ExoPAG News and Announcements - Archive

1. ExoPAG 30 Agenda, Slack, and Last Call for Lightning Talks (May 5, 2024; Providence RI @ AbSciCon, hybrid)

Reminder that ExoPAG 30 is less than 1 month away! The overarching topic is the search for life in the Solar System and beyond/identification of overlapping science gaps and cross-divisional opportunities for progress with the Exoplanet and Astrobiology science communities.

No-cost meeting registration is requested whether attending in person or remote at https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-registration/, and a reminder that in-person ExoPAG 30 attendees do NOT need to register for AbSciCon.

The agenda has been added to the website, note the lively brain date discussions and an opportunity for early career lightning talks: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-program/.

In person attendees: Please share your topics of interest and background for the brain date discussions here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1RHBY0zcBAPVJhYrdnhNnMyRNopDV1BUJK6gn0qHctJ8/edit

The ExoPAG Slack space is open as well, join the discussion via this invite link: https://bit.ly/exopag30slackinvite

Early Career applications for in-person lightning talks will close April 16th at 6pm PDT. Submit yours here: https://forms.gle/J5exsHYthc83nJhR7

---

2. Welcome New ExoPAG Executive Committee Members

"Dear All,

We are very pleased to announce the new members of the ExoPAG Executive Committee (EC) for 2024:

• Thomas Beatty (U. Wisconsin)
• Chuanfei Dong (Boston University)
• Julien Girard (STScI)
• Sarah Peacock (U. Maryland Baltimore County/NASA/GSFC)

They bring new expertise and diverse perspectives to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Please join me in welcoming Thomas, Chuanfei, Julien, and Sarah. We are grateful that they have accepted the invitation to join the EC and contribute for their three-year terms.

We are also grateful for the significant contributions of departing Executive Committee members:

• Ofer Cohen (U. Massachusetts Lowell)
• Knicole Colón (NASA/GSFC)
• Michael Bottom (U. Hawaii)
• Natalie Hinkel (Louisiana State U.)

Please join me in thanking them for their service over the years.

Sincerely,
Hannah Jang-Condell
ExoPAG Executive Secretary at NASA HQ
Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist"

---

3. NASA Astrophysics Technology Gap List Webinar (May 14, 2024, 2pm EDT/11am PDT)​

From Brendan Crill (Deputy Program Chief Technologist, NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program):

"The NASA Astrophysics Technology Gap List update in 2024 is underway and we are seeking input from the community to help NASA identify gaps between today’s state-of-the-art technologies and what will be needed for future strategic astrophysics missions. Please join technologists from the three NASA Astrophysics thematic Program Offices - Cosmic Origins (COR), Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP), and Physics of the Cosmos (PhysCOS) - on May 14, 2024 at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern for a 60-minute public webinar that will provide an overview of the technology gap process. There will be time for Q&A.

Link to the webinar is here: https://nasaenterprise.webex.com/nasaenterprise/j.php?MTID=m0314443bad740fa5bcadc5752472945a

As a reminder, submissions of new technology gaps are welcome before 3 June 2024 – please see the technology gap submission form at https://apd440.gsfc.nasa.gov/tech_gap_priorities.html for instructions."

---

4. Challenging Theory with Roman: From Planet Formation to Cosmology (July 9-12, 2024; Abstract deadline April 12, 2024)

Dear colleague,

We are pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for the conference, "Challenging Theory with Roman: From Planet Formation to Cosmology," to be held July 9–12, 2024, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA, and online. You can register for the conference at https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/roman2024/page/registration. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is free. We are committed to facilitating a meeting that is productive and enjoyable for everyone. In support of this, all participants are expected to review in advance and acknowledge the conference code of conduct when registering. All attendees are expected to adhere to the code and will be held accountable to its stated principles. The deadline for registration is June 25, 2024.

We remind you as well that abstracts are still currently being accepted at https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/roman2024/abstracts/, for contributed talks (in-person or virtual) and posters (in-person only).

The deadline for abstract submission is coming up soon, on April 12, 2024.

To submit an abstract and to register for the conference, you will first need to sign in; or, if you have never attended an IPAC-hosted conference before, sign up, create a profile, and then sign in.

We also encourage you to subscribe to our conference mailing list at https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/roman2024/subscriber, to receive future announcements about the conference.

This conference is being organized and hosted by the Roman Science Support Center at IPAC. The goal of this 4-day conference is to bring members of the community together to discuss how observations with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will challenge theories, from exoplanets to the edge of the Universe. The conference will focus mainly on Roman surveys with the Wide Field Instrument, as well as on the Coronagraph Instrument. This conference, to take place on the Caltech campus and online, will be an active and exciting confluence of both observers and theorists to outline the potential breakthroughs that could be made possible by the Roman mission.

Invited speakers (confirmed):

• John Debes (STScI) --- circumstellar disks, exoplanet observations
• Yicheng Guo (U. Missouri) --- dwarf galaxies, joint data processing
• Chang Hoon Hahn (Princeton) --- large-scale structure, cosmology surveys
• Eve Lee (McGill Univ.) --- planet formation and populations
• Julie McEnery (NASA GSFC) --- Roman project status
• Zachary Slepian (U. Florida) --- dark energy, galaxy surveys
• Tjitske Starkenburg (Northwestern/CIERA) --- galaxy populations, stellar streams
• Tommaso Treu (UCLA) --- galaxies and dark matter
• Jennifer Yee (Harvard CfA) --- microlensing and planet demographics

Conference website: https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/roman2024/.

If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with the abstract submission or registration process, please email us at romanssc@ipac.caltech.edu.

Best regards,

SOC: Etienne Bachelet (Caltech/IPAC, co-chair), Takahiro Morishita (Caltech/IPAC, co-chair), Lee Armus (Caltech/IPAC), Sebastian Gomez (STScI), Claudia Scarlata (U. Minn.), Hee-Jong Seo (Ohio U.), Adam Smercina (U. Wash.), Aaron Smith (U. Texas), Takahiro Sumi (Osaka U.), Maria Vincenzi (Duke U.), Schuyler Wolff (U. Arizona)

LOC: Frank Aragon, Etienne Bachelet, Alexandra Greenbaum, Seppo Laine, Wanggi Lim, Teresa Molano, Takahiro Morishita, Schuyler Van Dyk

1. REMINDER: ExoPAG 30 (May 5, 2024; Providence RI @ AbSciCon)​

The Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group is organizing its 30th meeting on May 5th, 2024 in Providence, RI as a splinter session of AbSciCon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

The ExoPAG 30 meeting will focus on the search for life in the Solar System and beyond and include presentations from various Program Analysis Groups and cross divisional research networks.

Do not miss our 'brain dates' to identify cross-divisional science gaps and opportunities.

Let us know your background and top two interests by April 15, 2024 at the registration page.

An interactive business meeting will also be held.

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-overview/ (agenda will be posted soon!)

Attendees (whether remote or in-person) are urged to please register via the ExoPAG website for logistics and planning purposes https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-registration/. This is extremely helpful to the organizers.

---

2. ExoPAG 30: Call for Early Career Lightning Talks (May 5, 2024; Providence RI @ AbSciCon; The EXTENDED deadline is now April 16th at 6pm PT = 9pm ET. )

Early Career Scientists: Whether you are investigating Mars, icy moons, or distant exoplanets, ExoPAG30 invites you to share your work on the search for life in the Solar System and Beyond through our 3-Minute Lightning Talks. The meeting will be held in conjunction with AbSciCon in Providence, RI on May 5th, 2024. Ten in-person talks will be selected, with an opportunity for others to post their work to the ExoPAG 30 Slack where participants can interact virtually.

Please complete the online application (Google sign on required) and attach one, 1 page engaging pdf file summarizing your results for review. The EXTENDED deadline is now April 16th at 6pm PT = 9pm ET. As a reminder, the ten lightning talk speakers must attend ExoPAG 30 in person. Selections will be announced in mid-April.

Please contact exopag-info@jpl.nasa.gov with any questions you may have.

Thank you!

• ExoPAG 30: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-overview/
• AbSciCon: https://www.agu.org/abscicon
• ExoPAG 30 Lightning Talk Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMpjsGfCGYwilwe4gR6_1zNDWxicdfq-TC1wlOOJuXQiKgVw/viewform

---

3. ExoExplorer Science Series: Daniel Yaholomi (Columbia) and James Mang (UT Austin) (April 12, 2024, 2pm-3pm EDT/11am-12pm PDT)

"Hi all-

The ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series presents talks by cohort members Daniel Yahalomi (Columbia) & James Mang (UT Austin) on Friday April 12, 2024, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

"From Wobbles to Worlds: Exploring the Orbital Landscape of Exoplanet TTVs"
Daniel Yahalomi (Columbia)
and
"Modeling Water Clouds in Substellar Atmospheres in the Era of JWST"
James Mang (UT Austin)

Full connection information and abstracts are at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/498/exoexplorer-science-series-daniel-yahalomi-columbia-james-mang-ut-austin/

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

And future talks are posted here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-events/

Please share this talk announcement at your local institution!

This the way,
Rob Zellem, on behalf of the ExoExplorer Organizing Committee"

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.

Weekly: https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/tZ0oceyppjsqGNS-CBVTMJlJjeO5JmI44_Yu/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGhqz0vG9yVsBuHRpx5GY_oZ-vxiGJfjY1u0TzHNRR-SA_cPOdtZ5hyOYyE

Join Zoom Meeting
https://caltech.zoom.us/j/89565180020

Meeting ID: 895 6518 0020

One tap mobile
+12133388477,,89565180020# US (Los Angeles)
+16699006833,,89565180020# US (San Jose)

---

4. ExoPAG SAG 26: Exoplanet Reflectance Spectroscopy for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (Indicate your interest by April 12, 2024)

The Exoplanet Reflectance Spectroscopy Study Analysis Group (SAG 26) seeks new members.

Background: The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), a flagship mission recommended by the Astro2020 decadal survey, would deliver transformative science capabilities for direct imaging and spectroscopic characterization of terrestrial exoplanets, expanding the horizons of human exploration to potentially habitable planets around Sun-like stars. As HWO would push the frontier of exoplanet observations, the determination of its measurement requirements must be based upon the simulation of anticipated planetary spectra and statistical inference of planetary parameters from the spectra, i.e., the spectral retrieval. The notional specification of the wavelength coverage and spectral resolution of earlier mission concepts such as LUVOIR and HabEx were derived from a spectral retrieval exercise based on modern Earth’s spectrum as a template. Multiple groups in the country and abroad have now built spectral simulation and retrieval tools, and substantial progress has been made recently on the potential need for a wide spectral coverage for habitable exoplanets beyond modern Earth analogs.

