ExoPAG Overview

1. Leadership Applications Solicited for new Habitable Worlds Observatory Cross-PAG Science Interest Group (DEADLINE EXTENDED: June 20, 2025)

The Habitable Worlds Observatory is a NASA flagship mission concept that would find Earth-like exoplanets and transform general astrophysics. Would you be interested in helping NASA form a Science Interest Group in support of this mission concept?

This group will function as a point of connection between NASA and the astrophysics community. We invite interested scientists to apply to lead this Science Interest Group.

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Technology Maturation Project and its upcoming Community Science and Instrument Team (CSIT) intends to establish a working relationship with the broader astronomical community through the three astrophysics Program Analysis Groups (Cosmic Origins, Exoplanet Exploration and Physics of the Cosmos). The coordinating body for this relationship is intended to be a new Science Interest Group that will serve as a single point of contact with all three Program Analysis Groups and the HWO Technology Maturation Project.

The NASA Astrophysics Program Offices are seeking self-nominations from interested community members to serve on the steering committee of the new SIG. The activities of the SIG can include completing a Terms of Reference (i.e. a SIG Charter), organizing a virtual seminar series where both community members and HWO Project representatives are presenting, advocating for community-driven analyses, and organizing face-to-face meetings. A leadership council consisting of approximately three to six members, representing the three NASA Astrophysics Program Analysis Groups, is envisioned.

The anticipated time commitment for this position would be expected to be about five hours per month, after an initial set-up period.

You can apply by filling out the Google form at https://tinyurl.com/HWOSIG.

The application deadline has been extended to June 20, 2025.

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2. Call for Community Input for Roman Wide Field Instrument First Look Observations (Response deadline August 11, 2025)

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is NASA’s next flagship mission. When fully operational in 2027, Roman will provide the astronomical community with an unparalleled opportunity to conduct high-resolution, wide-field surveys at near-infrared wavelengths. To debut Roman to the world, the Roman Project will pursue a program of First Look Observations which will be among the first images and spectra taken by the mission during observatory commissioning. These observations are intended to have high impact and mass appeal for a public audience. They should also be of scientific value.

The Roman Project welcomes the collective expertise of the astronomical community and invites suggestions for First Look Observations using the Wide Field Instrument (WFI) by August 11, 2025 at 5 pm Eastern time. These observations should showcase key capabilities of the WFI and provide compelling demonstrations of its observing modes. Your input will be a valued contribution to Roman’s mission and will be reviewed and considered by a Project-developed Implementation Team. Final selection of WFI First Look Observations will be driven by multiple factors that include public appeal, a balanced demonstration of capabilities, and observational constraints imposed by commissioning.

Respondents are requested to provide high-level input on candidate First Look Observations. This includes the broad science category of the target, target names or designations, sky locations or coordinates, general information on the observation plan, and a short description of why the target is a good candidate for WFI First Look Observations.

The Roman Project anticipates allocating approximately 12 to 24 hours of commissioning time for First Look Observations and prioritizing 3 to 5 programs. To aid in preparing First Look Observation responses, a website with Frequently Asked Questions and an example response, along with key technical and observation planning information, are provided in the resources linked below.

WFI First Look Observation Responses are requested by August 11, 2025 at 5 pm Eastern time. Submit your suggestions here: WFI First Look Observations Community Response Webform

Resources

• WFI First Look Observations website with FAQ and example response
• Roman Observatory and Wide Field Instrument (WFI) technical resources
• Core Community Survey science and Roman Observations Time Allocation Committee recommendations

A separate White Paper call issued by the Coronagraph team solicits community input on Coronagraph observations. Full details are provided in the White Paper call available here: Roman Coronagraph Call for White Papers

1. REMINDER: ExoPAG 32 Virtual Meeting (June 3, 2025, Virtual; Please Register) and Agenda Posted

From ExoPAG chair Ilaria Pascucci:

"Join us for NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group 32 Meeting on June 3rd!

