Hullo everybody,

I've been such an avid student of astronomy and cosmology since I was in first grade, and I'm currently in high school and preparing for colleges and majors. Of course I planned to major in astronomy and fulfill my lifelong dream, but there is one problem. My father keeps arguing with me saying that I should major in something that will bring in money instead of astronomy which is just pointless "star-gazing".

So my question to you all is:

1. Does anybody know how much an Astronomer makes? 
2. Can I pursue one of my other dreams in life and then come and be a professional astronomer in my later years? 
3. Can you give me any other information I can use to contradict my father?

Hardac:

 Hullo everybody,

I've been such an avid student of astronomy and cosmology since I was in first grade, and I'm currently in high school and preparing for colleges and majors. Of course I planned to major in astronomy and fulfill my lifelong dream, but there is one problem. My father keeps arguing with me saying that I should major in something that will bring in money instead of astronomy which is just pointless "star-gazing".

So my question to you all is:

1. Does anybody know how much an Astronomer makes? 
2. Can I pursue one of my other dreams in life and then come and be a professional astronomer in my later years? 
3. Can you give me any other information I can use to contradict my father?

Somewhere among these forums you will find similar questions with very good answers.

What it boils down to is this; Unless you're one of the fortunate few that get selected to work for an agency such NASA JPL there isn't really that much money to be made in astronomy.

Here is on thread discussion on this matter.
http://cs.astronomy.com/asycs/forums/t/2029.aspx?PageIndex=1

Have A Nice _________

  Professional astronomy is very competitive and complex--not just star gazing.  A full professor will make 90k+ a year, depending on the university/institution.  This is a good living, but not "striking it rich" by any means.  Assistant professors and other Phd positions might pay 50k-80k.

  These jobs are very, very rare.    If you are very smart, hard working,  a little lucky,and go to a top tier school (think Harvard), you might get one. 

   This is the situation in many fields for PhDs.  There are more graduates than positions.  However, I wouldn't discount getting an astronomy degree if that is what you love.  People who get their education simply to get a job often end up miserable and unsatisfied in their line of work.  And they have a degree that helped them get that way, when all is said and done.   In short, they have nothing but a paycheck.  Trust me on this:  the thrill dies quickly.

  On the other hand, if you pursue your passion, you will be driven, productive and happy through the process.  You will spend years paying it off, but you would be doing this even if you did get a job in the field.  Your education is a part of who you are.  It shapes your worldview.  It cannot be taken away.   It WILL enrich your life in ways that are often unforseen.

  I say go for it.  A smart, well educated person can always find some sort of work to pay the bills.  Smart, educated people are generally in demand.  But what will you have if you pursue your father's dreams, and not yours?

   Bitterness.

   Fortune favors the brave.

Astronomy is a science that means astronomy is a lot of hard work and a lot of math. Astronomers spend most of their time analyzing data with computers. They also are often teachers at colleges and universities. Astronomers spend very little of their time observing at telescopes. At the observatory, the telescope and camera are controlled usually by computers.
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 Here is what I can tell you: The satisfaction that you get from accomplishing a goal like mastering astronomy is invaluable.

I am also majoring in physics, not astronomy (and not because I don't have faith in astronomy!) I plan on going to grad school for my PhD upon graduating from undergraduate college.

But,  if all else fails and professional astronomy isn't in my fate, I will know that I have done the best I can at preparing myself with a versatile education that, hopefully, I will be apply elsewhere.

Also, don't limit yourself to Astronomy. My other passion is fashion photography and I plan on taking trips to Europe or China to expand my knowledge in that area. Ultimately, life is all about learning, growing, and self-fulfillment.