In this context, it is essential to have a common understanding between different research groups and models about exoplanet reflectance spectroscopy, and this would be best achieved by community intercomparisons and a data challenge that focuses on spectral retrievals, under the auspices of SAG 26. We thus propose a community study to compare and converge on the practices of the simulation and retrieval of the exoplanet reflectance spectra, with a focus on terrestrial exoplanets relevant to HWO. We will aim to:

• compare and cross-validate spectral retrieval tools, including elements as central as opacities,radiative transfer routines, and statistical evaluation algorithms;
• compare and converge on appropriate levels of model complexities (such as the treatment of clouds and radiative transfer model sophistication) based on the expected data characteristics (e.g., wavelength, resolution, SNR);
• organize a blind retrieval challenge open to the entire community and focusing on reflectance spectroscopy of terrestrial exoplanets;
• achieve common understanding of how the wavelength range, spectral resolution, and prior constraints on the planetary mass impact the characterization of different types of terrestrial exoplanets;
• identify key areas of disagreement that could adversely impact HWO science and design; and
• identify the best practices for deriving atmospheric constraints from exoplanet reflectance spectra.

The SAG will provide useful tools and scientific inputs to HWO’s Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team (START), who will study specific science cases for the mission.

The SAG’s terms of reference has been reviewed and approved by the Astrophysics Advisory Committee. Anticipating formal approval by the NASA Astrophysics Division Director, the SAG co-chairs are now ready to solicit membership from the broad astronomy, Earth and planetary science, data science, and other relevant communities.

In alignment with NASA’s core value of inclusion, the SAG will be committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all participants and will invite candidates from all backgrounds to contribute fully, including in SAG-wide leadership roles. Applications to the SAG are easy and quick, and we encourage applications from community members at all career stages.

If interested, please fill out the form at this website (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI8Yx0PaRNvaIGEfY-WKyMAG8mzMi2TkvlaEXrxZYPXTmXRA/viewform) by April 12. Questions may be addressed to the ExoPAG EC Chair (Ilaria Pascucci: pascucci@arizona.edu) and the SAG co-chairs Renyu Hu: renyu.hu@jpl.nasa.gov and Tyler Robinson: tdrobin@arizona.edu.

---

5. The Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) 2024 (June 10-14, 2024, Ithaca, NY; Application Deadline April 5, 2024)

The Astrobiology Graduate Conference 2024
Hosted at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Proposal Writing Retreat (PWR): June 7th - 10th, 2024, Adirondacks
Conference: June 10th - 14th, 2024
abgradcon.org

Applications are now open until April 5th!

The Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) is organized by graduate students for early career scientists who study the complex and diverse topics that astrobiology encompasses. For over two decades, this conference has been an integral part of the astrobiology community of graduate students and postdocs by fostering small group discussions, scientific presentations, and social activities that promote long-term professional relationships. AbGradCon seeks to build community, provide practical training for early career scientists, and be the catalyst for a more interdisciplinary and inclusive astrobiology community.

This year's conference will be held at Cornell University, located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. The conference will consist of 2.5 days of scientific and collaborative sessions, a public outreach event dedicated to engaging with the general public, and an educational field trip. An intensive proposal writing retreat will be held the weekend before the conference at a lodge in the Adirondack Mountains for a group of 15 graduate students.

There is no registration fee and funding is available for graduate students. We encourage all graduate students and postdocs interested in astrobiology to apply. To learn more about the conference and submit an abstract, visit abgradcon.org!

---

6. Emerging Researchers in Exoplanet Science Symposium IX (ERES IX; July 10-12, 2024, Ithaca, NY; Application Deadline and Abstract Submission Deadline April 12, 2024)​

Emerging Researchers in Exoplanet Science Symposium IX
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
2024 July 10-12
Registration and abstract submission open through April 12.
https://eres-planets.github.io/

About ERES:

The ninth Emerging Researchers in Exoplanet Science Symposium (ERES IX) will take place 2024 July 10-12 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

ERES is an annual conference by and for early-career scientists (e.g. graduate students, postdocs, postbacs, advanced undergraduates) working in planetary astronomy, Earth sciences, the search for life in the cosmos, and related fields. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for these researchers to present their research to an interested audience and network with peers, as well as to stimulate collaborations among exoplanet, Solar System, and Earth science researchers.

ERES has been held annually on a rotating basis between partner institutions since 2015. The current partner institutions are Cornell, Penn State, Princeton, and Yale.

ERES IX Organizers: Chris O’Connor (Cornell; LOC chair), An Foster (Cornell; SOC chair), Jonas Biren (Cornell), Lígia F. Coelho (Cornell), Trevor Foote (Cornell), Veronica Hegelein (Cornell), Maura Lally (Cornell), Adam Langeveld (Cornell), JT Laune (Cornell), Garrett Levine (Yale; past LOC chair), Rixin Li (UC Berkeley), Darryl Seligman (Cornell), Yubo Su (Princeton)

---

7. Interdisciplinary Exoplanet Workshop Ahead of Goldschmidt 2024 (August 17-18, 2024; Chicago)​

Exoplanets! Formation! Evolution! And you! Participate in a great interdisciplinary workshop that will feature talks+discussions from experts in astronomy and geology to help bridge the gap in exoplanet characterization. Because the study of exoplanets lies at the boundary of geology and astronomy, our goal is to expand communications between geologists – especially mineralogists and petrologists, planetary scientists, and astronomers. The hope for our workshop is to spur conversations and initiate collaborations, as well as explain the current state of the field and teach one another about our respective fields.

Dates: August 17-18, 2024 in Chicago, right before Goldschmidt2024

Registration: Cost is $260 (reg) / $210 (students). Includes lunch and coffee for both days, as well as copy of a Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry book on “Exoplanets: Compositions, Mineralogy, Evolution” written by the speakers and edited by Natalie Hinkel, Keith Putirka, and Siyi Xu!

Direct link to workshop information: https://tinyurl.com/Goldschmidt24Exoplanets

If you have any questions, please reach out to Natalie Hinkel at natalie.hinkel@gmail.com.

1. ExoPAG Operating Procedures Document

"Dear ExoPAG,

The ExoPAG Operating Procedures document is now available on the ExoPAG website!

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2975/ExoPAG-Operating_Procedures.pdf

The document contains important information on how to form a SIG, a SAG, as well as how EC members are appointed. Please share this document with colleagues, on social media, and relevant slack channels.

Have a great weekend,

Ilaria

Professor Ilaria Pascucci
Fellow, American Astronomical Society
Chair, ExoPAG Executive Committee
Department of Planetary Sciences
The University of Arizona
ilariapascucci.com"

---

2. REMINDER: ExoPAG 30 (May 5, 2024; Providence RI @ AbSciCon, hybrid)

The Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group is organizing its 30th meeting on May 5th, 2024 in Providence, RI as a splinter session of AbSciCon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

The ExoPAG 30 meeting will focus on the search for life in the Solar System and beyond and include presentations from various Program Analysis Groups and cross divisional research networks. The overaching goal will be to identify science gaps that span multiple divisions and opportunities for collaborative progress. An interactive business meeting will also be held.

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-overview/

Attendees (whether remote or in-person) are urged to please register via the ExoPAG website for logistics and planning purposes https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-registration/. This is extremely helpful to the organizers.

---

3. REMINDER: UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop: On the Way to the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory and Beyond (May 7-9, 2024; Registration Deadline March 25, 2024)

UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop:
On the Way to the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory and Beyond
May 7-9, 2024
von Karman Auditorium, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (& Virtual)
Pasadena, CA
https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/uv/

Please register for the UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop at: https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/uv/registration/

The optimal number of attendees for this Workshop is 100-120 people. Although there is no fee for attending, for planning purposes, you must complete this Registration Form by Monday, March 25, 2024.

Please email UVWorkshop@jpl.nasa.gov with any questions.

---

4. REMINDER: TESS Cycle 7 Call for Proposals (Deadline March 21, 2024)

The TESS General Investigator program provides funding for research with TESS data. The solicitation for funding for Cycle 7 is available on NSPIRES. Cycle 7 proposals are solicited for targets in the Northern and Southern Ecliptic Hemispheres, and in fields along the ecliptic plane. The observations will begin in October 2024 and end in September 2025, and cover Sectors 84 - 96. At least 25% of the proposed work must require new data; the proposed work may include the use of archival data to support investigations using new data. Proposers can request small awards (up to $70K) or large awards (up to $250K). Key Projects are not solicited for Cycle 7. The deadline for TESS GI Cycle 7 proposals is March 21, 2024 at 4.30pm EDT.

https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/tess/proposing-investigations.html

NSPIRES D.10 TESS General Investigator - Cycle 7: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=918701/solicitationId=%7B574AD906-1C28-5997-FEBF-2D3B9195A548%7D/viewSolicitationDocument=1/D.10%20TESSCycle7_%20Amend75.pdf

---

5. ROSES-2024 F.3 Exoplanets Research Program (XRP) (Step-1 deadline April 2, 2024)

Exoplanets Research Program (XRP)
Step-1 Proposals Due April 2, 2024
Step-2 Proposals Due May 31, 2024

The Exoplanets Research Program (XRP) element solicits basic research proposals to conduct scientific investigations that significantly improve our understanding of exoplanets and exoplanet formation. This program element is cross-divisional and jointly managed by four of the Divisions within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate: Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Earth Science.

Proposed investigations that combine multiple scientific disciplines or cross traditional Divisional science boundaries, in particular by including topics or analysis techniques from the Heliophysics and/or Earth Science disciplines, are highly encouraged.

