ExoPAG Overview

1. Update to NASA Science Advisory Committees

On February 19, 2025, the President issued Executive Order 14217, Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, which sets forth the Administration’s policy of reducing the size of the Federal government in order to minimize waste and abuse, reduce inflation and promote American freedom and innovation. This Executive Order directed the termination of several Federal advisory committees across the government and ordered the identification of additional unnecessary Federal advisory committees for termination.

NASA maintains an advisory committee for each of the five science divisions within the Science Mission Directorate: Astrophysics, Biological and Physical Sciences, Earth Science, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science. These committees, which are discretionary and not required by statute, have supported NASA’s achievement of its science goals.

In response to Executive Order 14217, NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, has directed NASA to merge these five committees into a single advisory committee with broad representation from across the NASA science community. This restructuring will provide the opportunity to retain one non-statutory science committee and ensure continued support of NASA science goals -- improving efficiency, while ensuring NASA maintains the important process of engaging with the science community.

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is in the process of determining the best structure, scale, and scope for the merged committee. The directorate is committed to ensuring representation from all areas of expertise relevant to the Science Mission Directorate’s objectives.

The Science Mission Directorate is committed to continuing to engage with the science community in a variety of ways -- both formal and informal.

For more information contact:
Michael New
Deputy Associate Administrator for Research
Science Mission Directorate
SARA@nasa.gov

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2. REMINDER: 2025A NN-EXPLORE Observing Time Available for Exoplanet Research Through NSF NOIRLab Proposal Call (Proposal deadline – March 31, 2025)

From Dr. David Ardila (NN-EXPLORE Program Manager & NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program Deputy Program Manager):

"NN-EXPLORE observing time available for exoplanet research

The NASA-NSF Exoplanet Observational Research (NN-EXPLORE) program seeks to advance the understanding of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems in areas of mutual interest to NASA and NSF. Every semester, this program makes 40 nights of telescope time available on the WIYN telescope and 300 hours (equivalent to 30 nights) on the CTIO SMARTS 1.5m telescope. No MINERVA-Australis time will be offered via NN-EXPLORE for 2025B.

NN-EXPLORE solicits observing proposals targeted to general exoplanet-related research, with emphasis on supporting observations for NASA missions, including but not limited to Kepler, K2, TESS, HST, and JWST. Programs that seek to advance precursor science for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) are particularly welcomed. The scope of the NN-EXPLORE Program includes observations to:

• Confirm or validate exoplanet candidates
• Characterize known exoplanets and exoplanetary systems
• Characterize the (exozodiacal) dust environments of exoplanet-hosting or potentially-exoplanet-hosting stars
• Explore the formation, evolution, and diversity of exoplanetary systems

Stellar observations to characterize stellar properties and search for background eclipsing binaries fall within the scope of the NN-EXPLORE Program, provided that the relevance of the proposed work to the exoplanet-research focus of the Program is clearly established.

The proposals will be managed via the NOIRLab time allocation process and be evaluated by a special Time Allocation Committee (TAC). The same TAC will evaluate WIYN and CHIRON proposals. All researchers associated with US institutions are encouraged to apply.

Unless specifically identified as long-term, programs are awarded time only for a single semester. For both long-term and single-semester programs, if a program is incomplete due to weather, instrument, observatory technical or programmatic issues, or natural events (e.g., fire, flood, etc.) the observing time will not roll over to future semesters. Observers will need to re-apply to make up for lost time.

NSF's NOIRLab Call for Standard and Survey Proposals: Semester 2025B: https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/call-for-proposals

This Call for Proposals 2025A (CfP25A) covers the observing time period from 1 August 2025 – 31 January 2026.

Proposal Deadline: 31 March 2025 at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Proposals for standard observing programs at all ground-based facilities coordinated by the NSF NOIRLab, which include US time on the telescopes of Gemini, CTIO (including SOAR), and KPNO (WIYN), as well as community-access time with other observatories (which for 2025B include Magellan, CHARA, Milankovic, and NOT telescopes), can be submitted twice per year. Survey proposals will be accepted for this call if they have submitted a LoI for the available telescopes (SOAR and Blanco).

More details about the process of submitting observing proposals to NOIRLab can be found at: https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/preparing-standard-proposal-instructions.pdf

NN-EXPLORE: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/NNExplore/overview/ “

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3. Space Science Week 2025 (March 31-April 4, 2025), including Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA) Meeting (April 1-3, 2025), and NASA Astrophysics Update by Dr. Shawn Domagal-Goldman (April 3, 2025, 9:15am-10:30am EDT)

Space Science Week will be held March 31 to April 4, 2025 in hybrid format at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, DC. Space Science Week is the joint meeting of the Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Academies discipline committees in collaboration with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board and Board on Physics and Astronomy. During this meeting, seven of the oversight committees from the three boards meet in individual and joint sessions, with meetings to discuss advances and challenges in space and Earth science and exploration. Members of the SSB, ASEB, BPA and seven committees will attend the plenary session and keynote lecture, as well as members of the public. In addition, the event will be live-streamed on the National Academies website.

Connection information and the current agenda can be viewed at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/03-24-2025/space-science-week-2025

The agenda for the Committee on Astronomy & Astrophysics meeting can be viewed at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/committee-on-astronomy-and-astrophysics

On Thursday, April 3rd, 9:15am-10:30am EDT, Acting Astrophysics Division Director Dr. Shawn Domagal-Goldman will be giving an update on NASA Astrophysics (30 min) and a Q&A/discussion period (45 min).

Livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/4984153

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4. Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Seminar Series (April 2, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm EDT/10:00am-11:00am PDT)

Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Seminar Series
April 2nd, 2025 @ 1:00pm-2:00pm EDT/10:00am-11:00am PDT

The NASA Cosmic Origins (COR), Physics of the Cosmos (PhysCOS), and Exoplanet Exploration (ExEP) Program Offices invite you to the seminar series presenting the science and technology of the Habitable Worlds Observatory!

For meeting information see the link: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/studies/habitable-worlds/events/seminars/03-02-Apr-2025/02-Apr-2025.php

"You Were Here: Telling the Story of Cosmic Origins with the Habitable Worlds Observatory"
Jason Tumlinson, STScI/JHU

HWO is envisioned as humanity’s life-finding super-Hubble, with the capacity to find and characterize dozens of Earth-like planets, searching for life. HWO will also possess the tools to revolutionize every aspect of frontier general astrophysics, from transient phenomena to the baryon cycle. This talk will highlight the astrophysics themes of HWO science, including key community contributed science cases. I will give my own perspective on how general astrophysics integrates with exoplanet science, concluding that astronomy has a unique role in answering some of humankind’s most profound questions about the Universe and our place in it.

