Fire Mitigation is
Everyone’s Business
By Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO

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.

Saturday, August 1 – Orientation of the Summer Triangle (evening)

The Summer Triangle, the ultimate summer asterism, takes center stage directly overhead during early August evenings. Composed of Vega (in Lyra), Deneb (in Cygnus), and Altair (in Aquila), this massive asterism dominates the midnight sky.


You don’t need any equipment to fully appreciate this asterism. Step outside around 10 p.m., look straight up, and locate the brightest bluish-white star — that’s Vega. Look slightly to the east for Deneb, and then further south to find Altair. Since it is a guidepost for finding other celestial objects, the Summer Triangle is an important asterism to familiarize yourself with.


To image the Summer Triangle, a wide-field DSLR/mirrorless camera mounted on a sturdy tripod will do the trick. Use a wide-angle lens (14 mm to 24 mm), dial the aperture to its widest (f/2.8 or f/4), set ISO to 1600 or 3200, and use an exposure of 15 to 20 seconds. You’ll capture not just the three stars, but the dense, glowing ribbon of the Milky Way running right through the middle of the Summer Triangle.