Proposed XRP investigations should involve one or more of the following:

• Detection of exoplanets and/or confirmation of exoplanet candidates;
• Characterization of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems (including statistical and demographic studies);
• Studies of exoplanet interactions with their host stars and/or of host star properties that directly impact our understanding of exoplanetary systems;
• Exploration of the chemical and physical processes of exoplanets (including the state and evolution of their surfaces, interiors, and/or atmospheres);
• Improvements to our understanding of the formation and evolution of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems, including studies of protoplanetary/debris disks. XRP supports observational, laboratory, modeling, and theoretical studies. Proposed investigations should involve the collection and analysis of new data, analysis of archival data, collection and interpretation of laboratory data, and/or development of an observationally testable prediction or theory. Proposals must also clearly describe how results will facilitate the interpretation of data from NASA space missions and/or lead to predictions that can be tested with NASA space mission observations.

For more information see:

XRP NSPIRES page: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={F6155A51-0D56-3B33-4ED8-C863F9B144A4}&path=&method=init

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=983519/solicitationId=%7BF6155A51-0D56-3B33-4ED8-C863F9B144A4%7D/viewSolicitationDocument=1/F.03%20XRP.pdf

---

6. NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) Call for Proposals (due April 1, 2024)

Call for Proposals for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility

DEADLINE: Monday April 1, 2024

NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Observing Proposals. The due date for the 2024B semester (August 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025) is Monday, April 1, 2024. See our online submission form (http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/applicationForms.php), which is available for proposal submission from 12:00AM on March 1, 2024 until 5:00PM on April 1, 2024 HST.

Note that the IRTF now implements the Dual-Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR) of observing proposals. After fine tuning during the first few semesters of DAPR, the guidelines remain unchanged this semester. See the instructions for semester 2024B below.

IRTF DAPR proposal instructions: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/applicationDAPRInfo.php

IRTF Facility Instruments: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/instruments/

NASA IRTF Spring 2024 Newsletter: https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/information/newsletter.php?2024A

---

7. NOIRLab Semester 2024B Call for Proposals (due April 1, 2024)

"Dear Colleague:

The NSF’s NOIRLab has issued a Call for Proposals (CfP) for Semester 2024B CfP can be found at https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/call-for-proposals/

Please read the CfP24B carefully, as some observatories or facilities continue to have their observing protocols and procedures impacted by COVID-19.

The Dual Anonymous Review Process (DARP) for all observing proposals submitted to NOIRLab (including proposals submitted for time on the Gemini telescopes proposals) continues in Semester 2024B. This process requires that the abstract, science justification, and experimental and technical design sections in all observing proposals must be anonymized. In the second stage of the process, additional non-anonymized information relevant to the proposal will be revealed to the review panel in order to obtain a final ranking.

Detailed anonymization instructions for PIs can be found at https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/anonymization-instructions, while a document of FAQ can also be found at https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/faq.pdf .

Time requests for 2024B may be made for Gemini North and South, as well as Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (including SOAR), and Kitt Peak National Observatory on the WIYN 3.5m. Time is also available on the CHARA interferometer, the Keck I and Keck II telescopes, Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, and the Magellan I (Baade) and Magellan II (Clay) telescopes. Nights are also available on the Subaru telescope through a time-exchange agreement with Gemini.

We point out a few highlights:

• It is anticipated that NOIRLab time will be available on both the 1m and 2m telescopes comprising the LCOGT network in semester 2024B. 625 hours are available on the 1m telescopes and 100 hours on the 2m telescopes.
• 4 nights in total are available on the Magellan I & II (Baade and Clay) telescopes in 2024B.
• the NN-EXPLORE program, which offers time on the WIYN 3.5m telescope (approximately 40 nights) as well as 300 hours on the precision radial-velocity spectrometer at the MINERVA-Australis exoplanet observatory, operated by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), in Queensland, Australia.
• nights continue to be available on the Keck telescopes, with 3 nights on Keck I and 2 nights on Keck II.
• CHARA has 50 nights available in Semester 2024B.
• AEON time is available on SOAR and Gemini

Questions about the proposal form or the proposal process may be directed to proposal-help@noirlab.edu.

Gemini related questions may be sent to the Gemini Helpdesk at: https://www.gemini.edu/sciops/helpdesk/submit-general-helpdesk-request "

---

8. CHEOPS Guest Observers Program - 5th Announcement of Opportunity (Call closes April 25, 2024)

"Dear colleagues,

Invitation

ESA’s Director of Science has the pleasure of inviting you to respond to the 5th Announcement of Opportunity (AO-5) to submit proposals for observations to be performed with CHEOPS (Characterising ExOPlanet Satellite) through the ESA Guest Observers (GO) Programme.

The AO-5 Call has opened on 12 March 2024 at 12:00 (noon) CET and is foreseen to close on 25 April 2024 at 12:00 (noon) CEST.

This announcement solicits proposals for observations during CHEOPS’ first mission extension period to be performed between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. Scientists from institutes worldwide are invited to participate. All proposals shall be subject to double-anonymous peer-review by the CHEOPS Time Allocation Committee.

The detailed schedule of milestones for this announcement, together with the software tools and documentation needed to prepare proposals, are available from: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/cheops-guest-observers-programme/ao-5

We should appreciate it if you would distribute this invitation to interested colleagues.

ESA’s Director of Science wishes you every success with your CHEOPS observing proposals.

Novelties

The CHEOPS AO-5 Call provides several modernised tools to further enhance the community access and GO experience:

• Brand-new Visibility Checker available via Python scripts and Jupyter notebooks for Phase 1
• Now optional Scheduling Feasibility Checker (SFC) for Phase 1 (now also more lightweight & faster, and only needed for Phase 2)
• Streamlined Proposal Submission and a new Proposal Handling Tool for Phase 1

It also repeats the successful novelties introduced with the first extended mission:

• More targets: only 50 Guaranteed Time Observation (GTO) Programme reserved targets, with all the rest generally being open to the entire Community
• More time: up to 30% science observing time dedicated to the GO Programme
• Modern approach: double-anonymous peer-review of proposals

Why CHEOPS?

ESA’s CHEOPS is the first space mission designed for searching for exoplanetary transits and occultations on bright stars already known to host planets by performing ultrahigh precision photometry. CHEOPS offers the GO observers space-based ultra-high precision photometry for the observation of exoplanet transits, eclipses, occultations, phase-curves, and more. Science cases may range from exoplanets to exomoons, ring structures, stellar activity, trans-Neptunian objects, and beyond. The timely overlap of several space- and ground-based missions can provide opportunities for synergies with NASA/ESA/CSA JWST, NASA/ESA HST, NASA TESS, ESO facilities, and more.

Happy proposing!

Download/Website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/cheops-guest-observers-programme/ao-5

Contact: cheops-support@cosmos.esa.int

Best regards,
Maximilian Günther & Bruno Merín
CHEOPS Project Scientists"

1. Announcement: The 30th Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group Meeting

The Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group is organizing its 30th meeting on May 5th, 2024 in Providence, RI as a splinter session of AbSciCon at the Rhode Island Convention Center.

The ExoPAG 30 meeting will focus on the search for life in the Solar System and beyond and include presentations from various Program Analysis Groups and cross divisional research networks. The overarching goal will be to identify science gaps that span multiple divisions and opportunities for collaborative progress. An interactive business meeting will also be held.”

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag30/exopag30-overview/

---

2. NN-EXPLORE Proposals for 2024B (Deadline April 1, 2024)

The NASA-NSF Exoplanet Observational Research Program (NN-EXPLORE) announces the 2024B call for proposals. 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. Every semester, this program makes approximately 40 nights of telescope time available on the WIYN telescope, 300 hours on the MINERVA-Australis observatory, and 300 hours on the SMARTS-1.5m telescope, for observations with the CHIRON instrument. More information is available in the NOIRLab 2024B call for proposals, Section 3.5 (https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/call-for-proposals). If applying, please make sure to select the NN-EXPLORE TAC.

---

3. ExoExplorer Science Series: Alex Polanski (U Kansas) & Lili Alderson (U Bristol) (March 8, 2024, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)

"Hi all-

The ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series presents talks by cohort members Alex Polanski (U Kansas) & Lili Alderson (U Bristol) on Friday March 8, 2024, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

"Exploring Exoplanetary Systems with the TESS-Keck Survey"
Alex Polanski (U Kansas)
&
"Observing Atmospheres Across the Radius Valley"
Lili Alderson (U Bristol)

For abstracts and connection information, visit: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/497/exoexplorer-science-series-alex-polanski-u-kansas-lili-alderson-u-bristol/

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

And future talks here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-events/

To sign up to receive announcements about ExoExplorers, visit: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-announcements/

Please share this talk announcement at your local institution!

This the way,

Rob Zellem, on behalf of the ExoExplorer Organizing Committee"

---

4. Habitable Worlds Observatory: START/TAG Meeting (March 11-13, 2024) and Slides & Recordings from HWO Splinter Session at AAS243

The START (Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team) and TAG (Technical Assessment Group) will hold their next in-person meeting on March 11-13 in Pasadena. Due to space limitations, in person attendance is restricted to START members, TAG members, and community Working Group (WG) co-chairs. Subgroup (SG) co-chairs and members of the community are invited to join the meeting via WebEx. The meeting agenda and WebEx link will be posted on - or linked to - from the meeting section of the GOMAP website: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/meetings/

During the meeting, discussion will occur on the HWO_Community slack workspace: https://join.slack.com/t/hwocommunityworkspace/shared_invite/zt-2dw5oilo4-DYxm9Q47pUCRO9GgpTbPJA

The slides and recordings from the HWO splinter session at the January 2024 meeting in New Orleans are now posted on the HWO website at: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/hwo-aas-splinter-2024/

To subscribe to the HWO-news mailing list, follow these steps:

• Send an email to hwo-news-join@lists.nasa.gov
• You do not have to put anything in the subject line or the body.
• You will receive an email requiring you to confirm your email address.
• Follow the instructions in the email to confirm.

---

5. Space Science Week & Meeting of the Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA) (March 18-20, 2024)

Space Science Week is a joint meeting of the discipline committees of the Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Board on Physics and Astronomy and the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board. Space Science Week 2024 will be held on March 18-22, 2024, at the NAS Building, 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC, with meetings to discuss advances and challenges in space and Earth science and exploration.

https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/03-18-2024/space-science-week-2024

The Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA) will meet in hybrid format between March 18-20, 2024, with plenary sessions on March 19 and a keynote public science lecture on March 20. The Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics will be holding open sessions on March 18 and March 20.

https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/committee-on-astronomy-and-astrophysics

The meeting details and agenda are posted at: https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/41757_03-2024_committee-on-astronomy-and-astrophysics-space-science-week-spring-2024

The agenda includes an update from NASA Astrophysics by Director Dr. Mark Clampin on March 18, 2024 at 10:30am, followed by Q&A at 11:30am.