"UV Instrumentation: The Path to HWO"
Sarah Tuttle, University of Washington

What will it take to have a UV spectrograph on HWO? What technologies will be needed - and what do we already have? This talk will cover the current state of UV technology, some of our key science drivers, and introduce challenges and next steps to motivate instrument development. This talk is accessible for all career stages and expertise levels - you don't have to be an UV instrumentalist to come hear what we're up to!

NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory website: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/

Current and past HWO seminar recordings can be found here: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/studies/habitable-worlds/hwo-events.php

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5. The 2025 PI Launchpad: From Science Idea to NASA Mission In-Person Workshop (Office Hours for Potential Applicants; March 31, 2025, 12:30pm EDT/9:30am PDT; Workshop Dates: August 11-14, 2025, NASA Ames Research Center)

The 2025 PI Launchpad: From Science Idea to NASA Mission In-Person Workshop

March 31, 2025 Office Hours for Potential Applicants starting 12:30 PM Eastern Time, 9:30 AM Pacific Time

Other Important Dates:
Applications due: April 7, 2025 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Application Number: NNH25ZDA009L
Workshop Dates: August 11-14, 2025
Workshop Location: Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA

In August, the Ames Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Arizona, the University of Michigan, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC and the Heising-Simons Foundation, will host the PI Launchpad to guide participants through ways to turn their science and technology questions into a mission concept. Application Instructions and Submission URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ApplyPILP25

The PI Launchpad organizers are hosting a virtual office hour on March 31st, 2025 at 12:30 PM Eastern Time, 11:30 AM Central, 9:30 AM Pacific Time. Prof. Erika Hamden (University of Arizona, a PI Launchpad organizer) will be available on WebEx for an hour to answer any questions you might have about the PI Launchpad, the application, and related topics. Email: hamden@arizona.edu

WebEx Office Hours Connection/Attendee Information

Join link: https://nasaenterprise.webex.com/nasaenterprise/j.php?MTID=mafc717cda700af4a6e4827ea578cbbc9

Webinar number: 2820 095 1573
Webinar password: pxFwBGK@267
Webinar password from a phone or video system: 79392451

Join by Phone
+1-929-251-9612 United States Toll (New York City)
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
Access code: 282 009 51573

You also may email the other 2025 NASA PI Launch Pad Organizers at this shared address hq-smd-piworkshop@mail.nasa.gov. Do NOT submit ANY applications or other attachments to this email address or to Dr. Hamden. Emails with attachments will be deleted.

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6. NASA SPHEREx Mission Launches

NASA’s SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer) and PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) missions launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base’s Space Launch Complex 4 East on March 11, 2025. SPHERx successfully separated from its rocket, the PUNCH satellites were deployed, and SPHEREx's signal was acquired, indicating that hte spacecraft was functionally nominally and power positive. SPHEREx will provide an all-sky infrared spectral survey over a two-year planned mission, collecting data on more than 450 million galaxies and more than 100 million stars in the Milky Way.

For more updates and information, see the SPHEREx Mission Blog: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spherex/

and SPHEREx Press Kit: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/press-kits/spherex/

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7. NASA-DARES Task Force 1: Call for Applications (deadline April 11, 2025)

Self-Nominations Invited for Task Force 1 (TF1):
Development of NASA-DARES 2025: The 2025 NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy

Opportunity Number: NNH25ZDA002L
Application Deadline: Friday, April 11th, 2025 11:59 PM EDT
Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI
File Name for Detailed Instructions: How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf)

The NASA Astrobiology Program is seeking a panel of 12-14 subject matter experts and 1 early-career executive secretary (early-career being defined as within 5 years of terminal degree) for NASA DARES (NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy) Task Force 1 (TF1). TF1 will liaise with leadership from the Science Mission Directorate’s (SMD) Astrobiology Program and the internal-to-NASA Astrobiology Federation to perform three tasks over three virtual panel review days in April-May 2025 and a two-day hybrid community workshop in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in late May 2025. Additional ad hoc virtual meetings, e.g., telecons, may be required.

A Group Lead for TF1 will be responsible for facilitating discussions, resolving conflicts that may arise over the course of the TF1, leading briefings to NASA, and coordinating inputs to draft the RFI Findings Report. The executive secretary will support the Group Lead as needed and assist with duties such as scheduling meetings, note-taking, and documentation during TF1 discussions. The Executive Secretary also may participate in discussions. NOTE: An exceptionally qualified early career candidate may apply and possibly be selected as a panel member.

Application Instructions Basics

Interested individuals are directed to read the file called How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf) and then fill out the application at https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI no later than 11 April 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. All applications to NASA-DARES TF1 must be submitted in an electronic format via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). The application must contain the following information:

• A 2-page NASA biographical sketch that includes the respondent’s relevant professional experiences, positions, and a bibliography of publications.
• A 2-page cover letter indicating interest in and qualifications for serving on NASA-DARES Task Force 1, including relevant descriptions of scientific, technical, and management experience on relevant prior efforts. Applicants who are willing to serve as Group Lead should clearly note their desire to serve in that role and include, within descriptions of expertise and skills, rationale for why they are best suited for that role.
• Completion of Program Specific Questions outlined in Appendix A.

On behalf of selected eligible participants, a support contract, the NASA Research and Education Support Services (NRESS), will work directly with TF1 members regarding available support for travel and honorarium. The level of travel and honorarium will conform to the terms of the NRESS contract with NASA. Civil servants are eligible to apply; however, NRESS cannot pay for civil servant travel, etc. Please refer to “Section 2. Eligibility Requirements” for a detailed description of eligible applicants.

After reading, the file How to Volunteer for DARES Task Force 1 (.pdf) under “Other Documents” on the right side of the NSPIRES landing page: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI, please email questions concerning to hq-rfiastrobio@mail.nasa.gov to reach both organizers, Drs. Rachel L. Harris and David Grinspoon. This email address is not to be used for the submissions of applications/nominations to NASA-DARES Task Force 1.

