Merieme Chadid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Merieme Chadid
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Merieme Chadid in 2008
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| Born |
Merieme Chadid
11 October 1969 |
| Nationality | French and Moroccan |
| Alma mater |
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| Known for | Installed astronomical observatory in Antarctica |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy and Exploration |
| Institutions | Dome Charlie, Antarctica |
Merieme Chadid is a famous Moroccan-French astronomer, explorer, and astrophysicist. She was born on October 11, 1969, in Casablanca, Morocco. Merieme is known for leading big science projects in extreme places like Antarctica. She helped set up an important observatory there.
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Merieme's Early Life and Education
Merieme Chadid grew up in Casablanca with her six brothers and sisters. Her father was a blacksmith, and her mother was a housewife. When she was 12, her brother gave her a book by Johannes Kepler. This book sparked her love for astronomy.
Merieme worked hard in school. In 1992, she earned a master's degree in Physics and Mathematics. She studied at the University of Hassan II Casablanca. The next year, she got another master's degree from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
She continued her studies and earned her PhD in Astronomy and Space in 1996. Her research focused on understanding how some pulsating stars behave. She also completed special programs at Harvard University.
Merieme's Amazing Career in Astronomy
After finishing her PhD, Merieme Chadid joined important science groups. She worked at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique in France. Later, she joined the European Southern Observatory.
She helped build the Very Large Telescope in the Atacama Desert in Chile. This was the biggest telescope in the world at that time. Today, Merieme is an astronomer at a French public university. Since 2021, she has been a Vice President of the International Astronomical Union.
Exploring Antarctica for Science
Merieme Chadid made history in 2005. She became the first Moroccan and the first French woman astronomer to reach the heart of Antarctica. She also planted the Moroccan flag there. Her goal was to set up a new observatory.
Working in Antarctica is very challenging. It is one of the highest, coldest, and most remote places on Earth. Merieme is seen as the first astronomer to commit to building a large observatory there. She calls it like a space mission.
Antarctica is a great place for observing stars. The air above it is very clear, with little turbulence. This makes it easier to see faraway objects. Also, night lasts for several months there. This allows scientists to study stars all day, every day.
Sharing Her Knowledge
Merieme Chadid loves to share her passion for science. She gives many talks and attends conferences. She also guides students who are learning about astronomy.
She even made a documentary about astronomy called Tarik Annujah. This show was played on the Al Jazeera Children's Channel. Her research helps us understand how stars form and change over time. This helps us learn more about the Universe.
Forbes magazine recognized Merieme as one of the most interesting people in the world.
Merieme's Personal Life
Merieme Chadid is married to Jean Vernin. He is also a Director of Research at the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique. They have two children together.
Merieme's Big Achievements
- She was named a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum in 2008.
- She received the Arab Woman of the Year Award for Achievement in Science in 2015.
- The King of Morocco honored her with the Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite in 2013.
Images for kids
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Merieme Chadid in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Maryam Shadid para niños
