There are just two weeks to go until the entry deadline for the Royal Observatory's 2014 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. Budding astro-photographers need to submit their pictures by midday on 24 April to be in with a chance of winning £1,500 and pride of place in an exhibition opening at the observatory on 18 September 2014.

Photographers can enter their images at www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto, where full competition rules and some top tips are also available. We present some of the photos already entered in this year's competition. Take a look at the official Flickr group for inspiration and to see more.