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8. High-Resolution Spectroscopy for Exoplanet Atmospheres Workshop (December 15-19, 2025, Tempe, AZ; Application deadline August 31, 2025)

High-Resolution Spectroscopy for Exoplanet Atmospheres Workshop
https://sites.google.com/asu.edu/hi-res-in-the-desert
December 15 - 19, 2025
ASU campus, Tempe, AZ USA

This week-long workshop is aimed at graduate students and postdocs who would like to learn about the high-resolution technique for probing exoplanet atmospheres and who want to connect with other researchers working on this topic. The workshop will be structured like the Sagan Summer Workshops, with a mix of pedagogical lectures and hands-on activities. An application is required to attend. Applications submitted by August 31 will receive full consideration.

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9. Abstract submission is open for "From Transits to Trends: The Next Decade of Long-Period Exoplanets” workshop (August 5-8, 2025; Albuquerque, NM)

This workshop will be held August 5 - 8, 2025, at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. The discovery of a growing number of long-period transiting exoplanets accessible to detailed characterization in recent years has enabled the community to expand the parameter space within which exoplanet properties can be investigated and begin drawing more direct comparisons with Solar System planets. But as studies of these exoplanets often require a larger telescope time investment than their closer-in counterparts, the time is ripe for considering the most pressing questions the community has about this population and how to best address them.

Abstract submission is now open at https://forms.gle/GZbrASrF14LyKbaW8. The abstract deadline is April 25, 2025.

Registration will open within the coming weeks.
For additional information, see the workshop website.

—SOC Chair: Diana Dragomir (UNM) dragomir@unm.edu

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10. ESA Gaia Mission Spacecraft Operations End

"The European Space Agency (ESA) has powered down its Gaia spacecraft after more than a decade spent gathering data that are now being used to unravel the secrets of our home galaxy. On 27 March 2025, Gaia’s control team at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre carefully switched off the spacecraft’s subsystems and sent it into a ‘retirement orbit’ around the Sun. Though the spacecraft’s operations are now over, the scientific exploitation of Gaia’s data has just begun."

https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Farewell_Gaia!_Spacecraft_operations_come_to_an_end

1. REMINDER: Deadline Extended for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) (Deadline March 7, 2025)

To make up for the recent pause in ExoPAG activities, we are extending the deadline for nominations for the ExoPAG Executive Committee and Chair to Friday, March 7, 2025.

"To: Astrophysics and Planetary Science Community
From: Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Date: October 1, 2024
Subject: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG)

Dear Colleagues:

The Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is pleased to issue this open call for nominations to serve on the Executive Committee (EC) of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG), both as an EC member and/or as Chair. In the coming months, NASA anticipates making several new appointments to the ExoPAG EC, replacing four current members of the committee who have reached the end of their terms. NASA also anticipates making a new appointment to serve as Chair of the ExoPAG EC. New appointments will start in the Spring of 2025 and will be for a period of three years.

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP, https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/) is the NASA program office that serves as the focal point for exoplanet science and technology, and devises strategies to help NASA achieve its goals in the area of exoplanet science. The ExoPAG is an open, interdisciplinary forum that provides a way for the scientific community to give input to ExEP, and for conducting analyses in support of ExEP science objectives and their implications for planning and prioritization of Program activities. The ExoPAG is led by a Chair who also serves on NASA’s Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC). The Chair works with a volunteer Executive Committee, whose membership is chosen to reflect the broad range of scientific disciplines and interests represented in the exoplanet field (e.g. spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Earth Science). Together, the ExoPAG Chair and Executive Committee are responsible for capturing and organizing community input, overseeing ExoPAG analyses, reporting ExoPAG findings and inputs to the Astrophysics Division Director, and keeping the scientific community apprised of ongoing activities and opportunities within ExEP. Detailed information about the structure and function of the ExoPAG, including the current and past membership of the EC, can be found at https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag.

Nominations for the ExoPAG EC and/or EC Chair should be submitted via email to the address: john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Cover letters should indicate whether the applicant is interested in serving on the EC or in chairing the EC (or both). Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who are employed at a U.S. institution for the period of the service. There are no citizenship restrictions. Nominations from individuals at academic institutions—university, college, or non-NASA research laboratory—are strongly encouraged. Self-nominations are welcome and treated equally as external nominations. The deadline for nominations is March 7, 2025, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2025. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

We look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to develop a robust and compelling Exoplanet Exploration Program.

Sincerely,
Dr. John Wisniewski, NASA Headquarters
Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist, ExoPAG Executive Secretary"

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2. 2025A NN-EXPLORE Observing Time Available for Exoplanet Research Through NSF NOIRLab Proposal Call (Proposal deadline – March 31, 2025)

From Dr. David Ardila (NN-EXPLORE Program Manager & NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program Deputy Program Manager):

"NN-EXPLORE observing time available for exoplanet research

The NASA-NSF Exoplanet Observational Research (NN-EXPLORE) program seeks to advance the understanding of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems in areas of mutual interest to NASA and NSF. Every semester, this program makes 40 nights of telescope time available on the WIYN telescope and 300 hours (equivalent to 30 nights) on the CTIO SMARTS 1.5m telescope. No MINERVA-Australis time will be offered via NN-EXPLORE for 2025B.

NN-EXPLORE solicits observing proposals targeted to general exoplanet-related research, with emphasis on supporting observations for NASA missions, including but not limited to Kepler, K2, TESS, HST, and JWST. Programs that seek to advance precursor science for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) are particularly welcomed. The scope of the NN-EXPLORE Program includes observations to:

• Confirm or validate exoplanet candidates
• Characterize known exoplanets and exoplanetary systems
• Characterize the (exozodiacal) dust environments of exoplanet-hosting or potentially-exoplanet-hosting stars
• Explore the formation, evolution, and diversity of exoplanetary systems

Stellar observations to characterize stellar properties and search for background eclipsing binaries fall within the scope of the NN-EXPLORE Program, provided that the relevance of the proposed work to the exoplanet-research focus of the Program is clearly established.

The proposals will be managed via the NOIRLab time allocation process and be evaluated by a special Time Allocation Committee (TAC).The same TAC will evaluate WIYN and CHIRON proposals. All researchers associated with US institutions are encouraged to apply.