---

6. Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (March 20-21, 2024)

• https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/nac/science-advisory-committees/apac/

---

7. UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop: On the Way to the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory and Beyond (May 7-9, 2024; Registration Deadline March 25, 2024)

UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop:
On the Way to the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory and Beyond
May 7-9, 2024
von Karman Auditorium, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (& Virtual)
Pasadena, CA
https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/uv/

Please register for the UV Science and Instrumentation Workshop at: https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/uv/registration/

The optimal number of attendees for this Workshop is 100-120 people. Although there is no fee for attending, for planning purposes, you must complete this Registration Form by Monday, March 25, 2024.

Please email UVWorkshop@jpl.nasa.gov with any questions.

---

8. Notice of Upcoming Call for Community Input into the TESS Extended Mission Planning

NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission will be inviting the astronomy community's input on science cases that should be prioritized in future extended missions. The format requested will be short 1-2 paragraph science pitches. The draft call for community input can be viewed at: https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/tess/docs/DRAFT_TESS_call_for_science_pitches.pdf

The final text for the call is anticipated to be released before May 1, 2024, and the deadline submissions is anticipated to be June 14, 2024.

TESS science spans many areas of astrophysics and solar system science. As such, researchers from around the world, across all career stages, positions, and types of institutions are encouraged to submit their ideas. Please contact tesshelp@bigbang.gsfc.nasa.gov with any questions.

---

9. NASA Planetary Science Division Status Update on Efforts in Response to the Planetary Data Ecosystem Independent Review Board (PDE IRB) Final Report

In the fall of 2020, the NASA Planetary Science Division chartered the Planetary Data Ecosystem Independent Review Board (PDE IRB) to conduct a wholistic review of the PDE, which is defined as the ad hoc connected framework of activities and products that are built upon and support the data collected by planetary space missions and research programs, which primarily are NASA funded. The PDE IRB delivered its final report in April 2021.

The Planetary Science Division has performed an internal evaluation of actions and efforts in support of addressing the findings and recommendations in the PDE IRB final report. A summary of efforts towards developing a more connected and effective PDE is documented in a status report (see below links). This report describes efforts that have been completed from April 2021 to September 2023.

This status report can be viewed at: https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/data/pde-irb/

Direct link: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/psd-pde-irb-response-v1-20240228.pdf

Comments and feedback on this document are welcome and encouraged. Please email the NASA Headquarters PDE Team with any comments, additional information, or corrections at hq-pde@mail.nasa.gov.

---

10. SEEC Symposium: Pathways to Characterizing Non-Transiting Planets (April 15-19, 2024, GSFC; Registration Deadline March 15, 2024)

Registration for the SEEC Symposium: Pathways to Characterizing Non-Transiting Planets is available here. Online Registration will be closed March 15, 2024.

https://seec.gsfc.nasa.gov/News_and_Events/SEEC_Symposium_2024.html

Travel and accommodation to attend the SEEC symposium is updated. Please follow this link to reserve your room at a negotiated rate. https://app.certain.com/profile/form/index.cfm?CFID=609782c8-563b-494c-880b-7ec4b3432d30&CFTOKEN=0&jsessionid=9DA237308FD7BEBBCB875116FBBB1110&PKformID=0x3395909abcd

---

11. UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer) Selected as NASA's Next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer Mission

• https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/new-nasa-mission-will-study-ultraviolet-sky-stars-stellar-explosions/
• https://www.uvex.caltech.edu/
• https://www.ipac.caltech.edu/project/uvex

---

12. NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program

"Dear Colleagues,

The newly formed Cosmic Pathfinders Program has been created by Dr. Ronald Gamble (NASA GSFC Astrophysics Science Division, Cosmic Origins Program Office) and co-lead by a council of student/early-career leaders to address the needs of students in the field of astrophysics and space sciences. Cosmic Pathfinders is a student-focused program of online events and in-person gatherings that provides an interface to NASA astrophysics. It is motivated by an immediate need to develop the next generation of the STEM workforce in space-related fields. The program includes an ongoing series of virtual colloquia, called Cosmic Chatter, that addresses astrophysics research and professional development topics.

Current student leadership includes:

• Amethyst Barnes (NASA GSFC/CRESST-II Post-Bac, Roman/STScI)
• Jordan Forman (NASA GSFC/CRESST-II Post-Bac, FERMI)
• Gokul Srinivasaragavan (Doctoral Candidate, UMCP Department of Astronomy)
• Isiah Holt (NASA Pathways Intern & Doctoral Candidate, UMCP Department of Astronomy)

Furthermore, a unique aspect to the activities of the program will be technical hack-a-thons that offer participants the opportunity to learn relevant tools and techniques for analyzing NASA mission & archival datasets. Finally, the program sponsors in-person sessions at professional society meetings and opportunities for engagement with the NASA astrophysics community.

• Promote Open Dialogue: The program facilitates discussions on prominent challenges that students face in today's STEM professional landscape.
• Nurture Professional Growth: The program will access key topics pertaining to issues surrounding Imposter Syndrome, Career Navigation, Conference Participation, Cultural Inclusivity, and Accessibility. The program addresses intersectionality of these topics with scientific and mathematical skills and other professional scientific skills.
• Broaden Horizons: The program creates exposure and opportunities for students to develop relationships with professionals from a range of space science disciplines in academia, government, and private industry.

Members of the program who are at the same university may self-organize into university chapters. Such groups further galvanize the engagement of students with NASA astrophysics. Chapters are modeled after similar campus organizations such as the Society of Physics Students. They present a unique opportunity for students to connect with a national network of astronomers, astrophysicists, and space scientists, and foster a sense of belonging within the larger scientific community.

Interested students, early-careers in STEM, and professionals can interface and join the dedicated LinkedIn group here to further connect with other members of the program: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12899523/

Follow the link for more information about the program: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/program/cosmic-pathfinders.php

Reach out to the program Director Dr. Ronald Gamble (ronald.s.gamble@nasa.gov) for further inquiries or questions."

Subscribe to the Cosmic Pathfinders Program News and Announcements Email List at: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/program/cosmic-pathfinders/cosmic-pathfinders-email-list.php

---

13. 7th ICE-CSIC Summer School: Multiwavelength Approach to Exoplanetary Systems (July 2-11, 2024, Barcelona; Registration Deadline April 15, 2024)

7th ICE-CSIC Summer School
Multiwavelength approach to exoplanetary systems
2 - 11 July 2024
Institute of Space Sciences (ICE, CSIC)
Campus UAB - Bellaterra
Barcelona (Spain)
Web: https://indico.ice.csic.es/event/35/

We are happy to announce the 7th ICE-CSIC Summer School that will take place from 2nd to 11th July 2024. This year’s theme is “Multiwavelength approach to exoplanetary systems."

The programme of the 2024 ICE-CSIC Summer School is focused on exoplanet detection and characterisation, as well as the study of exoplanetary interaction with their host star. Lectures and hands-on sessions will be devoted to the understanding of the basics of detection methods, and on how each of them can provide insights into the characterisation of the properties of exoplanets, and the composition of their atmospheres, as well as the understanding of the stellar hosts including state-of-the art machine learning techniques. Besides, lectures on star-planet interactions, the role of magnetic fields, and planetary radio emission, a topic that recently gained interest in the community, will also be imparted.

Lectures will be imparted by ICE-CSIC researchers and also experts in the exoplanet field from institutions abroad.

The School will be limited to 50 Master and Doctoral students. Applications by early career postdocs are also welcomed. Accommodation will be offered for a limited number of participants. Additional details can be found at the the 7th Summer School webpage: https://indico.ice.csic.es/event/35/

Important dates:

• Registration will be open from 20 February 2024 until 15 April 2024: https://indico.ice.csic.es/event/35/registrations/25/
• Late registrations, only without financial support (accommodation and/or reduced fee), will be open until 15 June 2024, upon availability.
• The school will run from 2 July 2024 to 11 July 2024.

We apologize if you received this announcement several times. Please, feel free to forward this email to anyone interested. In case of doubt, please contact: summerschool2024@ice.csic.es

Best regards,
7th ICE-CSIC Summer School SOC & LOC

1. 2024B NASA Keck Call for Proposals (Proposals due March 14, 2024)

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is soliciting proposals to use NASA's portion of time on the Keck Telescopes for the 2024B observing semester (August 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025). Proposals are due by Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4 pm Pacific.

NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic in support of on-going space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals. Proposals are sought to support science goals and missions in all 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 are also encouraged

Please read the Call for Proposals: https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/gen-info.shtml

for complete information, semester highlights, and application guidelines. Important information on instrument availability for 2024B 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. who have their principal affiliation at a U.S. institution). Investigators from institutions outside of the U.S. may participate as Co-Investigators.

Questions: KeckCFP@ipac.caltech.edu

---

2. ExoExplorer Science Series: Fuda Nguyen (U. Arizona) & Garrett Levine (Yale) (February 16, 2024, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)

"Hi all-

The ExoExplorer Science Seminar Series presents talks by cohort members Fuda Nguyen (U. Arizona) & Garrett Levine (Yale) onFriday February 16, 2024, from 11 AM - 12 PM Pacific / 2 PM - 3 PM Eastern.

"Latitude-dependent Atmospheric Waves and Long-period Modulations in Luhman 16 B from the Longest Lightcurve of an Extrasolar World"
Fuda Nguyen (U. Arizona)

&

"Atmospheric Outflow Variability of Extrasolar Planets"
Garrett Levine (Yale)

The talk and call-in info is below and a calendar invite (and poster) is attached as well.

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

And future talks here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-events/

Please share this talk announcement at your local institution!

