Needs a big event to inspire you and money to burn.
Me - 1980something and haileys comet. Was always interested since then.
But I didn't become an "Amateur Astronomer" until I grew out of the headbanger/techo-rave stage and sold all my music stuff to buy a scope. So I think that generally most astronomers have settled down so to speak.
I'm not saying it's lawn bowls. That's AFTER astronomy.