This free virtual meeting is open to all, but please register to receive the access link (access link will be sent closer to the meeting date).

Some of the agenda highlights include:

• NASA Programmatic Updates: including a briefing from Acting NASA Astrophysics Division Director Shawn Domagal-Goldman
• Open Mic Sessions: including a vote on a community finding
• Project Updates from TESS, Roman, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and SPHEREx
• Presentations from Early Career Scientists

"

The draft agenda for ExoPAG 32 has been posted at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag32/exopag32-program/

Members of the exoplanet exploration community are invited to submit questions for the NASA Astrophysics Division Director or upvote those submitted by others. He will address as many questions as possible during his session and will coordinate with the Exoplanet Exploration Program to follow up on remaining questions after the meeting to the best of his ability.

Q&A tool: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/x794/#!/dashboard

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2. Finding on NASA Proprietary Period Policy to be Voted on at ExoPAG 32

The following finding on NASA proprietary period policy was drafted for consideration (vote) at the ExoPAG 32 meeting. Attendees can vote on it at the Open Mic session of the ExoPAG 32 agenda which runs between 4:25pm-5:25pm EDT, June 3, 2025. If it passes it will be sent to the NASA Astrophysics Division Director.

"Whereas NASA Science Mission Directorate policy document SPD-41a states that “It is SMD’s intent to require openly shared data, with no period of exclusive access to the data, in a future version of this policy.”,

We find that among the community of exoplanet astronomers present at the ExoPAG 31 meeting, the negative aspects of a move toward zero proprietary period were seen to outweigh the positive aspects. Free response survey descriptions of the outcomes of small group discussions on this topic demonstrated several common themes. Ten of the fourteen groups of 3-6 astronomers (71%) reported that their group anticipated decreased quality of scientific results due to “rushing” and/or an increase in the incidence of “scooping” as a result of the policy change. Among these responses, the policy change was seen as likely to disproportionately impact early career scientists, to discourage submission of general observing proposals, and to disincentivize mission development. 64% of respondents to the post-discussion survey “Agreed” or “Strongly Agreed” with the statement “NASA moving to a zero proprietary period would affect me or my students negatively”, while only 17% chose “Disagree” or “Strongly Disagree”. The most common suggestion for amendment to NASA’s new proprietary period policy was that the agency consider implementing a zero proprietary period only for survey proposals and missions, and retain an exclusive access period for general observing proposals."

Questions can be directed to ExoPAG-Info@jpl.nasa.gov.

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3. REMINDER: Call for Applications for Co-Chair of ExoPAG SIG 2/Exoplanet Demographics (application deadline extended to June 16, 2025)

Call for Applications: SIG2 Co-Chair Position

The ExoPAG Science Interest Group 2 (SIG2), focused on exoplanet demographics, is seeking a new co-chair to join current co-chair Rachel Fernandes in leading the group. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the direction of exoplanet demographics research, foster collaborations, and engage with the broader ExoPAG community.

The long-term goal of this science interest group is to carefully synthesize exoplanet system demographics across a variety of detection surveys and techniques, in order to extend the focused results of ExoPAG SAG 13 to a broader range of exoplanets, host stars and environments. These results will then be used to inform theoretical models of exoplanet formation and evolution, and in predictions of yields from future exoplanet missions.

As co-chair, you will play a key role in organizing SIG2 activities, facilitating discussions, and coordinating efforts to advance our understanding of exoplanet populations. We welcome applicants with expertise in exoplanet demographics who are eager to contribute to the community.

To apply, please submit:

• A one-page statement of interest outlining your relevant experience, vision for SIG2, and goals for the role.
• A two-page CV highlighting your qualifications.

The deadline for submitting application materials has been extended to June 16, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed in coordination with the ExoPAG Executive Committee (EC) and current SIG2 leadership to ensure a smooth transition. If you are interested in contributing to the leadership of SIG2, we encourage you to apply!

For questions or to submit your application, please contact John Wisniewski (john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov).

