Karsten Markus...

... is living in Kreuzberg, a rather laid-back part of Berlin, Germany.

His first profession is Astronomer at the Archenhold-Observatory in Berlin-Treptow. He was educated as physicist and astronomer at the Ruperto Carola and the University of Cape Town and he is now working on the history of science, with particular interest in the astronomy of the 18th century. Due to his past experiences, he is generally interested in history of astronomy in southern Africa and Berlin, also on large-scale structures in the universe and furthermore in physics education, particularly at universities in so-called developing countries.

In the past, he has been working in Software Quality Assurance, starting as a Bug Reporting Specialist and Test Manager in the German software company GameDuell where he has set up and led their Quality Assurance team. Furthermore, he worked as Consultant for Quality Management at the consulting company profi.com, before he worked as Senior Quality Manager at the company projektbar.

His non-professional pursuits include activities at streets e.V., a non-governmental organisation (NGO) supporting other NGOs in South Africa. He is furthermore interested in myrmecology and in sport activities like Aikido, crossfield running and hiking.