Fire Mitigation is
Everyone’s BusinessBy Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO
Everyone’s Business
Recent wildfires, particularly those close to home, demonstrate the reality – and unpredictability – of wildfires in Colorado. Now more than ever it is important to have a plan and be as prepared as possible. United Power serves a territory that includes the plains of eastern Colorado and two rugged mountain canyons in the Foothills with dense forests and ample fuel for wildfires. Thanks to the dedicated effort of your cooperative’s operations team, we implemented a robust and aggressive fire mitigation plan to protect our members. This plan is reviewed and revised every year to make sure your cooperative is taking advantage of the most up-to-date and innovative technology, which can proactively alert us to equipment failure or heat warnings. We encourage all United Power members to read the plan, found on our website at www.unitedpower.com/fire-mitigation, to understand how your cooperative is working to mitigate the possible loss of life and property from wildfires. The fire mitigation plan identifies three core areas of focus: vegetation management, system improvements, and situational awareness.
Astrology with
Divine Androgyne
By: Hollis Taylor
Astrology is an ancient science, with evidence of its use dating back to the time when the Bible was written—possibly even earlier, during the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. It has been integral to medicine for thousands of years, beginning in Mesopotamia in the second millennium BCE and continuing into the 18th century. The practice was most prevalent in Europe during the late medieval and early modern periods, from around 1450 AD to 1700 AD. Over time, astrology has evolved, and today it offers an alternative view of the world, helping to soothe the restlessness that often arises after watching the news.
Thursday, Jan. 1 – Full moon passes Elnath
In the eastern sky on Thursday evening, Jan. 1, the bright, nearly full moon will shine very close to the bright star Elnath, which marks the northern horn tip of Taurus, the Bull and also part of the ring-like shape of Auriga, the Charioteer.
During the night, the moon’s steady eastward orbital motion around Earth, by about its own diameter every hour, will carry it past the star. Observers located in a zone extending eastward across northern South America and across the South Atlantic Ocean can use binoculars (orange circle) and backyard telescopes to watch the moon occult Elnath. Exact timings will vary by location, so use an app like Starry Night to determine the precise times where you are. In Lima, Peru the dark strip along the leading edge of the moon will cover Elnath at 7:06 p.m. Peru Time (which converts to 00:06 GMT on Friday). The star will emerge from behind the moon’s opposite, bright limb at 8:17 p.m. PET. For best results, start watching a few minutes ahead of each time noted.