United Electric
Robert Mayer, president of the Magic Valley Astronomical Society, aligns the telescope in his backyard as he prepares for night to come.
Starry, Starry Night
Local astronomy aficionados host summer stargazing parties
By Dianna Troyer
Robert Mayer aims his vintage telescope
skyward in his backyard in Rupert, wondering what will dazzle him.
“We’re blessed with some of the darkest skies in the country here in southeastern Idaho,” says Robert, 48, president of
the Magic Valley Astronomical Society.
“It’s great for stargazing. Even in Rupert,
we have pretty good skies. You never
know what you’ll see.”
He recalls unpacking the telescope he
inherited from his late grandfather and
taking it to a stargazing party.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,”
4
J U LY 2 0 1 5 he says. “It was the Lagoon Nebula,
which is about 6,500 light-years away.
Other people there were surprised that
a 4-inch diameter telescope made in the
’50s could bring it into focus. I’ve been
gung-ho ever since.”
The Lagoon Nebula is a vast glowing
cloud of dust and gas about 60 light-years
wide in the constellation Sagittarius.
It results from two extremely hot stars
emitting ultraviolet radiation, causing
hydrogen gas to glow a pale red.
Robert’s durable 4-inch Criterion
Dynascope reflector telescope reveals colorful and wondrous astronomical objects:
planets and their moons, constellations,
galaxies, asteroids, comets and nebulae.
“It’s been a really good telescope, with
minimal maintenance,” says Robert. “I’ve
just had to buy a new eyepiece. I was
showing our son a transit of Venus and
realized he’s the fourth generation to use
it. The transit happens only about twice
every 100-plus years, so it was great we
could see it together through Grandpa’s
telescope.”
During the transit, Venus passes
directly between the sun and Earth
and looks like a small black disc moving across the sun. It is similar to a solar
eclipse by the moon.
Like his grandfather, Robert is
Left, stargazers look skyward at the solar viewing at the City of Rocks Smoky Mountain Campground last
August. Right, Robert’s 10-year-old son, Jake, looks at the sun using a solar filter.
fascinated with the mystery and
beauty of glittering and glowing nighttime objects in the sky. His grandfather
bought the telescope when the manufacturer allowed it to be bought with
monthly installments.
“Grandpa needed a couple of months
to pay off the scope with his salary from
working in a sugar beet plant,” says
Robert. “At the time, no one in his family, including my mom, could quite
understand why he was so interested in
astronomy.”
A few years ago, Robert’s mother
became enthralled with astronomy,
too. She bought an 8-inch-diameter
telescope.
“She was at a stage in her life where
she had more free time,” says Robert.
“She’s excited when she calls me late at
night and has a question about what
she’s seeing.”
One of Robert’s most fascinating projects is searching for astronomical objects
listed in the Messier Catalogue. The list
is named for a French astronomer who
observed more than 100 astronomical
objects and described them in 1771.
“It’s a challenge to find these beautiful objects,” Robert says. “I’m grateful
to have seen all but two. You can pick
up a lot of the objects with a 4-inch to
10-inch telescope.”
Multiple-star systems also are intriguing to find, says Robert. Some double
stars can be seen easily with the naked
eye, such as Mizar and its fainter companion, Alcor. The two glimmer in the
Big Dipper’s handle.
Robert, an English professor at the
College of Southern Idaho, has a little
more time to explore the sky during
summer, when he does not teach full
time.
One of the most intriguing summer
constellations for him is Sagittarius. It
can be seen above the southern horizon. To modern observers, it looks like
a teapot. To the Greeks and Romans
who named it centuries ago, however, it
resembled an archer.
“Some people call it a car wreck in the
sky because there are several star clusters and nebulae scattered in there,” says
Robert.
“Another interesting summer constellation is Virgo, a maiden lying on her
side on the eastern horizon during the
evening.”
To help amateur astronomers become
familiar with the wonders of the nighttime skies, Robert and other society
members bring their telescopes to the
Herrett Observatory in Twin Falls for
monthly stargazing parties. They also
host summer stargazing parties.
The society hosts a party at Pomerelle
Mountain Resort July 18. At 1 p.m.,
astronomy aficionados will set up solar
telescopes to observe activity such as
sunspots. At about 8 p.m., the ski lifts
will begin to run, whisking stargazers
to the mountain peak to ooh and aah at
cosmological phenomena.
