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Amateurs do the tests and legwork because they like it and spend more time at it and don't need to worry about the money. They like to be sure of what they say and do.
Professionals on the other hand usually learnt out of a book got a degree and tackled the area of discovery that they thought will pay the most in money (or fame). They very often make their discoveries agree with what their masters (employers) want.
However I think there are more dedicated professionals in astronomy than most other professions except medicine because the hours are terrible for most and it does not pay a great deal so you do need to have a real interest in the subject.
Barry
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