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4. NASA IRTF and Keck Users Group Survey (Submission Deadline May 30, 2025)

From Mike Cushing, on behalf of NASA IRTF-Keck Users Group (NIKUG) Executive Committee:

"The NIKUG reviews all aspects of the operations of Keck and IRTF, including budgets, observing proposal review, visitor support, telescope performance, maintenance, instrumentation, operational procedures, scientific results, and future plans.

We are currently conducting a survey to better understand which Keck capabilities matter most to you and your science. Your feedback is essential.

As you may know, NASA is a one-sixth partner in the W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO), which allows all U.S.-based astronomers to apply for NASA time on the Keck telescopes. The WMKO team invites both current and potential NASA-Keck users to share their input on the scientific capabilities—present and future—that are most critical to their research.

Preliminary survey results suggest that the needs and priorities of the NASA-Keck community may differ from those of the other Keck partners. It is therefore vital that we gather broad input from NASA-Keck users and potential users to help WMKO align future planning with our community's goals.

(If you completed our earlier survey, thank you—your responses highlighted the need for this follow-up. We hope you’ll take a few more minutes to complete this one as well.)

Please submit your responses by Friday, May 30.

The survey link is here: https://nyu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5o5Wmg8nVBHEvTE

"

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5. 2025 NOIRLab Science Conference: The Solar System in Context (September 29-October 2, 2025)

The Solar System in Context
September 29 - October 2, 2025
Tucson AZ, USA
https://noirlab.edu/science/events/websites/solar-system-in-context-2025

We are happy to announce the 2025 NOIRLab Science Conference: The Solar System in Context, taking place 29 September–2 October in Tucson, Arizona. This is the third in the regular series of NOIRLab-sponsored conferences; this year’s conference is focused on the interdisciplinarity of the formation and evolution of the Solar System, exoplanetary systems, and their stars.

Our understanding of planet formation and system evolution has grown tremendously over the past few decades, expanding from the study of our Solar System to the thousands of planetary systems discovered across our local neighborhood. Yet there is much that remains to be unraveled, and as the amount of data available continues to grow, so does the number of questions yet to be answered.

The motivation for this four-day NOIRLab conference is to bring together members across the Solar System, exoplanet, and stellar communities to discuss planetary science from a broad, interconnected perspective. The conference will explore our understanding of planet formation and system evolution from each of these disciplines with the goal of connecting the dots between each area of study and working toward developing a more comprehensive picture of these important processes.

The conference will feature talks and poster presentations by experts in the fields of Solar System science, exoplanets, and solar analogues as well as sessions designed for discussion and active engagement by participants.

The main topics are: disks; stellar evolution; planet-star connections; (exo)planets; planetary demographics; habitability; planet formation, migration & evolution; rocky small bodies & (exo)moons; active asteroids & (exo)comets; interstellar objects; instrumentation & software tools.

Join us as we deepen our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary systems and broaden our perspectives on the context of our Solar System among the thousands of varied planetary systems that stretch across the galaxy.

To submit your abstract please fill out this form: https://noirlab.edu/science/events/websites/solar-system-in-context-2025/abstract-submission

Note: The conference will take place in person, with the option of limited remote participation. Stay tuned for updates on our website.

Important Dates

• 21 May — Abstract Submission Opens
• 02 June — Registration Opens
• 11 July — Abstract Submission Closes
• 15 September — Registration Deadline

SOC: Sarah Greenstreet (NSF NOIRLab; Chair), Henrique Reggiani (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab; Co-chair), Emily Deibert (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab; Co-chair), Colin Orion Chandler (University of Washington), Tansu Daylan (Washington University), Rosemary Dorsey (University of Helsinki), Laura Flagg (Johns Hopkins University), Jinyoung Serena Kim (University of Arizona), Sarah Logsdon (NSF NOIRLab), Cicero Lu (NSF NOIRLab), Renu Malhotra (University of Arizona), Laura Mayorga (Johns Hopkins University), John Noonan (Auburn University), Laura Rogers (NSF NOIRLab), Adriana Valio (Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie), Siyi Xu (NSF NOIRLab)