Unless specifically identified as long-term, programs are awarded time only for a single semester. For both long-term and single-semester programs, if a program is incomplete due to weather, instrument, observatory technical or programmatic issues, or natural events (e.g., fire, flood, etc.) the observing time will not roll over to future semesters. Observers will need to re-apply to make up for lost time.

NSF's NOIRLab Call for Standard and Survey Proposals: Semester 2025B: https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/call-for-proposals

This Call for Proposals 2025A (CfP25A) covers the observing time period from 1 August 2025 – 31 January 2026.

Proposal Deadline: 31 March 2025 at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Proposals for standard observing programs at all ground-based facilities coordinated by the NSF NOIRLab, which include US time on the telescopes of Gemini, CTIO (including SOAR), and KPNO (WIYN), as well as community-access time with other observatories (which for 2025B include Magellan, CHARA, Milankovic, and NOT telescopes), can be submitted twice per year. Survey proposals will be accepted for this call if they have submitted a LoI for the available telescopes (SOAR and Blanco).

More details about the process of submitting observing proposals to NOIRLab can be found at: https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/preparing-standard-proposal-instructions.pdf

NN-EXPLORE: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/NNExplore/overview/ “

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3. REMINDER: ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series (March 7, 2025, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)

The next round of the ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

The March speakers are:

• Emma Turtelboom (UC Berkeley)
  Title: Searching For Additional Planets in Multi-Planet Systems

and

• Peter Smith (Arizona State University)
  Title: Stronger Together: Expanding Exoplanet Atmospheric Inference Capabilities by Combining Ground-based and JWST Spectroscopy

Seminar Link: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/88260962807?pwd=s7GH7jVBNRNZb2aVFeAZCR35Gjm6El.1
Meeting ID: 882 6096 2807
Passcode: 697257

For more information about the ExoExplorers program, please visit our website here:

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

And please feel free to share this talk announcement at your local institution!

Cheers,
Jennifer Burt [on behalf of the ExoExplorers Organizers]

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4. REMINDER: 2025B NASA Keck Call for Proposals (Proposal deadline - March 13, 2025)

2025B NASA Keck Call for Proposals

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is soliciting proposals to use the NASA share of observing time at the W. M. Keck Observatory during the 2025B semester (August 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026). Proposals are due Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 4 pm Pacific.

NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic, in support of ongoing space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals. Proposals may support any of the following discipline areas:

• Our Own Solar System
• Exoplanet Exploration
• Physics of the Cosmos
• Cosmic Origins
• Mission Support Proposals in any of these areas

This semester includes an opportunity to propose for time to obtain precursor observations or to conduct technology demonstrations of importance for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Please read the Call for Proposals (https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/) for complete information, semester highlights, and application guidelines. Important information on instrument availability for 2025B can be found here (https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/observing/instavail.html).

The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is open to all U.S.-based astronomers (i.e., those whose principal affiliation is at a U.S. institution). Investigators from institutions outside of the U.S. may participate as Co-Investigators.

Questions: KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu

Call for proposals: https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/

Instrument availability for 2025B: https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/observing/instavail.html

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5. REMINDER: Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Community Science and Instrument Team (CSIT; Self-nominations due March 17, 2025)

NASA is soliciting self-nominations from interested individuals to participate as members of the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Community Science and Instrument Team (CSIT). As recommended by the 2020 Decadal Survey on Astronomy and Astrophysics, the HWO large space telescope concept will be designed to search for habitable planets and life outside our solar system as well as perform a wide range of transformative astrophysics.

The CSIT will assist the HWO Technology Maturation Project Office (HTMPO) in taking the next steps to mature the HWO technologies and mission concept, in preparation for the Mission Concept Review (MCR) anticipated by the end of the decade, contingent upon availability of funding. CSIT members will execute scientific studies needed to support definition of a baseline mission concept, analyze potential science instruments, and provide input to HTMPO’s technology maturation plans. Furthermore, the CSIT will play an important role as mission ambassadors to the broader science and technology communities.

The CSIT self-nomination process is detailed in a Dear Colleague Letter that can be found on NASA’s HWO webpage.

Self-nomination packages are due by 11:59 PM EST on March 17, 2025.

Questions may be emailed to the HWO Program Scientist, Dr. Megan Ansdell, at megan.c.ansdell@nasa.gov.

NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory website: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/

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6. REMINDER: NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) Request for Information (RFI) (Due Date: March 17, 2025)

Number: NNH25ZDA002L
Original Release Date: October 8, 2024
Amended Date: January 16, 2025
New Response Date: March 17, 2025
Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has made minor adjustments to the Development of NASA-DARES 2025: The NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) Request for Information (RFI). A Question and Answers (Q&A) document also has been posted. The Q&A are primarily sourced from questions raised at the November 8th, 2024 Astrobiology Program Town Hall. A recording of that Town Hall is available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/SRcGNR42QhI?si=1bNklpHx15zpI02X.

This amendment delays the RFI response date to March 17, 2025.

For the full text of the amended RFI and response instructions, visit the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at https://nspires.nasaprs.com, choose/click on “Solicitations” at the top of the page, and on the next page input number “NNH25ZDA002L” in the search box or use the direct short URL above.

Please email any additional questions and comments to the email address below, no later than March 03, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern, with the subject line: “NASA-DARES 2025 RFI Question/Clarification”. Depending on the nature of additional questions, SMD may respond on an individual basis by email or may post additional items to the Q&A document available at https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI. Any posted Q&As will be edited to preserve the anonymity of persons and institutions who submit questions and are intended to address inquiries of broader interest and general clarification. If necessary, SMD will post final Q&As by March 10, 2025.

As a follow-up to our recent RFI Writing Hub event at AGU, we are expanding opportunities for prospective RFI respondents to find collaborators and co-signers. ExoPAG, the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group, has generously offered to set up a spreadsheet to coordinate RFI response efforts—open to all RFI topics, not just those related to exoplanet science. Check it out here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/NASA-DARES/.

The following email address is not to be used for RFI response submissions. Any RFI submissions made via email will not be considered. Questions and comments concerning this RFI may be sent to HQ-RFIastrobio@mail.nasa.gov.

