Science
Navajo water project brings running water to off-grid households on Navajo Nation
Many people take hot and cold running water and a flush toilet for granted. But for some residents of the Navajo Nation, it’s a luxury they don’t get to enjoy at home. Now, several organizations are trying to bridge what’s known as the “water gap.”
Self-contained hand washing stations help Navajo and Hopi families who lack running water
Up to a third of the households on the Navajo and Hopi Reservations lack access to clean running water. One organization is installing self-contained hand washing stations to help.
Monsoon starts wet for southwest Colorado, but long-term outlook calls for warm, dry weather
The rains are welcome but may not be enough to help ease the drought. The Climate Prediction Center’s 3-6 month predictions are warmer and drier than normal conditions.
Bridging the digital divide on Native American lands
Studies show that seven in 10 people on rural tribal lands do not have access to broadband internet. The lack of connection is dangerous during a pandemic. I spoke with Darrah Blackwater about bringing better broadband to Native lands.
Solar bills signed by Gov. Polis part of effort by Colorado to “democratize” renewable energy
A new law in Colorado aims to make it easier to start community solar gardens. Sunshare CEO David Amster-Olszewski talked to me about how it will level the playing field for solar energy generation.
What to watch for as bee season arrives
Bee season is here. They’re browsing for pollen and swarming. I checked in with a Colorado beekeeper about ensuring that their populations stay healthy.
The dark skies of Dinosaur National Monument
The area around the monument is one of the darkest places in the U.S. Now it’s been officially recognized for its lack of light pollution, and that’s drawing people eager for a look at the heavens.
“She taught life lessons” ACES beloved golden eagle remembered as educator on many levels
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies Naturalist Director Jim Kravitz remembers its mascot golden eagle, which recently died.
Helping men seek and get mental health care
Mental health for men is the focus of this year’s Let’s Talk Colorado Campaign. The coalition of more than 20 health organizations emphasizes the challenges men face with mental health.
Craig Childs: Correspondent from the cataclysm
An interview with adventurer and author Craig Childs. His latest book, Apocalyptic Planet: A Field Guide to the Planet Earth, is about how the earth is falling apart. And always has been.
Collecting Light: Exploring astronomy in the American Southwest
Astronomy tourists are taking in public telescope viewing programs at many major observatories, while just a few feet away, the professionals are making major discoveries.
Copper: The miracle metal
Copper mining in Arizona is a tale of both fortune and failure. A look at the past, present and future of an industry at the crossroads.
Making mirrors
It takes many years to cast a large telescope mirror at the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab. But the race to build an ever-larger celestial eye leads to discoveries in astronomy.
Learning to manage wildfire
Wildland firefighters are highly trained. So are the people who supervise them. One group gathers in Tucson each year to create a simulated fire and learn how to manage crews, evacuations and equipment.
The disappearing night sky
Light pollution has made finding the Big Dipper almost impossible for some, as humanity seeks to illuminate more of the world. What does it mean for people to lose their connection to the night sky? A new documentary explores our need for light and our desire to see the heavens.
Geologists learning more about Arizona earthquakes
Earthquakes are on the rise in the Southwest. Geologists use a network of sensors to profile where quakes are happening.
An ancient path, a modern aim
The stately, pink building that houses the Benedictine Monastery in Tucson attracts attention. So do the solar panels erected in the parking lot. The nuns of the 75-year-old monastery say going solar has saved them money and electricity. And conservation is in keeping with their sacred mission.
Forecasters keep an eye on the skies
On a busy monsoon afternoon, the National Weather Service’s Tucson office is an electrified place. Forecasters scramble to track storm cells on radar screens, check stream gauges for runoff levels, and issue warnings on possible downstream flooding. They even watch the storms from a second-floor window.
Condors making comeback in Arizona
The California condor almost went extinct before a re-introduction effort began. They’re thriving again in two states, including Arizona. But advocates warn that lead poisoning continues to threaten the birds of prey.
Scientists driving bark beetles crazy with their own sounds
Forestry scientists at Northern Arizona University have figured out how to anger a bark beetle. By making them listen to themselves. It could be a new way to control one of the West’s worst pests.