i suggest you look up the following rambam’s:
– hilchos yesodei hatorah perek 2 halacha 2
– hilchos yesodei hatorah perek 4 halacha 12
– the last halacha in hilchos teshuva
the rambam explains that the way that a person comes to both fear hashem and love hashem (which we are commanded to do) is through in-depth study of the hashem’s world and all its wonders (including, specifically, astronomy), which gives a person a greater appreciation for the infinite brilliance of hashem’s creations (leading to a greater love of hashem), as well as a better understanding of man’s insignificance in comparison to hashem (leading to greater fear of hashem).
it would seem that ames’ study of astronomy is EXACTLY what the rambam is describing as being part of the mitzvos of ahavas hashem/yiras hashem. those who are attempting to dissuade ames’ (and others) from studying science have the rambam to contend with.