Dr. Rachel L. Harris
Science Mission Directorate
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, D.C. 20546

Dr. David Grinspoon
Science Mission Directorate
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Washington, D.C. 20546

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7. NASA SMD Research Programs Update

"Esteemed Colleagues,

As you may be aware, the new Administration has issued Executive Orders (EOs) and implemented policy and guidance that may affect grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. SMD, consistent with agency direction, is working diligently to comply with the requirements of the new policy and guidance, as well as court orders resulting from litigation related to EOs and guidance. SMD currently oversees approximately 6,000 grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, interagency transfers, and internal NASA transfers; thus, as you can imagine, the process of implementing the new policy and guidance is taking some time and the turnaround time on actions will be longer than normal. We ask for your patience. Please also realize that we are in a highly dynamic environment with multiple lawsuits being adjudicated each with the potential to impact policy and guidance affecting grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts.

SMD would like to provide the following brief updates:

1. Unfortunately, Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) 2025 was not released on Valentine’s Day as it has been in past years. There are multiple reasons for this related to the increased workload on the SMD R&A Lead as well as everyone who works with Notices of Funding Opportunities. SMD is working diligently on ROSES-2025 and hope to release it soon.
2. The Grants and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM) is being revised to ensure compliance with new Executive Orders, policy, and guidance. We hope to have the revised GCAM released soon.
3. The proposal creation function for the Topical Workshops, Symposiums, and Conferences (TWSC-2024) in Space and Earth Sciences and Technology solicitation, NNH24ZDA002N, is disabled on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). Previously submitted proposals will still be reviewed and selection decisions will be made. This pause in accepting new proposals is needed to update the TWSC solicitation to be compliant with Executive Orders as well as to adapt it to the recent revision of the “Uniform Guidance” (2 CFR 200) that governs all grants and cooperative agreements. The timeframe for when TWSC will be revised/replaced and open for new proposals cannot be predicted at this time. For more about TWSC visit: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/funding-for-events/.
4. Some websites that NASA hosts and supports may have been taken offline so that NASA can ensure the sites meet the policy and guidance of the new Administration. We hope to have the websites, with any appropriate modifications, back online as soon as possible.
5. In late January, NASA senior leadership decided to postpone the upcoming meeting of the NASA Advisory Committee (NAC), which had been scheduled for early February. As the Science Committee reports to the NAC, SMD chose to mirror the direction to the NAC and pause the work of the Science Committee. For consistency and given that the chairs of the six independent division-level advisory committees (DACs) serve on the Science Committee, this pause applies to the DACs as well.

For guidance from NASA’s Office of Procurement (OP), please visit https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-global-contractor-and-grantee-community-memos/. For Grants and cooperative agreements ONLY, the section of the Grants Policy and Compliance webpage that provides updates on NASA’s implementation of recent Executive Orders that impact the Agency’s Federal financial assistance applicants and recipients is https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/#Regulations. You may also seek guidance from SMD’s Program Officers; a list of program officers may be found at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list/. Finally, you may always send questions to the Senior Advisors for Research and Analysis (SARA) Team at sara@nasa.gov.

Dr. Michael H. New
Deputy Associate Administrator for Research
Science Mission Directorate
NASA Headquarters"

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8. 2025B NASA IRTF Call for Proposals (Proposals due April 1, 2025)

The call for NASA Infrared Telescope Facility semester 2025B observing proposals has been released. Proposal Deadline for Semester 2025B (August 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026) is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 5 PM Hawaii Standard Time.

Call for Proposals for 2025B Semester: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callforproposals/index.php

Online IRTF Application Form: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/applicationForms.php

Available IRTF instruments are listed here: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/instruments/

Dual-Anonymous Peer Review proposal submission instructions: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/applicationDAPRInfo.php

Remote observing is offered from any location with broadband Internet access for any project that utilizes IRTF facility instruments.

IRTF Computer and Remote Observing Information: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/computer/

IRTF Facility Instruments:

• SpeX, 0.7 – 5.3 micron cross-dispersed medium-resolution spectrograph and imager
• MORIS, 512x512 pixel Andor IXon CCD Camera, mounted on SpeX
• iSHELL, 1.06 - 5.3 micron cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph and imager
• MIRSI, 5 - 20 micron camera and grism spectrograph and imager

(MIRSI is not available for spectroscopy - see CfP)

• MOC, 512x512 pixel Andor IXon CCD Camera, mounted on MIRSI
• `Opihi, wide-angle finder mounted to and aligned with IRTF

IRTF Visitor Instrument:

• TEXES, 8-26 micron high resolution grating spectrograph

NASA IRTF Spring 2025 Newsletter: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/

Questions may be directed to Miranda Hawarden-Ogata at hawarden@hawaii.edu

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9. Save the Date for CHEOPS Guest Observers 6th Announcement of Opportunity!

Save the date for CHEOPS Guest Observers 6th Announcement of Opportunity !

The European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) Characterising Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) mission foresees its 6th Announcement of Opportunity (AO-6). This Call will invite the submission of research proposals to the Guest Observers (GO) Programme.

Key Dates: The AO-6 Call is foreseen to open on the 18 March 2025 (12:00 CET) and close on the 8 May 2025 (12:00 CEST).

Observing Cycle: The selected proposals will be part of the observing cycle from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026. This period marks the last year of the first mission extension of CHEOPS.

Scientific Opportunities: CHEOPS provides observers with access to space-based pointed ultra-high precision photometry. Research areas include the observations of exoplanet transits, eclipses, occultations, and phase curves. Furthermore, the scientific scope may extend to phenomena such as exomoons, ring structures, stellar activity, trans-Neptunian objects or more.

Collaborative Synergies: The timely overlap of several space- and ground-based missions may provide exciting opportunities for synergies with NASA/ESA/CSA JWST, NASA/ESA HST, NASA TESS, ESO ground-based facilities, and more.

Novelties in cycle 6:

• More targets: only 50 GTO reserved targets, with all the rest being open to the entire community
• More time: up to 30% science observing time (around 1500 orbits) dedicated to the GO Programme
• Double-anonymous peer-review of proposals
• Zero-installation tools: cloud-based visibility and ETC web tools

Live hands-on tutorials: We foresee to run hands-on tutorials on March and April 2025 at various time zones to guide you through the proposal preparation and submission process and answer all your questions. Please register at the link below if you would like to attend or watch the recordings: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/cheops-guest-observers-programme/hands-on-tutorials

Find out more about the CHEOPS mission via https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/cheops, stay up-to-date about this opportunity via https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/cheops-guest-observers-programme, and feel free to email us with any questions. We look forward to receiving your observing proposals and advancing our understanding of exoplanetary and stellar systems.

