be heard singing the show's famous Galaxy Song, released digitally this week, and available on vinyl this weekend as part of Record Store Day 2015.

The A Brief History Of Time author can be seen in the music video whizzing through space in his wheelchair, while the footage is interspersed with scenes of the Monty Python live shows.

One of the cult comedy act's members Eric Idle tweeted to let people know the record is available.

He wrote: "Stephen Hawking Sings Monty Python. The Galaxy Song digital download & video has now been released. The limited edition 7" vinyls will be on sale on Saturday 18th April in UK and US as part of Record Store Day 2015."

A novelty online game has also been released in which players are invited to "destroy all Monty Python asteroids before they collide with Stephen Hawking".

Prof Hawking, 73, appeared on film alongside Professor Brian Cox as part of the live shows featuring John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Idle last year as the group performed together for the first time in decades at London's O2 Arena.

The world-famous theoretical physicist who was diagnosed with ALS shortly after his 21st birthday, showed his comedy credentials earlier this year when he took part in a Comic Relief sketch alongside David Walliams in the grounds of Cambridge University.