This is the way,

Rob Zellem, on behalf of the ExoExplorer Organizing Committee"

Abstracts and connection information: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/495/exoexplorer-science-series-fuda-nguyen-u-arizona-garrett-levine-yale/

---

3. 2024 Sagan Workshop Registration and Financial Aid Application Now Available (July 22-26, 2024, Pasadena CA; Travel Support Deadline March 21, 2024)

2024 Sagan Summer Workshop
Advances in Direct Imaging: From Young Jupiters to Habitable Earths
July 22-26, 2024
Hosted by The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute,
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
https://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/2024/

We are pleased to announce that in-person and online registration to attend the 2024 Sagan Summer Workshop is now available! The topic for this years workshop is Advances in Direct Imaging: From Young Jupiters to Habitable Earths

The workshop will take place online and on the Caltech campus in Pasadena, CA from July 22-26, 2024. There is no registration fee for the 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 21, 2024 and awards will be announced by April 12, 2024.

The registration, financial support application, and recommendation letter submission site are all available on the main workshop website: https://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/2024/

Questions? sagan_workshop@ipac.caltech.edu

---

4. Release of Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES)-2024

NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) announces the release of its annual omnibus solicitation for basic and applied research, Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) 2024 as NNH24ZDA001N on or about February 14, 2024, at http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024

ROSES is an omnibus solicitation, with many individual program elements, each with its own due dates and topics. Table 2 and Table 3 of this NRA, which will be posted at https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024table2 andhttps://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024table3, respectively, provide proposal due dates and hypertext links to descriptions of the solicited program elements in the Appendices of this NRA. Together, these program elements cover the wide range of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences supported by SMD.

ROSES NRA may result in grants, cooperative agreements, and inter- or intra-agency transfers, depending on the nature of the work proposed, the proposing organization, and/or program requirements. At the time of release of ROSES, we anticipate that all awards to non-governmental organizations will be federal assistance awards, and most program elements of ROSES specify grants. Unless specifically permitted by a particular program element, ROSES will not result in contracts because it would not be appropriate for the nature of the work solicited.

Unless otherwise noted, except for China (see Section III.c of the ROSES Summary of Solicitation), organizations of every type, domestic and foreign, Government and private, for profit and not-for-profit, may submit proposals without restriction on teaming arrangements. Note that it is NASA policy that all research involving non-U.S. organizations will be conducted on the basis of no exchange of funds.

Awards range from under $100K per year for focused, limited efforts (e.g., data analysis) to more than $1M per year for extensive activities (e.g., development of hardware for science experiments and/or flight). Periods of performance are typically three years, but some programs may allow up to five years and others specify shorter periods.

The funds available and the anticipated number of awards are given in each program element and range from less than one to several million dollars, which allows for selection from a few to as many as several dozen proposals.

Electronic submission of proposals is required by the respective due dates for each program element and must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization. Electronic proposals may be submitted via the NASA proposal data system NSPIRES or via Grants.gov.

Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to ROSES-2024 must be registered with NSPIRES; organizations that intend to submit proposals via Grants.gov must be registered with Grants.gov, in addition to being registered with NSPIRES. Such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) (AOR) who will submit the electronic proposal. All proposal team members must be registered in NSPIRES regardless of the submission system, so we may perform automatic organizational conflict of interest checking of reviewers. Potential proposers and proposing organizations are urged to access the system(s) well in advance of the proposal due date(s) of interest to familiarize themselves with its structure and to enter the requested information.

Notices of intent to propose and Step-1 Proposals will be due starting in March 27, 2024, and Full (Step-2) Proposals will be due no earlier than May 14, 2024, see Table 2 and Table 3.

Potential proposers are strongly encouraged to read Section I(d) of the ROSES Summary of Solicitation and ROSES-24 FAQ#1 that list significant changes prior ROSES.

To learn of the addition of new program elements and all amendments to this NRA, proposers may:

1. Subscribe to the SMD mailing lists (by logging in at http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and checking the appropriate boxes under "Account Management" and "Email Subscriptions");
2. Get automatic updates of due dates using the ROSES-2024 due date Google calendar. Instructions will be available shortly after release at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/library-and-useful-links (link from the words due date calendar); and
3. checking this ROSES-2024 Blog at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2024/

Frequently asked questions about ROSES-2024 will be posted at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/ shortly after release.

Questions concerning the individual program elements in ROSES should be directed to the point(s) of contact in the Summary Table of Key Information at the end of the program element and at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list/.

Subject matter experts are encouraged to sign up to be a volunteer reviewer at https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels

Questions concerning general ROSES-2024 policies and procedures may be directed to Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, at sara@nasa.gov.

---

5. Updated Precursor Science Gap Worksheet for ROSES-23 D.16 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science

Science gaps worksheet posted on NSPIRES page for ROSES-23 D.16 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science

The Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science (ADSPS, D.16) program supports research in areas related to the recommendations from the National Academy of Science and Engineering report, "Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s" (https://www.nap.edu/catalog/26141/pathways-to-discovery-in-astronomy-and-astrophysics-for-the-2020s) for 1) a large Infrared/Optical/Ultraviolet space mission to search for biosignatures from nearby exoplanets and to perform transformative astrophysics investigations, 2) a large Far Infrared mission, and 3) a large X-ray mission.

The science gaps worksheet resulting from the Precursor Science Workshops and the community surveys has been posted under other documents on the NSPIRES page for D.16 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science and Section 1.2 of the text has been updated accordingly. New text is in bold and deleted text is struck through. The due dates remain unchanged: Mandatory NOIs are due March 29, 2024, and proposals are due April 26, 2024.

Questions concerning D.16 ADSPS may be directed to Doris Daou at Doris.Daou@nasa.gov.

D.16 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7bA621FB7D-1D57-40F9-FE89-70107E303940%7d&path=&method=init

Updated Science Gap Worksheet: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=983933/solicitationId=%7BA621FB7D-1D57-40F9-FE89-70107E303940%7D/viewSolicitationDocument=1/D.16%20ADSPS%20GAP_list_collated_2024.pdf

---

6. NASA ROSES: Change to ROSES-2024 Astrophysics Data Analysis Program (ADAP)

Change to ADAP

The Astrophysics Data Analysis Program (ADAP) provides support for investigations whose focus is on the analysis of archival data from NASA space astrophysics missions. Starting new in 2024, in lieu of a detailed budget, only a single page budget justification is requested, and no NSPIRES-based budget is required. Proposals instead identify the cost cap as either small (<$125,000/year), medium (<$200,000/year), or large (>$200,000/year). We hope that this change reduces the effort required to assemble an ADAP proposal, especially for first-time investigators or those at smaller institutions. For any questions about this change or the ADAP program overall, please contact the ADAP Program Officer Joshua Pepper at joshua.a.pepper@nasa.gov.

NASA ROSES 2024 D.2 Astrophysics Data Analysis (NNH24ZDA001N-ADAP): https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={3C497801-DB33-9F39-7636-1208E074A711}&path=&method=init

---

7. Cross-PAG Time-Domain and MultiMessenger (TDAMM) SIG Meeting (March 1, 2024; 2pm EST/11am PST)

The first virtual meeting of the Cross-PAG Time-Domain and MultiMessenger (TDAMM) SIG will be on Friday March 1, 2024 at 2pm EST. We will begin our ~monthly virtual series with a discussion on the specific TDAMM recommendations to NASA from Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s with a relevant individual from the Decadal. This will be followed with a broader discussion on this topic as well as the goals of TDAMM SIG in general. The specific details for this meeting and those in the future will be announced over the TDAMM SIG mailing list, which you can sign up for at this address https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/sigs/tdamm-sig/tdamm-sig-email-list.php.

---

8. TESS Science Conference III (July 29-August 2, 2024; Cambridge MA; Abstract deadline April 12, 2024)

"Hi all,

The TESS Science conference III (TSC3; tsc.mit.edu) will take place on July 29 - August 2nd, 2024, at the Kresge Auditorium on MIT campus (Cambridge, MA, USA). TSC3 will focus on all aspects of the TESS mission, including the wide range of science done with TESS data and the increasing number of data analysis techniques developed by the TESS community.

Abstract submission for both talks and posters is now open. We welcome submissions from all institutions and career stages. Abstract submission deadline: April 12, 2024. Abstract submission form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdix7o0Na-yAmvzeSpK5F3_yqNapHDnxvud_ApjA528WR15zw/viewform

We are also seeking proposals for parallel sessions, which can focus on any aspect of the mission. Parallel Session proposal deadline:March 15, 2024. Form for TSC3 parallel session proposals: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQ0Ky0TKCcf_o2OJffVjjMpiP8CgpKhWW7kEaOQ1F93mVz4g/viewform

Anyone who might require financial support to attend the conference can apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKt_p4lSTSq-Rxs8EyNCBYrNR3ouB0z58kQepu5s2A9MwnsA/viewform

Note that funding for financial support is expected to be limited and we do not expect to be able to provide funding for all applicants. Financial support request deadline: March 29, 2024.

Please distribute this message to your local and professional communities.

For any questions: tsc3@mit.edu.

Avi Shporer,

On behalf of the SOC and LOC"

---

9. Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Meeting (June 12-13, 2024; Ithaca NY/Virtual)

Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Meeting
June 12–13, 2024
Ithaca, NY/Virtual
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/meetings/jun2024/

The next OPAG meeting is scheduled for June 12–13, 2024, in Ithaca, New York at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CCAPS). The meeting will include opportunities for virtual participation. More information will be posted on the website soon.

Meeting Portal Updates: We have modified the meeting portal to follow best practices that support inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We encourage you to log into the meeting portal to update your profile information. From the meeting portal home page, click Edit Profile.

1. REMINDER: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG; Nomination Deadline MOVED TO February 9, 2024)

To: Astrophysics and Planetary Science Community
From: Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Date: November 1, 2023
Subject: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee 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). In the coming months, NASA anticipates making several new appointments to the ExoPAG EC, replacing three current members of the committee who have reached the end of their appointments. New appointments will start in the Spring of 2024 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, including providing community input to the Great Observatory Mission and Technology Maturation Program (GOMAP) for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory. 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. 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 should be submitted via email to the address: hannah.jang-condell@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, commitment to NASA’s core value of inclusion, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who reside 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. The deadline for nominations has been moved to February 9, 2024, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2024. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

Sincerely,
Dr. Hannah Jang-Condell, NASA Headquarters
Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist, ExoPAG Executive Secretary

---

2. SAVE THE DATE: ExoPAG 30 (May 5, 2024; Providence, RI @ AbSciCon)

The next ExoPAG meeting (ExoPAG 30) will be held as a splinter session at AbSciCon (https://www.agu.org/abscicon) in Providence, RI - tentatively set for May 5, 2024.

