NASA is shifting focus to returning humans to the Moon after Artemis II's safe return, with Colorado researchers playing a key role in upcoming missions.

Why it matters: Some of that research is happening in our backyard at University of Colorado Boulder.

State of play: Following Artemis II, Artemis III will involve testing one or both of SpaceX and Blue Origin's lunar landers in Earth orbit, sometime in 2027.

• The next crewed Moon landing is set for Artemis IV in 2028, according to NASA administrator Jared Isaacman's updated timeline.

Yes, but: A lot of work still needs to be done before humans can once again step foot on the Moon.

Zoom in: Paul Hayne, a planetary scientist at CU's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), is part of the team working to make that happen.

• Hayne's team has developed an infrared camera called the Lunar Compact Infrared Imaging System, or L-CIRiS, that'll be deployed next year near the Moon's South Pole to search for ice, which could be a water source for a long-term lunar base.
• Understanding thermal activity on the Moon will also be useful in planning lunar expeditions, since Hayne said astronauts have narrow windows to work in due to the extreme temperatures.

🌖 Hayne is working to create computer simulations of the lunar surface to help train astronauts, too.

• The 3-D simulations include "sunlight and illumination conditions, where the shadows are, the temperature of those shadows, where they might find ice," he told us.

The bottom line: Even in the face of possible big cuts to NASA, researchers like Hayne are hoping the momentum of the Artemis II mission will set the stage for mankind to take its next giant leap.

• "It was a very important step in the direction of sending humans back to the Moon and testing the hardware that will be used to accomplish that mission," Hayne said.

Axios' Robert Sanchez contributed reporting.

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💦 Lafayette is trying to reduce its water use by 17% due to drought conditions, and is asking residents to limit outdoor watering to two days per week and keep irrigation systems off until May.

🗳️ Former town trustee Mark Browning has been officially declared the winner of Lyons' mayoral race and will be sworn in on Monday. (Daily Camera 🔑)

📈 Gloo, a Boulder-based company that provides AI and technology platforms for faith-based organizations, expects to post sales of $190 million in the 2026 fiscal year and reach profitability by the fourth quarter of this year. (BizWest 🔑)

Winter is making a brief one-day return to Boulder County today, with a 40-degree drop in temperatures expected.

State of play: After highs in the 70s yesterday, today's forecast calls for highs in the 30s, according to the National Weather Service.

• Snow accumulation could range from 1 to 3 inches in Boulder. It would mark the city's first measurable snowfall this month.

Yes, but: The real concern comes overnight, when temperatures will drop to the 20s.

• Most of the northern Front Range, including Boulder County, is under a freeze watch.

Pro tips: Set aside extra time if you are commuting, and watch for slick roads.

• Open sink cabinets to help ensure airflow and prevent frozen pipes.
• Run faucets at a drip as a last resort given drought conditions. Place a bucket under the faucet to save the water for other uses like watering plants.

What we're watching: Temperatures will quickly rebound with highs in the 50s tomorrow and 70s on Sunday.

Brrring it on

Spring brings one of the rare chances to see a cosmic phenomena with the naked eye.

The big picture: Right now is prime time in the Northern Hemisphere to spot the zodiacal light — or "false dusk" — about an hour after sunset on the western horizon.

• Many people mistake it for distant city lights or lingering twilight, but it's actually sunlight reflecting off a vast cloud of dust spread through our solar system, according to EarthSky.
• Scientists have long thought the dust comes from comets and asteroid collisions — but newer research suggests some of it may come from Mars, per NASA.

Pro tip: This is the weekend to view it, as we're in the wake of a new moon.

• The forecast calls for clear skies tomorrow and Sunday night.
• Head to a dark rural area away from city lights.
• Watch for a faint triangular glow that's whitish, not pink like twilight.

Set your alarm