The society hosts another party
August 14 - 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. near
City of Rocks at the Smoky Mountain
Campground. Telescopes for nighttime
viewing will be set up at about 9 p.m. at
Castle Rocks State Park’s lodge.
“During the summer, the Milky Way
at those two sites is really bright,” says
Robert. “With the caliber of telescopes
we have, you can see deep sky objects
such as globular clusters, galaxies and
nebulae. For other objects, you can see
them with a good pair of binoculars.”
To learn more about astronomy,
Robert suggests several websites: www.
nightskyinfo.com, www.google.com/sky/,
and www.skyandtelescope.com. The society lists other links at its Facebook page
and website, www.mvastro.org.
“There’s always something overhead
at night that’s fascinating to find,” says
Robert. n
J U LY 2 0 1 5 5
United Electric
United Electric Announcements
Summer Hours
From May 25 to September 7, UEC’s summer hours are
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Friday,
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Prepay Program
United Electric is happy to announce prepay is
available. If you are interested in the Prepay
program, call the office at 679-2222.
Check out United Electric’s website
A wealth of information is available to you on United
Electric’s website, www.uec.coop. You can check your
account, monitor your power use, pay your bill, find
out about power outages and look for someone you
know who might have an unclaimed patronage check
waiting for them.
The website has interesting information for family
members of all ages. The kids will not want to miss the
Kids’ Energy Zone. There they can find games, coloring
pages, activities, stories and videos—all related to safe and
efficient energy use.
Facebook and Twitter
Make sure to like United Electric’s Facebook page
and follow us on Twitter, which can be accessed
from the United Electric website, www.uec.coop.
Following us on social media will help keep you
up to date on power outages and other important
news and events.
Have you changed your number?
Many of you are moving to cell phone numbers,
and disconnecting your landlines. Please keep us
informed of your current phone number so you
can be contacted in the event of planned outages
or given other important information concerning your account. Update your phone number by
calling the office at 679-2222.
Co-op Connection Rebates
Are you in the market for new appliances? Use
the rebate finder through Touchstone Energy at
www.connections.coop/rebates. Rebates include
those for washers, dryers, water heaters and ductless heat pumps. You will be able to find rebates
available through United Electric and from the
manufacturer as well. 
8
J U LY 2 0 1 5
United Electric
Safe Ways to Enjoy Summer
United Electric offers a variety of tips for outdoor summer safety
By Abby Berry
Summer is in full swing, and that means
it is time for fun in the sun. As you find
yourself spending more time outdoors,
United Electric Cooperative reminds
you to stay safe.
Planning a home improvement
project? Be careful when using ladders,
power tools, shovels or paintbrushes
with extendable arms. These items
help you get the job done, but have
the potential to be dangerous if used
improperly.
Pay attention to where you place
metal ladders or dig for fence posts.
Before you start any project, always look
up to avoid overhead power lines. Keep
at least 10 feet between you and overhead lines.
If you are planning a project that
requires digging, remember to dial 811
first to find out if the area you will be
working is clear of underground power
lines.
Power tools should be kept away
from wet surfaces, and outlets should
not be overloaded.
Exploring the great outdoors is a
great way to spend time with the family,
but keep these safety tips in mind:
• Children should never climb trees
near power lines. Always assume a wire
is live. Fly kites and remote controlledaircraft in large open areas such as parks
or fields, safely away from trees and overhead power lines.
• Planning to take a dip in the pool?
Electrical devices, such as stereos, should
Above, always pay attention to the placement of
ladders and anything else that could contact overhead power lines when working outdoors. Right, fly
kites and remote controlled-aircraft in large open
areas such as parks or fields safely away from
trees and overhead power lines.
be kept at least 10 feet away from water
sources, and outdoor electrical outlets
should always be covered. If you hear a
rumble of thunder, exit the pool right
away.
• Speaking of thunder, summer
storms can be dangerous if you are
caught in the wrong place at the wrong
time. If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward suitable shelter
with covered sides and stick to low-lying
ground, if possible.
Have fun out there, but always keep
safety in mind. 
J U LY 2 0 1 5
25
Co-op Connections Card
Please support these businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Card program
NAPA Auto Parts
NAPAAuto Parts of Burley has joined the growing list of regional
NAPA stores owned by Bob Dyson, headquartered in Twin Falls.
