I’m a mechanical engineering major and I also can relate- I’m more interested in the science and theory than the practical applications and mechanics. Being an aerospace engineer is basically being a mechanical engineer with a focus in aircraft/ spacecraft. Lots of coding and mechanics and structures courses. However, it is an amazingly reliable fallback so I am really glad that I’m studying engineering. That way, if I pursue something else and decide a few years in that I can’t find a good enough job or one that doesn’t pay enough, I will always have my engineering degree. Also, engineering teaches you critical thinking skills that would be super valuable in any science field.
So I think you have 2 choices (assuming you want to follow your heart WHICH I RECOMMEND)
- Study astronomy, go on to get a Ph.D, be the best in your field and do research. This will require really intense devotion because if you decide one day that you don’t want to get your PhD, you will be severely limited.
- Become an engineer, THEN go into astronomy knowing that if all fails, you’ll at least have a really valuable degree under your belt.