Happy proposing!

Contact: cheops-support@cosmos.esa.int

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10. Astrobiology Graduate Conference 2025 (AbGradCon25) (June 10-13, 2025, Boulder, CO)

The Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) is an early career conference run by graduate students for graduate students. The conference’s goal is to will train the next generation of early career researchers in the foundational knowledge of the field and to disseminate state-of-the-art technical research findings under active investigation by graduate students worldwide to the astrobiology community.

This year, AbGradCon 2025 will be held at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO, from June 10-13, 2025. Applications to attend are now open until March 31, 2025. Graduate students (both US-based and international) and post-docs within 2 years of their graduation (as of June 10, 2025) are eligible to apply. All costs (travel, housing, food) are covered by the conference.

To apply or for additional information, please see: https://forms.gle/3UpsLiodwuT1CMbGA

The application is also accessible on our website: https://www.abgradcon.org/

Also, please feel free to pass this e-mail along to any graduate students or post-docs you think would be interested in attending!

Very best,

Catherine Fontana and the AbGradCon 2025 organizers

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11. Ariel: Science, Mission & Community 2026 (March 17-19, 2026, Didcot, UK)

“Dear Colleagues,

You are kindly invited to the conference:

• Ariel: Science, Mission & Community 2026
• ESA/ECSAT, Harwell Campus, Didcot, UK; 17-19 March 2026

The Ariel space telescope, to be launched in 2029 as part of the ESA Science Programme, is the first mission dedicated to the determination of the chemical composition and thermal structure of hundreds of exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System. Ariel has been conceived to deliver a spectroscopic survey of ~ 1000 transiting exoplanets, covering simultaneously the range 0.5-7.8 micron, and probing uniformly the gamut of planetary and stellar parameters.

The Ariel payload is developed by a consortium of more than 50 institutes from 17 ESA countries, which include the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, with important contributions from NASA, JAXA and CSA.

The conference "Ariel: Science, Mission & Community 2026" will provide an overall summary of the Ariel's science, instrument and operations and present the many activities that the Ariel team have planned to engage the science community at large and the public. These include educational and citizen-science programs such as ExoClock, the Ariel Data Challenges and ArielEDU.

More information about Ariel can be found here: https://linktr.ee/arieltelescope

We look forward to seeing you at the conference in March 2026!

Giovanna Tinetti and Theresa Lüftinger, on behalf of the Ariel Mission Consortium and ESA Ariel Science Team

Reply to: giotin@arielmission.space “

1. Deadline Extended for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) (Deadline March 7, 2025)

To make up for the recent pause in ExoPAG activities, we are extending the deadline for nominations for the ExoPAG Executive Committee and Chair to March 7th.

"To: Astrophysics and Planetary Science Community
From: Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Date: October 1, 2024
Subject: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG)

Dear Colleagues:

The Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is pleased to issue this open call for nominations to serve on the Executive Committee (EC) of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG), both as an EC member and/or as Chair. In the coming months, NASA anticipates making several new appointments to the ExoPAG EC, replacing four current members of the committee who have reached the end of their terms. NASA also anticipates making a new appointment to serve as Chair of the ExoPAG EC. New appointments will start in the Spring of 2025 and will be for a period of three years.

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP, https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/) is the NASA program office that serves as the focal point for exoplanet science and technology, and devises strategies to help NASA achieve its goals in the area of exoplanet science. The ExoPAG is an open, interdisciplinary forum that provides a way for the scientific community to give input to ExEP, and for conducting analyses in support of ExEP science objectives and their implications for planning and prioritization of Program activities. The ExoPAG is led by a Chair who also serves on NASA’s Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC). The Chair works with a volunteer Executive Committee, whose membership is chosen to reflect the broad range of scientific disciplines and interests represented in the exoplanet field (e.g. spanning Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Earth Science). Together, the ExoPAG Chair and Executive Committee are responsible for capturing and organizing community input, overseeing ExoPAG analyses, reporting ExoPAG findings and inputs to the Astrophysics Division Director, and keeping the scientific community apprised of ongoing activities and opportunities within ExEP. Detailed information about the structure and function of the ExoPAG, including the current and past membership of the EC, can be found at https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag.

Nominations for the ExoPAG EC and/or EC Chair should be submitted via email to the address: john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Cover letters should indicate whether the applicant is interested in serving on the EC or in chairing the EC (or both). Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who are employed at a U.S. institution for the period of the service. There are no citizenship restrictions. Nominations from individuals at academic institutions—university, college, or non-NASA research laboratory—are strongly encouraged. Self-nominations are welcome and treated equally as external nominations. The deadline for nominations is March 7, 2025, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2025. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

We look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to develop a robust and compelling Exoplanet Exploration Program.

Sincerely,
Dr. John Wisniewski, NASA Headquarters
Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist, ExoPAG Executive Secretary"

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2. ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series (March 7, 2025, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)

The next round of the ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

The March speakers are:

Emma Turtelboom (UC Berkeley)
Searching For Additional Planets in Multi-Planet Systems

and

Peter Smith (Arizona State University)
Stronger Together: Expanding Exoplanet Atmospheric Inference Capabilities by Combining Ground-based and JWST Spectroscopy

Seminar Link: https://caltech.zoom.us/j/88260962807?pwd=s7GH7jVBNRNZb2aVFeAZCR35Gjm6El.1

• Meeting ID: 882 6096 2807
• Passcode: 697257

For more information about the ExoExplorers program, please visit our website here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-welcome/

And please feel free to share this talk announcement at your local institution!

Cheers,
Jennifer Burt
[on behalf of the ExoExplorers Organizers]

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3. 2025 Sagan Summer Workshop - Demographics of Exoplanets - Registration is now open! (July 21-25, 2025; Pasadena)

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Sagan Summer Workshop, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Michelson/Sagan series of workshops.

https://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/2025/

The topic of this “Silver Jubilee” workshop will be the Demographics of Exoplanets and will address the contribution of each of the major planet-finding techniques to our overall knowledge of the architecture of exoplanet systems.

This hybrid workshop will take place both online and on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA from July 21-25, 2025. We will also hold an optional add-on half-day PROTO (PROfessional Tools and Opportunities) workshop on Sunday, July 20. There is no registration fee for either workshop.

