Get in on the fabulous futuristic fun as the Arizona SciTech Festival kicks off its 2023 STEM events at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale on Jan. 21 & 22.
This is the dozenth year of the SciTech Festival and its second year kicking things off on the world-famous auction block with Barrett-Jackson, where millions of dollars worth of collectible cars are sold. Arizona SciTech has an entire concourse surrounding dozens of these dream cars. But with huge INNOVATIONS in transportation, SciTech’s theme at the auction is “Gearing for the Future.”
There will be dozens of Science, Tech, Engineering and Math-related booths you can be INSPIRED by, plus a SciTech stage where prizes will be awarded and interesting people will share their STEM stories. Much of SciTech’s focus at Barrett-Jackson will be on opportunities right here in Arizona in the booming industry of electric vehicles!
“This year we launch ‘Gearing for the Future’ along with the Barrett-Jackson community at WestWorld in Scottsdale,” explains Kelly Green, Chief Operating Officer for SciTech. “We’re teaming up—the goal is to focus on the future of automotive engineers and technicians.”
Green is thrilled that our state is a hub for the blossoming field. “The future of electric vehicles is here, and it’s especially here in Arizona with Nikola trucks, all of the semiconductor industry here, the data centers to store all that information on your vehicle. It’s really amazing,” she emphasizes. Companies like Lucid Motors, Ford, Blue Origin Aerospace and the University of Advancing Technology will have exhibits. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult as part of the auction’s Family Day on Saturday, Jan. 21.
The SciTech Festival has more than 2,000 events happening now through March throughout Arizona. Like last year, the festival is doing a hybrid model that includes in-person and online events. The festival is for those from 3 to 103. For a list of AZ SciTech events in your area go to AZSciTech.com.
Freezing Weather Brings Tragedy to the US
Winter Storm Elliot brought hazardous weather and chaotic conditions to much of the United States just days before Christmas.
The winter storm brought blizzard conditions to several states, as well as strong winds and brutally cold temperatures to the majority of the country. The conditions were severe enough that Elliot became a BOMB CYCLONE!
More than 200 million people were under some sort of warning or advisory due to the storm, including blizzard and winter storm warnings. The coldest temperature on Dec. 22 in the continental United States was recorded in Elk Park, Montana. It hit -50°F with a wind chill of -74°!
The storm knocked out power to about 1.7 million people, and several power companies created rolling blackouts to reduce energy demands. Holiday travel was also affected, with about 12,000 flights cancelled due to bomb cyclone.
Sadly, at least 64 people lost their lives due to the storm. People died in 13 states, and the majority of the fatalities were reported from Erie County, New York, which includes Buffalo. The city is no stranger to heavy snow and FRIGID temperatures, but this storm brought hurricane-force winds and whiteout conditions.
Extreme Meteorologist Reed Timmer described it as “one of the most extensive, most intense blizzards I’ve ever covered.” For comparison, Buffalo officially received more than 100 inches of snow by the end of December 2022. The city’s seasonal average for the entire winter is 95.4 inches.
Wildlife across the country was also impacted by the cold and wind. Wildlife rescues in several states saved cold-stunned turtles during the storm. If ocean temperatures drop, sea turtles can become hypothermic and semi-conscious, causing them to float, defenseless to predators or oncoming boats. Fortunately, in South Texas, more than 150 of the turtles were released back into the wild the week after the storm once temperatures warmed up enough for them to safely return home!