LOC: Sarah Greenstreet (NSF NOIRLab), Henrique Reggiani (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), Emily Deibert (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), Nicole Auza (NSF NOIRLab), John Blakeslee (NSF NOIRLab), Yumi Choi (NSF NOIRLab), Jessica Harris (NSF NOIRLab), Sarah Logsdon (NSF NOIRLab), Joan Najita (NSF NOIRLab), Laura Rogers (NSF NOIRLab)

Contact: solarsystemcontext2025@noirlab.edu

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6. Presentations from the 16 May 2025 ESA HWO Town Hall

Slides and a recording of the ESA HWO Town Hall, held 16 May 2025 are at: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/hwo_townhall

Presentations include:

• HWO Science Case Overview
• HWO Project Status Overview
• HWO in the ESA Landscape

1. REMINDER: ExoPAG 32 Virtual Meeting (June 3, 2025, Virtual; Please Register) and DEADLINE EXTENSION for Call for Early Career Speakers (Deadline: May 9, 2025)

From ExoPAG chair Ilaria Pascucci:

"Join us for NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) 32 meeting on June 3rd!

This free virtual meeting is open to all, but please register to receive the access link (access link will be sent closer to the meeting date): https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag32/exopag32-overview/

Some of the agenda highlights include:

• NASA Programmatic Updates: including a briefing from Acting NASA

Astrophysics Division Director Shawn Domagal-Goldman

• Open Mic Sessions: including a vote on a community finding
• Project Updates: from TESS, Roman, Habitable Worlds Observatory, and SPHEREx
• Presentations from Early Career Scientists

"

Also:

NASA's Exoplanet Program Analysis Group’s Executive Committee (ExoPAG EC) and NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) Office invites eligible early career scientists to consider presenting at the next ExoPAG virtual meeting being held June 3, 2025.

ExoPAG 32 Early Career Talks solicitation: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag32/exopag32-abstracts/

The EC and ExEP are particularly interested in attendance and presentations by early career scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

The following career levels are eligible to apply:

• Undergraduate must be enrolled in school at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Bachelor
• Graduate students must be enrolled at a university at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Doctoral

Focus of proposed ExoPAG 32 talks

Whether you are investigating how planets form, how they evolve or how to search for and characterize them, the ExoPAG EC invites you to share your work.

Presentations should align with the priorities described in the current Exoplanet Exploration Program Science Gap List. https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/3193/ExEP_Science_Gap_List_2025.pdf

Interested scientists must complete the speaker application, and attach an abstract of their proposed talk prior to the Revised Deadline: May 9nd, 2025, 8:00pm ET = 5:00pm PT. Selections will be announced in mid-May. See additional information and application here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag32/exopag32-overview/

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2. REMINDER: Call for Applications: ExoPAG SIG2 Co-Chair Position (application deadline May 21, 2025)

Call for Applications: SIG2 Co-Chair Position

"The ExoPAG Science Interest Group 2 (SIG2), focused on exoplanet demographics, is seeking a new co-chair to join current co-chair Rachel Fernandes in leading the group. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the direction of exoplanet demographics research, foster collaborations, and engage with the broader ExoPAG community.

As co-chair, you will play a key role in organizing SIG2 activities, facilitating discussions, and coordinating efforts to advance our understanding of exoplanet populations. We welcome applicants with expertise in exoplanet demographics who are eager to contribute to the community.

To apply, please submit:

• A one-page statement of interest outlining your relevant experience, vision for SIG2, and goals for the role.
• A two-page CV highlighting your qualifications.

Deadline: Please submit your materials by May 21, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed in coordination with the ExoPAG Executive Committee (EC) and current SIG2 leadership to ensure a smooth transition. If you are interested in contributing to the leadership of SIG2, we encourage you to apply!

