Urban heat

On September 15, 2026, author Sam Bloch led a tour of the Washington University campus to analyze urban heat. Using FLIR thermal cameras attached to iPhones, participants measured temperatures across various surfaces. The tour compared sunny areas with shaded regions, involving individuals like Evan Hunt, Esther Trivers, Abby Santis, Nancy Newcomer, and Anjali Raman. The group examined how different materials, including painted asphalt, grass, and concrete, influence temperature readings and the overall perception of heat.