Lichen scientists are blazing the way to a space based economy

Yes, what you have heard about Southern Arizona is true. It gets warm here in the desert. For most of July it is well over 100 degrees, and the humidly is usually less than 20%. It starts cooling off in September and October when the monsoon rains come. It is a hostile environment, but plants and animals have learned to adapt. For me — a kid who grew up in grey drizzly Oregon — it is like a huge exotic petting zoo. I love it, and spend all the time I can enjoying it.