Topic – Searching for Clear Dark Sites
Speaker: Dr Mazin Younis
Dr. Mazin Younis, a physicist and avid astronomer, embarked on a transformative journey from the sunlit landscapes of Southern Iraq to academic excellence. Raised in a small town near Basra, their passion for astronomy ignited with the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Building their first telescope in 1972 marked the inception of a lifelong dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.
During undergraduate studies at Baghdad University (1974-1978), Dr. Younis engaged in site-testing for the Iraqi National Astronomical Observatory and later taught astronomy courses at Kuwait University (1981-1983). An MSc in Physics with a focus on Optics at the University of Manchester (1984-85) further enriched their expertise. A member of the British Astronomical Association since 2019, Dr. Younis actively contributes to the global astronomical community while exploring Dark Sky locations in Southern Morocco, showcasing a commitment to preserving the sanctity of pristine night skies.