---

3. Announcing the Fourth Cohort of the Exoplanet Explorers Program and New ExoGuides - First ExoExplorers Presentations February 16th, 2024 (2-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)

The ExoPAG is pleased to announce the fourth cohort of the Exoplanet Explorers Program (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers/) and a new set of ExoGuides (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/exoexplorers-exoguides/)

The Exoplanet Explorers (ExoExplorers) Science Series, sponsored by the ExoPAG Executive Committee and by NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program, aims to enable the professional development of a cohort of graduate students and postdocs (“ExoExplorers”) in exoplanet research. Each member of the cohort will have the opportunity to give a live webinar presentation on their research to the exoplanet community and interact with established exoplanet researchers in the field (our “ExoGuides”) via a combination of tailored presentations and small group discussions.

ExoExplorer science presentations will be live and open to the entire exoplanet community. The first set of ExoExplorer talks will take place this Friday, February 16th, from 11-12 PM Pacific / 2-3 PM Eastern and will feature:

Fuda Nguyen [University of Arizona LPL]
“Latitude-dependent Atmospheric Waves and Long-period Modulations in Luhman 16 B from the Longest Lightcurve of an Extrasolar World”

&

Garrett Levine [Yale University]
“Atmospheric Outflow Variability of Extrasolar Planets”

Connection information will be available on our website and via our mailing list, which you can sign up for on the website: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exoexplorers/

Future Talks will take place on the dates below, always from 11a-12p Pacific time:

March 8 : Lili Alderson [University of Bristol] & Alex Polanski [University of Kansas]

April 12 : Daniel Yahalomi [Columbia University] & James Mang [UT Austin]

May 17 : Michaela Leung [UC Riverside] & Galen Bergsten [University of Arizona LPL]

June 14 : Zahra Ahmed [Stanford University] & Maria Vincent [University of Hawaii at Manoa]

---

4. ExoPAG 29 Presentations Posted

Presentations from ExoPAG 29 held January 6-7, 2024 in New Orleans are posted at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag29/exopag29-program/. Most presentations are already posted however a few additional ones will be posted later.

---

5. 2024 Exoplanet Summer Program at the Other Worlds Laboratory (July 8-26, 2024; UC Santa Cruz)

The Other Worlds Laboratory (OWL) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) announces the sixth Exoplanet Summer Program (ESP), from July 8-26, 2024. Within the program we wish to foster new and existing research collaborations by outstanding visitors, with stays of 1 to 3 weeks.

https://owl.ucsc.edu/summer/

Program: The purpose of the program is to allow visitors to generate new ideas, nurture existing research projects and collaborations, and foster new ones. There is no theme or focus area -- in this fast-moving exoplanets field we want the participants to drive the discussion and work on areas they feel is most pressing and exciting. The ESP program is modest in terms of planned activities, besides a daily coffee and a seminar with active discussion. It is not a conference, and is mostly unstructured. It is a workshop to imagine and make progress on new ideas. Participants can expect access to shared offices on campus, discussion common areas, and of course immersion in Santa Cruz’s natural beauty.

Eligibility: Faculty, researchers, postdocs, and PhD students at any level are invited to apply. Travel, housing, and food expenses can be reimbursed for some participants, with a focus on early career researchers. We are particularly interested in supporting researchers from backgrounds and from regions of the world that are underrepresented in exoplanetary sciences today.

Apply: Applications will be accepted from Feb 1 - March 1, via a google form at https://owl.ucsc.edu/summer/.

Applicants should upload a single PDF that includes:

• A 2-page (max) description of the science that you would like to accomplish while in Santa Cruz, the proposed dates of your stay, and the science connections that you see with faculty, researchers, or students within the OWL.
• A CV of up to 2 pages.
• Graduate students should also include a brief supporting letter from their PhD advisor acknowledging that they are aware that the student is applying to the program.

The current roster of planetary investigators and research at UC Santa Cruz can be found at https://owl.ucsc.edu/. We particularly welcome joint applications by small groups wishing to work together on projects, although each individual person should apply.

Information: UC Santa Cruz has a campus vaccination requirement for COVID-19. Organized group activities will either outside or will be in a large lecture hall, for ample social distancing, as needed. We will make future appropriate COVID-related safety decisions based on the state of COVID in July 2024.

On-campus housing is available for OWL Summer visitors. Please contact OWL by e-mail at owlsummer2024@gmail.com, with additional questions about the OWL program. Additional information will also be available online once the google form is posted.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Fortney, OWL Director

1. Job Ad: Program Manager, Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP)

Be the Program Manager for the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program Office (ExEP) (7300) and report institutionally to the Director for Astronomy and Physics (7000) and programmatically to the NASA Astrophysics Division Director.

Will have specific responsibility for the ExEP oversight, including the Program Chief Technologist, Program Scientist, Supporting Research and Technology Development, Program Engineering Office, the NN-EXPLORE Project, the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, Extreme Precision Radial Velocity Program, the High-Resolution Imaging Project and Communications and Public Engagement.

Conduct reviews such as the annual State of the Program, Quarterly Reviews, scientific, technical and programmatic, and create and present reports as required.

Develop an annual PPBE funding submission, along with the Program Business Manager, and present it to the NASA Astrophysics Division Executives. Approve Planning, Programming, Budget & Execution (PPBE) submissions from all Program tasks/activities, and integrate the planning and execution of individual projects/activities into a coherent approach at the Program level.

Oversee the business activities related to cost estimating, funding, task order management, subcontract management, Interdivisional Authorization (IA) management, accounting, and financial planning for JPL projects and tasks within the Program.

Plan, monitor, and control authorized Program resources; allocate budget to projects/activities and control Program changes within the scope of the Program Plan.

Provide management, direction and oversight to multifunctional organization(s) through managers and/or high-level staff positions that have budget, planning and/or staffing accountability. Will have overall responsibility for developing and administering budgets, schedules and performance standards.

Serve as the principal interface with the NASA Astrophysics Division, and represent the Laboratory to NASA Headquarters, other NASA Centers, industry, academia and institutions on matters pertaining to the Program.

Be responsible for representing NASA and JPL in all aspects of managing the Program, which includes interacting with JPL and NASA executive management, overseeing all aspects of the formulation and implementation of the ExEP projects, planning and allocating budgets and in preparation of annual funding requests across the full scope of the Program, integrating the planning of the Program’s technical implementation, integrating cross-center activities, and assessing and reporting Program progress.

Support and respond to the NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team (START) and Technical Advisory Group (TAG) as needed. HWO is a concept for a NASA flagship mission, as recommended by the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey and the START/TAG will guide maturation activities for the HWO.

and many more!

For further details on required and preferred qualifications see the job ad website: https://www.jpl.jobs/job/R4877/Program-Manager-VI-Exoplanet-Exploration-Program-Office-7300

(also on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/program-manager-vi-exoplanet-exploration-program-office-7300-at-nasa-jet-propulsion-laboratory-3796732942/ )

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

EEO is the Law Supplement: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control/.

[Note that job ads are only posted to ExoPAG email list that directly support ExEP activities at NASA HQ or program office at JPL.]

---

2. Job Ad: Opening for NASA Program Scientist IPA Astrophysics Division

NASA seeks one or more visiting Ph.D.-level scientists to serve as visiting Program Scientists in the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. With a budget of over $1 billion annually, the Division is responsible for the nation’s space-based astrophysics program.

NASA Program Scientists have broad responsibility for developing and maintaining scientific research grants programs; serving as the Headquarters science lead for one or more missions; actualizing the Science Mission Directorate’s core value of inclusion; and implementing NASA’s strategic investments for the next decade, guided by the 2020 Decadal Survey. They have substantial influence over high-level strategic planning, as well as over shaping the long-term scientific direction of missions and programs that they oversee. These visiting appointments, which last two years with renewals up to six years, offer a tremendous opportunity to gain insight into Federal astrophysics policy and programs, to better understand the proposal review process, and to run scientific programs with multimillion-dollar budgets.

The time spent at NASA Headquarters allows visiting scientists excellent career growth: some return to their home institutions to continue academic research, while others move on to management and leadership positions in the Federal government, academia, at observatories, or in the non-profit sector. Training and mentoring programs are available, on both a formal and informal basis, which further enables our visiting scientists to advance their careers. NASA also offers its visiting scientists regular travel back to their home institutions.

Program Scientists in the Astrophysics Division have at least 6 years of post-terminal degree experience. The ideal candidate will be skilled at working in a collaborative and inclusive team environment; able to adapt to work simultaneously on numerous programs and missions; committed to working on issues of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility; and able to foster productive relationships with staff working on the space missions they oversee and with the US and international astrophysics community at large. Disciplinary expertise in one or more areas of the Division’s program (e.g., Laboratory astrophysics theory and experimentation, astrophysics data analysis, space telescope technology and instrument development) is essential, but the ability to place this knowledge in the broad context of US astrophysics is equally important for the success of the Division’s activities.

Visiting appointments are most often filled via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) which requires current employment with an eligible US institution for at least 90 days at the time of appointment. Individual research time while serving as a visiting scientist is negotiable. Positions are available to start as early as Spring 2024, though the start date is negotiable within the calendar year. The position requires onsite work at least periodically at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. Applicants should email a curriculum vitae and cover letter as a single PDF file to hq-astrophysics-ipasearch@mail.nasa.gov. Applications will be accepted through February 9, 2024, and will be reviewed as they are received. For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Valerie Connaughton at Valerie.connaughton@nasa.gov.

• Application Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024
• Selection: Expected April 2024

[Note that job ads are only posted to ExoPAG email list that directly support ExEP activities at NASA HQ or program office at JPL.]

---

3. REMINDER: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG; Nomination Deadline January 31, 2024)

“To: Astrophysics and Planetary Science Community
From: Astrophysics Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters
Date: November 1, 2023
Subject: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee 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). In the coming months, NASA anticipates making several new appointments to the ExoPAG EC, replacing three current members of the committee who have reached the end of their appointments. New appointments will start in the Spring of 2024 and will be for a period of three years.