The change has given the store some great new features, said
store manager Brian Barlow. Most important are the readily
availabile parts for automotive, agriculture, heavy duty, lawn
and garden and more.
In addition to regular parts service out of the NAPA
distribution center, NAPA Burley now gets parts shuttle service
three times daily from the Dyson NAPA warehouse in Twin Falls.
The Burley store also has an ASE certified parts professional
on staff to answer your questions.
The store is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to
6 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. NAPA is located at
501 Overland Drive. Stop by or call (208) 678-8311.
United Electric customers enjoy a 5 percent discount on
purchases.
From left, David Villasenor, Debra and Brian Barlow, and Sharon Allen are
ready to help you find the parts you need at NAPA Auto Parts.
The Co-op Connections Card is a benefit of being a member of United
Electric Cooperative—your local electric cooperative. Use your card at
any local business displaying the Co-op Connections window sticker and
A&T Construction
194 E 200 S, Rupert
436-0738
Barry Rental & Equipment
159 W Hwy 30, Burley
678-7368
5 percent off labor.
15 percent off rentals; 10 percent
off purchases excluding whole
goods, such as mowers, skid
steers and construction
equipment.
Animal Medical Clinic
284 S 600 W, Heyburn
679-4550
5 percent off all cash services.
Arby’s
594 N Overland Ave., Burley
678-8426
10 percent off purchase.
Barclay Mechanical Services Inc.
100 S 490 W, Paul
438-8108
5 percent off metal purchase.
28
J U LY 2 0 1 5 Clayville Insulation
250 E 100 S, Burley
678-9791
5 percent off existing residential
insulation.
Clegg’s Service ’n Repair
703 W Main, Burley
678-7697
Cell (208) 670-7624
D.L. Evans Bank
North Burley Branch
South Burley Branch
Rupert Branch
Lube, oil and filter; up to 5 quarts
with card, $24.95.
Free small business checking.
Columbia Electric Supply Co.
1027 Normal Ave., Burley
878-9035
[email protected]
Wholesale pricing on cash sales.
Connections Credit Union
510 21st St., Heyburn
233-5544
New members receive a free
welcome gift and $5 deposit.
• Complimentary Visa check
debit/ATM card.
• No annual fee Visa with a
business checking account
(upon approved credit).
• Free introductory order of
checks.
Member FDIC
Farmer’s Corner
202 S Highway 27, Burley
678-5130
NAPA Auto Parts
501 Overland Ave., Burley
678-8311
Sweetheart Manor
Overland & 42nd St., Burley
678-8692
Free pop with gas purchase.
7 percent discount on regularly priced items.
10 percent off invitations or 30 percent off if
Sweetheart Manor is used for receptions and
tuxedo rental.
Greener Valley Computer
2853 Overland Ave., Burley
678-0964
5 percent off in-store software.
Hansen Sign Co.
1625 W 16th St., Burley
678-8892
10 percent off all sign work, including trucks.
Custom T-shirt at $5+ tax—one per customer.
Larry’s Electric & Heating
1133 Albion Ave., Burley
678-4071
www.larryselectricandheating.com
10 percent discount on filters and light bulbs
bought in the store.
Ponderosa Golf
320 Minidoka Ave., Burley
679-5730
$1 off green fees, Monday through Friday
before 4 p.m.
Pro Paint Inc.
1116 Overland Ave., Burley
878-0856
$5 off a $50 purchase.
Quality Tire Factory
822 S Onieda, Rupert
436-3900
6 percent discount on regularly priced items.
Lee’s Furniture Clearance Outlet
459 Overland Ave., Burley
878-4433
Sears Burley
2338 Overland Ave., Burley
878-8004
Owned and operated by Ron and Judy
Fowler
Receive up to a 5 percent discount on
purchase.
10 percent off any regularly priced
merchandise.
Marble-N-Counters
1321 E Main, Burley
878-6042
Skaggs Furniture
Overland Shopping Center, Burley
878-5100
5 percent off marble jobs.
Discount of up to 50 percent on regularly
priced items.
Mind & Body Wellness Center
2207 Overland Ave., Burley
878-9418
20 percent off any services, 15 percent off
nutrition. Free consultation for Ideal Protein
Weight Loss program.
