Welcome to Selkirk Alliance for Science
We are an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit alliance of scientist and nonscientist volunteers who advocate an increased understanding of the nature, value, and integrity of science to benefit our communities. Our members have expertise in applying and teaching earth, life, and physical sciences. The communities we call home are located in northeast Washington and northern Idaho.
NEWS UPDATE
January 11, 2021-Virtual "Star Party: The Night Sky"
Local astronomer Sandy Nichols and astro photographer Wade Thames, both of Pend Oreille County, hosted a virtual "Star Party -- The Night Sky" on Zoom. Sandy described what is happening in the evening sky at this time of year, including the (1) Orion Nebula and configuration of planets, plus (2) equipment and apps helpful in viewing the sky. Wade showed his expertly filmed images of the Orion Nebula (13 light-years from planet Earth), Crab Nebula, Andromeda Galax, Triangular Galaxy and many more. Both presenters are amazing educators with the ability to excite anyone in the science and art of astronomy. Both Sandy and Wade are strong supporters of protecting our local dark skies at night. Check it out on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/rPrEUBXu1yM
Local astronomer Sandy Nichols and astro photographer Wade Thames, both of Pend Oreille County, hosted a virtual "Star Party -- The Night Sky" on Zoom. Sandy described what is happening in the evening sky at this time of year, including the (1) Orion Nebula and configuration of planets, plus (2) equipment and apps helpful in viewing the sky. Wade showed his expertly filmed images of the Orion Nebula (13 light-years from planet Earth), Crab Nebula, Andromeda Galax, Triangular Galaxy and many more. Both presenters are amazing educators with the ability to excite anyone in the science and art of astronomy. Both Sandy and Wade are strong supporters of protecting our local dark skies at night. Check it out on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/rPrEUBXu1yM
Will Science Endure Without Integrity?
Since modern times, science and scientists have brought health, safety, and prosperity to the many. However, over the last 40 years, some Presidential administrations have subverted science to benefit only the few. Click on this Science Integrity link to discover 21 ways that science integrity has been tarnished by unethical, undemocratic, and selfish acts that waste your taxpayer dollars and harm the environment.
Since modern times, science and scientists have brought health, safety, and prosperity to the many. However, over the last 40 years, some Presidential administrations have subverted science to benefit only the few. Click on this Science Integrity link to discover 21 ways that science integrity has been tarnished by unethical, undemocratic, and selfish acts that waste your taxpayer dollars and harm the environment.
Air Quality Citizen Science Project
The Pend Oreille Conservation District (POCD) and the nonprofit Selkirk Alliance for Science (SAS) have implemented a voluntary citizen science air quality monitoring program throughout Pend Oreille County. The Northeast Tri-County Health District, Kalispel Tribe’s Natural Resources Department, plus some municipalities and private landowners are current partners. This effort will install consumer-grade monitoring devices that measure and record the concentration of tiny airborne particulate matter in real time day or night. The devices transmit data directly to the international PurpleAir map, and is also linked locally to the POCD website for free public viewing. Monthly summaries of daily air quality data are posted on the SAS Citizen Science webpage. The monitoring devices are the size of a softball, sturdy for outdoor installation.They require continuous AC electricity, a continuous WiFi connection/signal, and yearlong physical access for possible maintenance. Data from this new citizen science air monitoring program is not precise enough for use by regulating officials, but it can indicate the influence of time of day or season, atmospheric conditions, and human activity on air quality. It may also indicate a need for more detailed study.
The Pend Oreille Conservation District (POCD) and the nonprofit Selkirk Alliance for Science (SAS) have implemented a voluntary citizen science air quality monitoring program throughout Pend Oreille County. The Northeast Tri-County Health District, Kalispel Tribe’s Natural Resources Department, plus some municipalities and private landowners are current partners. This effort will install consumer-grade monitoring devices that measure and record the concentration of tiny airborne particulate matter in real time day or night. The devices transmit data directly to the international PurpleAir map, and is also linked locally to the POCD website for free public viewing. Monthly summaries of daily air quality data are posted on the SAS Citizen Science webpage. The monitoring devices are the size of a softball, sturdy for outdoor installation.They require continuous AC electricity, a continuous WiFi connection/signal, and yearlong physical access for possible maintenance. Data from this new citizen science air monitoring program is not precise enough for use by regulating officials, but it can indicate the influence of time of day or season, atmospheric conditions, and human activity on air quality. It may also indicate a need for more detailed study.
COVID-19
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selkirk Alliance for Science is postponing all activities that do not allow for adequate social distancing, face-masking, or other safety restrictions. In the meantime, we are planning (virtually) our Power of Science presentations for winter and spring, and will continue to work on rolling out our Air Quality Citizen Science Project collaboratively with community partners. Board of Directors meetings will be less frequent and take place online until further notice. Be safe, stay healthy, and check back to this website for new features and science information.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Selkirk Alliance for Science is postponing all activities that do not allow for adequate social distancing, face-masking, or other safety restrictions. In the meantime, we are planning (virtually) our Power of Science presentations for winter and spring, and will continue to work on rolling out our Air Quality Citizen Science Project collaboratively with community partners. Board of Directors meetings will be less frequent and take place online until further notice. Be safe, stay healthy, and check back to this website for new features and science information.