In-person attendees can apply for limited financial assistance to cover local costs. Each application must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation. Travel support applications and letters are due by March 20 and awards will be announced by April 11.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are reflecting on the impact the workshop has had on participants over the years. We would greatly appreciate your insights on how the workshop has influenced your career. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief Impact Survey.

Registration and travel support applications are available on the main workshop website.

Questions? Email us at sagan_workshop@ipac.caltech.edu.

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4. 2025B NASA Keck Call for Proposals (Requests for letters of endorsement for HWO key project due at NASA HQ - March 1, 2025, Proposal deadline - March 13, 2025)

2025B NASA Keck Call for Proposals

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is soliciting proposals to use the NASA share of observing time at the W. M. Keck Observatory during the 2025B semester (August 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026). Proposals are due Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 4 pm Pacific.

NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic, in support of ongoing space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals. Proposals may support any of the following discipline areas:

• Our Own Solar System
• Exoplanet Exploration
• Physics of the Cosmos
• Cosmic Origins
• Mission Support Proposals in any of these areas

This semester includes an opportunity to propose for time to obtain precursor observations or to conduct technology demonstrations of importance for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Please read the Call for Proposals (https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/) for complete information, semester highlights, and application guidelines. Important information on instrument availability for 2025B can be found here (https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/observing/instavail.html).

The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is open to all U.S.-based astronomers (i.e., those whose principal affiliation is at a U.S. institution). Investigators from institutions outside of the U.S. may participate as Co-Investigators.

Questions: KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu
Call for proposals: https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/
Instrument availability for 2025B: https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/observing/instavail.html

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5. 2025 PI Launchpad: From Science Idea to NASA Mission (Applications due April 7, 2025)

Are you thinking about developing your first flight mission proposal in the next few years but have no idea where to start? Are you working or studying in any NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) discipline? If you are a scientist who would like to submit a NASA space mission proposal in the next few years but don’t know where to start, this August workshop is for you! We are interested in expanding the pool of potential NASA space mission Principal Investigators (PIs). There is no fee to attend the in-person workshop.

PI Launchpad applications and instructions on eligibility and how to apply are available on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) https://nspires.nasaprs.com. All applications must be submitted via NSPIRES. To submit an application, an NSPIRES account is required. To create an NSPIRES account, visit https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/registration/createuser!init.do.

APPLICATION INFO & SUBMISSION: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={BCBE1EE3-730A-B08E-386D-709C2793F79A}&path=&method=init

• Applications due: April 7, 2025 11:59 PM Eastern Time
• Application Instructions and Submission URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ApplyPILP25
• Application Number: NNH25ZDA009L
• Pre-application Virtual Information Session: February 20, 2025 2 PM Eastern Time
• Workshop Dates: August 11-14, 2025
• Workshop Location: NASA Ames Research Center

Workshop Description:

Ames Research Center, in collaboration with the University of Arizona, the University of Michigan, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC and the Heising-Simons Foundation, will host the PI Launchpad to guide participants through ways to turn their science and technology questions into a mission concept. Participants will go step-by-step through the process of developing a science case, defining requirements, building a team, securing partnerships, and obtaining support from the home institution. Participants also will have time for networking and personal reflection as they mature their mission concepts.

We are interested in expanding the pool of potential NASA space mission PIs. We will select between 35-40 participants from eligible applicants depending on funding availability and on the merit of the applications. Please visit https://go.nasa.gov/ApplyPILP25 for the Pre-application Virtual Session Connection Information, application details, etc.

Please email questions to the 2025 NASA PI Launch Pad Organizers at this shared address hq-smd-piworkshop@mail.nasa.gov. Do NOT submit ANY applications or other attachments to this email address. Emails with attachments will be deleted.

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6. Chemistry of Exoplanets Session at Goldschmidt2025 (Abstract deadline February 26, 2025)

Deadline Wednesday! Chemistry of Exoplanets (GS session 02k)
Abstract deadline: February 26 at 2:59 pm Pacific (23:59 CET/UTC +1)
Submit an abstract: https://conf.goldschmidt.info/goldschmidt/2025/cfp.cgi

We invite all abstracts aimed at understanding exoplanets. We strongly encourage submissions from early career researchers and underrepresented groups.

Conveners:

• Kara Brugman (Arizona State University)
• Maggie Thompson (ETH Zürich/Carnegie Institution for Science)

Keynote:

• Natalie Hinkel (Louisiana State University) "Connecting the Composition of Stars and Exoplanets"

Full session description:

We are at the beginning of an observational revolution in exoplanet science. The advanced capabilities of JWST, ALMA, and upcoming large ground-based observatories will allow us to better characterize physical properties of exoplanets, their atmospheres, and their host stars. This information will allow us to place Earth and our solar system’s other rocky bodies in the wider context of planet formation and evolution in the universe. Based on our current understanding, the most common types of planets are sub-Neptunes and super-Earth (planets with masses in between those of Earth and Neptune) for which we have no analog in our Solar System. The chemical properties of exoplanets are expected to be diverse, from their interior structures to their atmospheric compositions, all of which are shaped by the chemical environment in protoplanetary disks and subsequently modified by processes throughout a planet’s evolution. A comprehensive understanding of exoplanet demographics and of what exoplanets are likely to be habitable requires interdisciplinary knowledge across geochemistry, meteoritics and cosmochemistry, astronomy, planetary science, mineral physics, biogeochemistry, and extremophile biology. In this session, we invite contributions spanning theoretical, experimental and observational research that seeks to improve our understanding of the chemical properties of exoplanets and protoplanetary disks.

Goldschmidt2025 - July 6-11, 2025: https://conf.goldschmidt.info/goldschmidt/2025/goldschmidt/2025/meetingapp.cgi

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7. EPRV 6 Registration Open (June 30-June 3, 2025, Porto; Abstract Submission Deadline March 31, 2025)

We are happy to announce that the abstract submission and registration for the workshop Sixth workshop on Extremely Precise Radial Velocities (EPRV6), 30 June - 03 July 2025, Porto, Portugal is now open (https://www.iastro.pt/eprv6). The abstract submission deadline is the 31st of March.

Rational

High resolution spectroscopy and Doppler Radial Velocities (RV) are one of the main battle-horses of exoplanet research. Over the last years, a number of new instruments were commissioned and developed. The data analysis techniques have also been upgraded, with particular improvement on the correction of stellar variability. It is thus a great time to come together to discuss these advancements and pave the way for the next step in RV precision.