Mini-Cassia Chamber
of Commerce
1177 7th St., Heyburn
679-4793
www.minicassiachamber.com
Snake River Bowl
725 Minidoka Ave., Burley
679-2695
Ted’s Diesel Electric
1141 South Hwy 30, Heyburn
878-4991
10 percent discount once a month on any
rebuilt starter, alternator or generator.
The Gathering Place
524 6th St., Rupert
436-0455
10 percent off purchases, excluding kits,
batting and quilting machines.
Tony’s Barbershop
1607 J St., Heyburn
(208) 219-0666
Special price for seniors and children.
Ward’s Cleaning & Detail
1131 E 18th Lane, Burley
878-5105
10 percent off carpet and upholstery
cleaning; 5 percent off auto detailing.
Wilson Bates
Appliance & Furniture
2560 Overland Ave., Burley
678-1133
Additional 5 percent off the best sale price of
any furniture, Burley location only.
10 percent off regularly priced bowling, food
or merchandise (league and tournament
bowling excluded).
Stars Ferry Building Supplies
20 S 300 W, Burley
678-5562
Free hat with $100 cash purchase.
25 percent discount on all Idaho gifts and
jewelry items, excluding consignment and
sale items.
J U LY 2 0 1 5 29
United
Electric
Co-op Inc.
Directors
President Dean Nielsen
Vice President Bruce Beck
Sec./Treas. Cordell Searle
Brent Bowen
Ronald Osterhout
David Phillips
George Toner
John R. West
General Manager
Jo Elg
Engineering and Operations
Trevor Parke
Line Superintendent
Dan Kidd
Executive Assistant
Penny West
Manager of Finance and Admin.
Curtiss Peterson
Community Relations Manager
Chris Seibold
Mailing address:
1330 21st St.
Heyburn, ID 83336
Phone: (208) 679-2222
Fax: (208) 679-3333
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uec.coop
Office hours: Monday-Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After Hours: (208) 679-4444
UNITED ELECTRIC
CO-OP, INC.
32
J U LY 2 0 1 5
ID-29
On the Wire at United Electric
The value of energy diversity
Energy diversity helps balance the benefits, risks and costs associated with producing
electricity. Fuel-source diversity helps protect electric utilities and their customers
from contingencies such as fuel unavailability, fuel price volatility, and changes in
regulatory measures that can drive up the cost of a particular fuel source. Fuel-source
diversity ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
Nationally, the electric utility industry relies on a variety of generation resources.
No individual fuel can meet all of our nation’s electricity demands.
According to data from
the U.S. Department of
2013 National Generation Portfolio
Energy’s Energy Information
Administration, the 2013
Coal
39.1%
generation portfolio for the
Natural Gas
27.4%
United States was dominated
by coal generation at 39.1
Nuclear
19.4%
percent of total generation.
Hydro
6.6%
Natural gas and nuclear
were the second and third
Wind, Solar, Renewables
6.2%
largest generation sources,
Fuel Oil, Other
1.2%
respectively. Although
hydropower accounts for
the largest generation source in the Northwest—it provides about 60 percent of total
generation—nationally, hydro accounted for 6.6 percent of total generation in 2013.
Of the electric generation capacity built in the United States since 1995, only 6
percent is coal and nuclear generation that can produce electricity around the clock
little price volatility. During the same period, the share of electric generation fueled by
natural gas nearly doubled to 27 percent of the total national supply.
This trend of increased natural gas generation is all but certain to accelerate as
large coal plants retire for a variety of reasons, not the least of which are increasingly
stringent air quality standards and low natural gas prices. The cost to replace that
retiring generation certainly will be higher than the cost of the original power source.
This trend is disturbing because it means, as a nation, we are putting all our eggs in
one basket. Betting on just one fuel source to power our future is not smart. Natural
gas has a volatile price history. Although shale gas may help moderate future volatility,
other scenarios such as fracking regulations, demand outpacing gas infrastructure,
and exporting surplus supply could contribute to future price swings.
We must work to keep baseload generation such as clean coal, natural gas and
nuclear generation in the mix while supporting renewable development and energy
efficiency. We must pursue energy policies that retain our diverse power supply to
ensure we have abundant, reliable and affordable electricity.
Jo Elg
General Manager