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.

Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and morning zodiacal light (pre-dawn)

During autumn at mid-northern latitudes every year, the ecliptic extends nearly vertically upward from the eastern horizon before dawn. That geometry favors the appearance of the faint zodiacal light in the eastern sky for about half an hour before dawn on moonless mornings. Zodiacal light is sunlight scattered by interplanetary particles that are concentrated in the plane of the solar system — the same material that produces meteor showers. The phenomenon is more readily seen in areas free of urban light pollution. Between now and the full moon on Oct. 17, look for a broad wedge of faint light extending upwards from the eastern horizon and centered on the ecliptic (the green line). It will be strongest in the lower third of the sky around the bright star Regulus in Leo. If Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) becomes as bright as hoped, it may also be visible before dawn in early Oct. Don’t confuse the zodiacal light with the Milky Way, which is positioned nearby in the southeastern sky.