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP, http://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, including providing community input to the Great Observatory Mission and Technology Maturation Program (GOMAP) for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory. 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. 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 should be submitted via email to the address: hannah.jang-condell@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, commitment to NASA’s core value of inclusion, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who reside 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. The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2024, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2024. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

Sincerely,

Dr. Hannah Jang-Condell, NASA Headquarters
Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist, ExoPAG Executive Secretary”

---

4. REMINDER: Request for Community Input for Update of Provisional ExEP Target Star List for Habitable Worlds Observatory (Deadline for Submitting Input: January 19, 2024)

In response to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommendation that "NASA should embark on a program to realize a mission to search for biosignatures from a robust number of about ~25 habitable zone planets and to be a transformative facility for general astrophysics", the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) posted in January 2023 the "NASA ExEP Mission Star List for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (2023)". The preliminary target list was of "~160 stars whose exo-Earths would be the most accessible for a systematic imaging survey of habitable zones with a 6-m-class space telescope in terms of angular separation, planet brightness in reflected light, and planet-star brightness ratio."

The goal of this document and associated data table was to provide the community with a provisional sample of stars which are most likely (given current knowledge) to constitute target stars for the exo-Earth survey of the future Habitable Worlds Observatory. It is hoped that by making this list publicly available that it will motivate community observations and analysis of these nearby stars, which can improve our knowledge of these stars and their companions, improving the fidelity of exoplanet science yield simulations to inform observatory design trade studies and reduce mission risk (“precursor science”), and eventually to inform the final target list and knowledge of these systems in anticipation of the mission itself (“preparatory science”).

It was anticipated that this preliminary target list and its data columns and documentation would be regularly updated as needed.

We have seen significant community uptake of this list in the form of proposals to observe the targets, mentions in published papers and conference presentations, etc. and thus we want to take the opportunity to improve the list and the contents of the target star table in a timely manner.

ExEP is planning to update the data table and documentation and release an updated 2024 version in anticipation of the ROSES ADSPS proposal deadlines early next year.

The ExEP program scientists are seeking community input on:

1. suggested additions or changes to the target star data table (i.e., stellar parameters/values), and
2. suggested changes to the target selection criteria

Any suggestions for changing the star list should be in the form of criteria that can be applied systematically given the available stellar parameters, or perhaps pointing out any errors/typos in the table’s data such that the criteria enumerated may have been applied incorrectly (leading to erroneous inclusion or exclusion of a star from the list).

Please email your input to Eric Mamajek (mamajek@jpl.nasa.gov) and Karl Stapelfeldt (karl.r.stapelfeldt@jpl.nasa.gov) by January 19, 2024.

Links:

• NASA ExEP Mission Star List for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (2023) documentation: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2645_NASA_ExEP_Target_List_HWO_Documentation_2023.pdf
• Data table at NASA Exoplanet Archive: https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/cgi-bin/TblView/nph-tblView?app=ExoTbls&config=DI_STARS_EXEP
• March 2023 Community Seminar Slides: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2675/TargetListSeminar_HWO_202303.pdf

---

5. Sign Up for Joining Working Groups for Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO)!

The Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team (START) and Technical Assessment Group (TAG) are guiding the maturation of the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

The Science, Technology, Architecture Review Team (START) is tasked with:

• Quantify HWO’s science objectives using Astro2020’s guidance
• Outline the observatory and instrument capabilities needed to accomplish those goals.
• Develop the science goals and objectives portions of the Science Traceability Matrix.
• Assess the fidelity of models needed in the future to execute future trades.

The Technical Assessment Group (TAG) is tasked with:

• Study architecture options.
• Identify and assess the mission architectures and technologies needed to enable those options.
• Evaluate the risks associated with those options

The START and TAG have recently organized several working groups on science, technology, and engineering associated with HWO and are now seeking community co-chairs and working group members from across the community.

NOW is an excellent time to sign up to get involved with the new HWO Working Groups!

• Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join working groups!
• See the HWO website for descriptions of each working group: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/start-tag/#working-groups
• Fill out the application form (link on HWO website).
• Contact the GIG if you have any questions
• Application Components:
• Name
• Institution (“self” is fine for those without formal affiliations)
• Career Stage (early career researchers are encouraged to apply!)
• Citizenship (required only for subgroups dealing with ITAR/EAR material)
• Check boxes of groups you would like to join or co-chair NASA GOMAP Website
• For potential co-chairs:
• Blurb about interest and research background
• Summary of leadership experience

There is a Code of Conduct & Reporting Protocol for GOMAP-HWO activities, and all participants must adhere to the NASA Astrophysics Statement of Principles, which includes the AAS Code of Ethics.

To subscribe to the HWO News mailing list, see instructions at: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/start-tag/

Sincerely,

The GOMAP Integration Team (GIG):
Courtney Dressing & John O’Meara (START co-chairs)
Bertrand Mennesson & Aki Roberge (TAG science co-chairs)
Lee Feinberg & John Ziemer (TAG engineering co-chairs)
Julie Crooke, Megan Ansdell, & Josh Pepper (NASA HQ - GOMAP)”

NOTE: For further information, see the slides from the ExoPAG 29 presentation "The Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates & Opportunities for Community Involvement" by START co-chair Courtney Dressing: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2939/ExoPAG29-Jan0724_1010_Dressing.pdf

---

6. Roman Virtual Lecture Series

“The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope monthly virtual lecture series is run jointly by JPL, IPAC, Goddard, and STScI. These talks are open to the entire astronomy community and cover science, engineering, and technology related to the Roman mission. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Talks are ~20 minutes with ~10 minutes for Q/A, and are scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of each month from 1-1:30 pm Pacific / 4-4:30 pm Eastern.

Please contact Rob Zellem at JPL (Robert.T.Zellem@jpl.nasa.gov) and/or Marie Ygouf (marie.ygouf@jpl.nasa.gov) if you are interested in giving a talk on work related to the Roman Space Telescope.

To receive monthly lecture announcements and webinar connection information, please subscribe to this mailing list: https://lists.ipac.caltech.edu/mailman/listinfo/roman_announce

You can find the upcoming talk schedule and recordings of previous talks here: https://roman.ipac.caltech.edu/Lectures.html

Please feel free to forward at your own institution!

This is the way,
Marie and Rob

Dr. Marie Ygouf – Scientist – Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Exoplanet Discovery and Science Group (3262)
Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Project Science Team
JWST NIRCam Science Team
Exoplanet Explorers Science Series Organizing Committee”

1. AAS243: ExoPAG 29 (January 6-7, 2024), Joint PAG Meeting (January 7, 2024), NASA Town Hall (January 8, 2024)

ExoPAG 29 and other NASA PAG events at AAS243 in New Orleans

Saturday, January 6, 2024
9:00am-4:55pm CST:
ExoPAG 29 Day #1
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, Quarterdeck Ballroom, 2 Poydras Street
Agenda: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag29/exopag29-program/

Sunday, January 7, 2024
9:00am-12:30pm CST:
ExoPAG 29 Day #2 + business meeting
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, Quarterdeck Ballroom, 2 Poydras Street
Agenda: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag29/exopag29-program/

The registration link is now closed (badges have been printed), however new badges can be made on site for attendees.

Join the ExoPAG Slack Channel! https://join.slack.com/t/exo-pag/shared_invite/zt-28w9f999h-ahXWtuxPlylfVvGULGiItgWe welcome additional community participation via slack.

Other NASA Program Analysis Group events going on

Sunday, January 7, 2024 at AAS243:

9:00am-1:00pm CST:
NASA Physics of the Cosmos Program Analysis Group (PhysPAG) Meeting
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 243
Agenda: https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/physpag/meetings/AAS_Jan2024/AAS2024-Schedule.php

9:00am-1:00pm CST:
NASA Cosmic Origins Program Analysis Group (COPAG) Meeting
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 244/245
Agenda: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/meetings/AAS_Jan2024/AAS2024-Schedule.php

2:00pm-3:00pm CST:
Time-Domain and Multimessenger Science Interest Group (TDAMM SIG)<
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 244/245
Agenda: https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/news/2023/TDAMM_SIG_Kickoff_at_AAS2024.php
(see news item #2 below for more information on TDAMM SIG)

3:00pm-5:00pm CST:
Joint PAG Meeting (ExoPAG + PhysPAG + COPAG)
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 244/245
Connection: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/copag/meetings/AAS_Jan2024/AAS2024-Agenda-JointPAG.php

Agenda for Joint PAG Meeting:

3:00pm-3:45pm: Opening Remarks: Mark Clampin & PAG EC Chairs
3:45pm-4:00pm: AWESOM SAG (Ryan Hickox) and New Great Observatories SAG (Grant Trembley)
4:00pm-4:15pm: Prepared Questions (Moderator: Peter Kurczynski)
4:15pm-5:00pm: Open Q&A (ask a question; Moderator: Peter Kurczynski)

Monday, January 8, 2024
NASA Town Hall
12:45pm-1:45pm CST
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Great Hall A

---

2. AAS243: TDAMM SIG Kickoff Session (January 7, 2024, 2pm-3pm CST)

The Time-Domain and Multimessenger Science Interest Group (TDAMM SIG) is starting up! The TDAMM SIG is taking a broad and inclusive view on the scope of this key Decadal recommendation. The chairs include Eric Burns and Rebekah Hounsell from PhysPAG, Brad Cenko from COPAG, and Ian Crossfield from ExoPAG.

The goals of TDAMM SIG include building and organizing the NASA-relevant TDAMM community, highlighting science gaps and needs from NASA, identifying specific analyses which may inform programmatic decisions, and fostering discussion between NASA and the community. The details and terms of reference are available on the TDAMM SIG webpage. The webpage also contains the instructions to sign up for the mailing list, which will be the main communication mode for SIG members.

The kickoff meeting will be on Sunday 7 January 2024 from 2pm to 3pm Central at the 243rd Meeting of the AAS in New Orleans. You are welcome to complete a brief questionnaire that will inform the discussion at the kickoff meeting!

TDAMM SIG: https://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/sigs/tdamm-sig.php

Questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6VkFKPEeVPiFEF8PiVLdSee09qEJWiAnPEQ9lfSMTxXN4OA/viewform

---

3. AAS243: Two Astronomy on Tap Events (January 6 & 9, 2024; New Orleans)

"Two Astronomy on Tap events at AAS 243 in New Orleans

The international phenomenon of Astronomy on Tap (https://astronomyontap.org/) public outreach is excited to announce two events in New Orleans during AAS 243! Whether you'd like to learn from your colleagues, interact with the public informally (we'll help!), or learn how to launch your own satellite, these events are not to be missed.