For questions or to submit your application, please contact John Wisniewski (john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov).”

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3. REMINDER: ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series Talks (May 16, 2025; 2pm EDT/11am PDT)

The next round of the ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/580/exoexplorer-science-series-ashika-capirala-and-madelyn-broome/

• "Using Ocean Dynamics to Map Marine Habitability on Earth-like Exoplanets"
  Ashika Capirala (Purdue University)

• "Wind-AE, A Fast 1D Atmospheric Escape Model with X-rays and Metals"
  Madelyn Broome (UC Santa Cruz)

For more information on the ExoExplorers Science Series, sponsored by the ExoPAG Executive Committee and NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program, visit:

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-welcome/

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4. NASA-DARES RFI Findings Workshop: A Community Workshop to Shape the Future of NASA's Astrobiology Strategy (May 29-30, 2025, Washington, DC)

NASA-DARES RFI Findings Workshop
A Community Workshop to Shape the Future of NASA’s Astrobiology Strategy
May 29–30, 2025 | Fairmont Hotel, Washington, D.C. – Georgetown

The NASA Astrobiology Program invites you to participate in a two-day hybrid workshop—offered both in person and online—to help shape NASA-DARES, the NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy.

Following a strong community response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued in October 2024 and closed in March 2025, a self-nominated task force (DARES Task Force 1) is currently synthesizing a diverse set of white paper contributions into an RFI Findings Report and proposing thematic DARES Focus Areas for consideration in the next NASA Astrobiology Strategy.

At this workshop, Task Force 1 will present these RFI findings and proposed Focus Areas for community discussion and refinement. These Focus Areas will serve as the foundation for writing the new NASA Astrobiology Strategy.

At this meeting, attendees can expect to:

• Review and collaboratively refine the proposed DARES Focus Areas developed by Task Force 1
• Hear invited talks from selected RFI contributors and astrobiology stakeholders
• Provide input to help shape the next phase of DARES, including the scope and structure of Task Force 2 (which will be primarily responsible for writing the Strategy) and opportunities for continued community engagement

A limited room block is available for registered in-person attendees at the GSA per diem lodging rate.

Registration is free, but you must be registered to attend this meeting: https://web.cvent.com/event/bd09ed19-e411-460e-82cf-6322345e7c50/websitePage:d015c43b-b045-4599-9e77-6adccb839661

Detailed program information is forthcoming. Please email questions concerning this workshop to hq-rfiastrobio@mail.nasa.gov to reach both organizers, Drs. Rachel L. Harris and David Grinspoon.

For questions concerning lodging or registration please reach out to Alexandria Lane at alane@nasaprs.com.

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5. 2025 Announcement of Opportunity (AO) Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) Release Postponed

"Dear Colleagues

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has determined that the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) Astrophysics Explorers Program 2025 Small Explorer release will be postponed until no earlier than April 2026. In the draft 2025 Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) AO published earlier this year, Section 3. Proposal Opportunity Period and Schedule estimated the release of final SMEX text in April 2025.

In order to provide meaningful opportunities more effectively and efficiently for the proposer community, SMD’s Astrophysics Division (APD) will take additional time to refine the next SMEX AO. APD will ensure potential proposers are given adequate notice and preparation time to respond to any changes between the draft and any final AO text.

Comments and questions on the SMEX postponement will be accepted by email only. Anonymity of persons/institutions who question/comment will be preserved. No later than June 20, 2025, please address inquiries to Doris Daou, APD SMEX Program Scientist at Doris.Daou@nasa.gov and E. Lucien Cox APD SMEX Program Executive at Elbert.l.Cox@nasa.gov.

Similar questions/comments may be aggregated and provided with a single response. Responses may be given by email or posted in the Questions and Answers (Q&A) section on the SMEX Program Acquisition website https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX25/SMEX/index.html.

Draft AO Released: January 13, 2025
Identification Number: NNH25ZDA008J
Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/NNH25ZDA008J

SMD remains committed to keeping the community informed as updates become available."