Following the tradition of previous workshops, EPRV 6 will provide the latest news on extreme precision RV, focusing on:

• New instrumentation developments and challenges
• Data reduction and post-processing
• Stellar (and solar) variability, and methods of mitigation
• New results in exoplanet research using high resolution spectroscopy
• The maximum attendance (in person) will be 200 persons. The conference will be hybrid, with a reduced fee for online attendance.

Website: https://www.iastro.pt/eprv6

Contact: eprv6@iastro.pt.

Best wishes
Susana Barros and Nuno Santos for the SOC and the LOC

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8. SAVE THE DATE: Infrared Spectroscopy from Space: New Frontiers from Exoplanets to the Early Universe (October 6-8, 2025, Pasadena)

Infrared Spectroscopy from Space:
New Frontiers from Exoplanets to the Early Universe
October 6-8, 2025, Pasadena, CA
https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/IRSpaceSpectroscopy

This conference will bring together experts and enthusiasts of infrared spectroscopy to discuss the vast scientific potential unlocked by space-based infrared observations. From unraveling galaxy evolution across cosmic time to revealing the chemical compositions of star-forming regions and planetary systems, space spectroscopy offers an unparalleled window into the universe. Missions such as JWST, Euclid, SPHEREx, Roman and Ariel are, or soon will be, revolutionizing our ability to study the faintest and most distant objects, or acquire spectra orders of magnitude faster than previous telescopes.

The aim of the conference is to highlight the scientific breakthroughs enabled by these missions and explore synergies across distinct fields—from cosmology to planetary science—through shared methodologies or multi-purpose data sets. It will also strive to address the community's research and collaboration needs, especially regarding large and complex datasets, while promoting the use of advanced data analysis techniques. An additional focus will be on exploring strategies to optimize future observational efforts, ensuring maximum scientific return from these missions.

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9. Exploring Star-Planet-Disk Connections Conference (October 14-17, 2025; Tartu, Estonia)

"Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the Exploring Star-Planet-Disk Connections Conference, which will take place from 14–17 October 2025 at the University of Tartu Library, Tartu, Estonia.

This conference will focus on the intricate relationships between stars, planets, and disks, aiming to advance our understanding of these connections.

Key Topics Include:

• Chemical/composition links between stars, planets, and disks
• Stellar characterisation instruments and methods (photosphere and interior)
• Detailed characterisation of individual objects
• Science with large stellar surveys (APOGEE, LAMOST, 4MOST, etc.)
• Host star studies with meter-class telescopes
• Demographics & populations of stars and planets
• Formation of stars and their planetary systems
• Host stars in the era of JWST, E-ELT, PLATO, and other new facilities

Important Dates:

• February 26, 2025: Second announcement with call for abstracts and registration opening
• April 28, 2025: Abstract submission deadline
• October 14-17, 2025: Conference dates

Webpage: exohost2025.ut.ee

Email: exohost@ut.ee

We look forward to welcoming you to Tartu!"

Exploring Star-Planet-Disk Connections Conference: https://sisu.ut.ee/exohost2025/

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10. SAVE THE DATE: Exoplanets 6 (June 29-July 3, 2026, Porto, Portugal)

Exoplanets 6
June 29-July 3, 2026
Porto, Portugal
https://www.iastro.pt/research/conferences/exoplanets6/

Exoplanet research is experiencing exciting times. Space missions and cutting-edge ground-based instruments are continually uncovering new populations of planets and enabling their detailed characterization. Along with advancements in theoretical models, these discoveries are providing unprecedented insights into the processes of planet formation and evolution, while also revealing the interiors and atmospheres of these distant worlds.

In 2026, the PLATO mission will be launched, marking the beginning of a new chapter in this quest. Shortly after, missions like Roman and ARIEL, alongside the first generation of extremely large telescopes, will further complement this exploration. Together with current instruments and missions such as JWST and Gaia, a new window will open allowing a unique view into the diversity and properties of exoplanets, from hot giant planets to cool neptunes and rocky worlds. The stage is set to pursue one of the holy grails in the field: detecting and characterizing Earth-like planets, including searching for potential bio-signatures, and understanding their frequency in the Galaxy.

It is in this context that we invite the entire exoplanet community to join us in Porto for Exoplanets 6. The conference will take place in Porto, Portugal, between the 29th of June and the 3rd of July 2026, and cover all state-of-the-art aspects of exoplanet science, including:

• Present day results of exoplanet research
• The detailed characterization of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems: architecture, interior models, atmospheres, astrobiology
• Next steps towards the detection of the lowest mass/smallest exoplanets: the methods and main the challenges (data analysis, improved treatment of astrophysical variability and instrumentation-based systematics)

For inquiries email exoplanets6@iastro.pt.

Scientific Organizing Committee: Andrew Collier Cameron (St. Andrews, UK), Christiane Helling (IWF ÖAW & TU Graz, Graz, Austria), Francesco Pepe (Observatoire de Genève, Switzerland), Gael Chauvin (Observatoire Côte D'Azur, France), Gijs Mulders (Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile), Heike Rauer (DLR, Germany), Ian Crossfield (Kansas University, USA), Ignas Snellen (Leiden University, The Netherlands), James Owen (Imperial College, UK), Jason Steffen (University of Nevada, USA), Jennifer Burt (JPL, USA), Kevin Heng (Ludwig Maximilian University, Germany), M. Delleuil (LAM, France), Melinda Soares-Furtado (University of Wisconsin, USA), Monika Lendl (Observatoire de Genève, Switzerland), Nick Cowan (McGill University, Canada), Nuno Santos (IA/Universidade do Porto, Portugal) - co-chair, Sara Seager (MIT, USA), Sérgio Sousa (IA, Porto) - co-chair, Suzanne Aigrain (University of Oxford, UK), Teruyuki Hirano (NAOJ, Japan)

Local Organizing Committee: Afonso Mota, Alba Barka, Ana Rita Silva, André Silva, Bárbara Oliveira, Carmen San Nicolas Martinez, Eduardo Cristo, Elsa Silva, Jennifer Peralta, José Rodrigues, Manuel Monteiro, Marta Cortesão, Nuno C. Santos (co-chair), Pedro Branco, Sérgio Sousa (co-chair), Telmo Monteiro, William Dethier, Yuri Damasceno