Saturday, January 6, 7-9 pm: AoT + PhysCOS/COR Warm-Up at Howlin' Wolf:
https://astronomyontap.org/event/aot-physcos-cor-warm-up-to-aas-243-event/
Venue: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Tuesday, January 9, 7-10 pm: AoT All-Stars Krewe (ASK) at Republic NOLA (FREE registration required):
Attendees must register for FREE tickets on Eventbrite and acknowledge that the AAS disclaims all responsibility and liability for the event.
Venue: Republic NOLA, 828 S. Peters Street, New Orleans, 70130
https://astronomyontap.org/event/aot-all-stars-krewe-at-aas-243/
Free registration/RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/astronomy-on-tap-all-stars-krewe-tickets-779690062967

Both venues are very close to the convention center and will have food available for purchase. Note that we expect attendees to abide by the AAS code of ethics and anti-harassment policy even for these off-site events.

See email for attached QR codes for the two events on the AoT HQ website and one for the AoT ASK Eventbrite registration link (with the ticket icon). Did you know you can save these to your mobile device and tap them to open the link?! Technology!

Hope to see you in NOLA!

Emily Rice, She/her, Associate Professor, Macaulay Honors College
CEO, STARtorialist, Inc., HQ, Astronomy on Tap"

---

4. Sign Up for NASA Exoplanet Archive Updates

If you'd like to receive timely updates about the NASA Exoplanet Archive's data releases, new services, and service updates, we invite you to use any of several methods to stay in touch at: https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/connect.html

---

5. SMD Inclusion Plan Requirements Town Hall (February 20, 2024, 3:00-4:30pm EST)

SMD Inclusion Plan Requirements Town Hall
February 20, 2024, 3:00 - 4:30pm Eastern Time

On February 20, 2024, starting at 3 PM Eastern, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Inclusion Plan Community of Practice will host a webinar to discuss requirements for and evaluation of Inclusion Plans in ROSES-2024. Inclusion, defined as the full participation, belonging, and contribution of organizations and individuals, is a core NASA value and SMD has been piloting the addition of Inclusion Plans for some program elements in Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES). At their core, Inclusion Plans are designed to raise awareness of barriers to creating and sustaining positive, inclusive working environments and to get proposers actively thinking about ways to foster diverse and inclusive practices for their research and mission teams.

Starting in ROSES-2023, Inclusion Plan requirements were standardized for all participating program elements. Beginning in ROSES-2024, the evaluation processes for these plans has also been standardized. The webinar will (1) discuss the motivation and goals of Inclusion Plans, (2) describe Inclusion Plan requirements and how they differ from previous years, and (3) discuss how Inclusion Plans will be evaluated.

In advance of the webinar, questions may be submitted and upvoted on at: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/ceeq/#!/dashboard

For more resources for Inclusion Plans, please visit: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/inclusion

The webinar will be broadcast live via WebEx. Connection details follow:

Join from the webinar link:
https://nasaenterprise.webex.com/nasaenterprise/j.php?MTID=m1cf2abd210b74467dacd39fdbfe06038

Join by the webinar number:
Webinar number: 2760 659 2964
Webinar password: aTpACZi2*26 (28722942 from phones and video systems)

Join by phone:
+1-929-251-9612 United States Toll (New York City)
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
Access code: 276 065 92964

---

6. TESS General Investigator Program (Phase-1 proposals due March 21, 2024)

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) General Investigator (GI) Program solicits proposals for the acquisition and analysis of scientific data from the TESS mission. The primary purpose of the TESS GI Program is to enhance and maximize the science return from TESS.

ROSES-2023 Amendment 75 releases final text and due date for D.10 TESS General Investigator (GI), which had been listed as "TBD". Phase-1 proposals are due by 4:30 pm Eastern time on March 21, 2024, via the Astrophysics Research Knowledgebase Remote Proposal System.

On or about December 22, 2023, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2023" (NNH23ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2023 and will appear on SARA's ROSES blog at:https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2023/

Technical questions concerning D.10 TESS GI may be directed to Christina Hedges at christina.l.hedges@nasa.gov. Programmatic information may be obtained from Hannah Jang-Condell at hannah.jang-condell@nasa.gov.

ROSES Website for D.10 TESS General Investigator - Cycle 7:

https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7b574AD906-1C28-5997-FEBF-2D3B9195A548%7d&path=&method=init

---

7. REMINDER: AbSciCon 2024 (May 5-10, 2024; Abstract Deadline January 10, 2024)

Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon)
May 5-10, 2024
Providence, Rhode Island
https://www.agu.org/abscicon

AbSciCon unifies the astrobiology community every two years to share the latest research, collaborate and connect scientists from different parts of the world, and plan for the future of astrobiology. AbSciCon welcomes a diverse community of scientists, students, journalists, policymakers, educators and organizations who are fervent about global collaborations and partnerships. We want your expertise to create a strong scientific program. Submit today!

Abstracts are open through January 10, 2024

Download the AbSciCon 2024 Word template or LaTeX template to prepare your abstract:https://www.agu.org/AbSciCon/pages/present/abstracts

There is no specific word count limit for the abstract, but the total length should not exceed 1 page, single sided. Submit your abstract through the abstract submission site by the deadline of 10 January 2024 (23:59 EST/03:59 +1 GMT).

---

8. Opening for NASA Program Scientist IPA Astrophysics Division

NASA seeks one or more visiting Ph.D.-level scientists to serve as visiting Program Scientists in the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. With a budget of over $1 billion annually, the Division is responsible for the nation’s space-based astrophysics program.

NASA Program Scientists have broad responsibility for developing and maintaining scientific research grants programs; serving as the Headquarters science lead for one or more missions; actualizing the Science Mission Directorate’s core value of inclusion; and implementing NASA’s strategic investments for the next decade, guided by the 2020 Decadal Survey. They have substantial influence over high-level strategic planning, as well as over shaping the long-term scientific direction of missions and programs that they oversee. These visiting appointments, which last two years with renewals up to six years, offer a tremendous opportunity to gain insight into Federal astrophysics policy and programs, to better understand the proposal review process, and to run scientific programs with multimillion-dollar budgets.

The time spent at NASA Headquarters allows visiting scientists excellent career growth: some return to their home institutions to continue academic research, while others move on to management and leadership positions in the Federal government, academia, at observatories, or in the non-profit sector. Training and mentoring programs are available, on both a formal and informal basis, which further enables our visiting scientists to advance their careers. NASA also offers its visiting scientists regular travel back to their home institutions.

Program Scientists in the Astrophysics Division have at least 6 years of post-terminal degree experience. The ideal candidate will be skilled at working in a collaborative and inclusive team environment; able to adapt to work simultaneously on numerous programs and missions; committed to working on issues of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility; and able to foster productive relationships with staff working on the space missions they oversee and with the US and international astrophysics community at large. Disciplinary expertise in one or more areas of the Division’s program (e.g., Laboratory astrophysics theory and experimentation, astrophysics data analysis, space telescope technology and instrument development) is essential, but the ability to place this knowledge in the broad context of US astrophysics is equally important for the success of the Division’s activities.

Visiting appointments are most often filled via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) which requires current employment with an eligible US institution for at least 90 days at the time of appointment. Individual research time while serving as a visiting scientist is negotiable. Positions are available to start as early as Spring 2024, though the start date is negotiable within the calendar year. The position requires onsite work at least periodically at NASA’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. Applicants should email a curriculum vitae and cover letter as a single PDF file to hq-astrophysics-ipasearch@mail.nasa.gov. Applications will be accepted through February 9, 2024, and will be reviewed as they are received. For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Valerie Connaughton at Valerie.connaughton@nasa.gov.

Application Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024

Selection: Expected April 2024

---

9. REMINDER: SEEC Symposium “Pathways to Characterizing Non-Transiting Planets” (April 15-19, 2024, GSFC; Abstract deadline January 19, 2024)

Abstract submission for the upcoming “Pathways to Characterizing Non-Transiting Planets” conference is currently open (https://forms.gle/QaKUyfJVP4pQroVo6) and the due date for abstracts is January 19th, 2024. The following are the conference focus topics:

• Observations of Nearby Non-Transiting Planets: Phase Curves, Radial Velocity, Astrometry, Direct Imaging
• Demographics of Non-Transiting Planet Population: Microlensing, Radial Velocity, Astrometry
• Characterization: Planetary Parameters, Atmospheres, and System Architectures Using Space-based and Ground-based Approaches
• Theory and Modeling of Non-Transiting Planets
• Science Priorities, Technology Gaps, Instruments and Missions

The conference will be held from April 15 – 19, 2024 at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. It will be hosted jointly by NASA Goddard’s Sellers Exoplanet Environments Collaboration (SEEC) and University of Maryland College Park Department of Astronomy. The conference website is below:

https://seec.gsfc.nasa.gov/News_and_Events/SEEC_Symposium_2024.html

---

10. Gemini Observatory Strategic Plan Survey

We would like to request your participation in a survey regarding the International Gemini Observatory’s strategic plan for the coming decade. This survey is intended for any member of the astronomical community, including students and scientists at all career stages, and both frequent Gemini users and those who have never used Gemini.

The upcoming formulation of Gemini’s Strategic Vision will require us to plan for the 2030s and anticipate the needs of our community in the next decade. This process is a chance to set a path for building the capabilities, priorities, and community of Gemini in the next decade and beyond. For those attending AAS 243 in New Orleans, you can learn more about Gemini’s strategic vision and future plans at our splinter session or by stopping by our booth.

The questions are designed to solicit your opinions on Gemini’s role in overlapping or complementary science with upcoming facilities, the next big instrumentation project(s) that Gemini should undertake, other areas of potential Gemini infrastructure development (data reduction, scheduling, proposals, etc.), how Gemini can better engage with its user community, and how it can better serve diverse and under-represented communities — including both astronomers and the general public. General comments are also greatly appreciated.

The survey (linked here) will be open until 15 February 2024. Thank you very much for your feedback!

Note for AAS243: Gemini Splinter Session: “Introduction to Gemini Observatory in the 2020s: How to Propose for Time and Complete your Program” (Agenda),

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 10:00 - 11:30 am. New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 216