We’re so lucky to have the Royal Observatory in London. These guys are not only of huge historic interest, but also put on a tireless programme of wonderful events and exhibitions.

Today sees the launch (near-pun almost intended) of the 2011 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. You can probably guess what it involves: good photos of spacey things. It’s completely open to amateurs, and you could win a grand and a half (and the cosmic honour of appearing in the observatory’s exhibition).

You can enter in four main categories: Earth and space (shots of the land and sky together), the solar system, deep space, and young photographer.

The winning entries from last year’s competition can still be viewed at the observatory, should you need a little inspiration. The competition Flickr group may also be of interest.

Here’s a handy timeline for any would-be space snappers:

20 January: Entries can be submitted for the 2011 competition.

27 February: Exhibition of 2010 photos ends.

13 July: Entry for the 2011 competition closes.

8 September: 2011 winners announced.

9 September: 2011 winners go on display.

February 2012: 2011 exhibition closes.

Entrants will do well to beat the 2010 overall winner, Tom Lowe, who captured this preposterously special image of a 4000-year-old tree and the Milky Way: