|
I think it's just one of those descriptions that have evolved to be accepted as meaning professional.
To me an astronomer is one who works professionally, just as a Pilot is one who flies planes for a living. I have a private pilot's licence, but have never describe myself as a pilot, I simply tell people I have a private pilots licence. Similarly the term Technician is generally used for those who work professionally in the industry as is builder, carpeter and plumber.
Diver on the other hand is a term used for both professional and amateur, the destinction being made with prefixes, Navy Clearance diver, Abalone Diver, Oil Rig Diver, Police Rescue Diver etc.
I guess it just amounts to the general perception of the term, personally, I don't even like to be labelled an amateur astronomer, I'm simply a person who enjoys astronomy as a hobby,
|