ExoPAG Overview

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

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

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

Dear Colleagues:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The March speakers are:

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

and

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

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

• Meeting ID: 882 6096 2807
• Passcode: 697257

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025B NASA Keck Call for Proposals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workshop Description:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conveners:

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

Keynote:

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

Full session description:

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

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

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

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

Rational

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

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

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

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

Contact: eprv6@iastro.pt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Dear Colleagues,

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

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

Key Topics Include:

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

Important Dates:

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

Webpage: exohost2025.ut.ee

Email: exohost@ut.ee

We look forward to welcoming you to Tartu!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For inquiries email exoplanets6@iastro.pt.

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

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

1. Updated ExEP Science Gap List (2025)

The ExEP Science Gap List (SGL) identifies science investigations that would advance NASA's exoplanet exploration goals, including the definition of future missions and maximizing the science return of missions currently operating. A new 2025 version of the SGL has been prepared by the ExEP Program Scientists and is now available for download at the link below.

ExEP Program Science page (home to latest ExEP Science Plan documents): https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/science-overview/

ExEP Science Gap List 2025:

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/3193/ExEP_Science_Gap_List_2025.pdf

Summary of changes since last version:

• Updates to the 16 science gaps from the 2023 document
• One additional science gap has been added:
  • SCI-17: Understanding planet formation and disk properties
• Gap SCI-10 has revised title "Observations and analyses of direct imaging targets"
• Gap SCI-16 on biosignatures (which was new in 2023 edition) has been re-written

We thank the many members of the community and the ExoPAG Executive Committee for their thoughtful inputs which helped improve this document over the prior version.

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2. Community Interest Survey for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Coronagraph Instrument (due March 1, 2025)

The Coronagraph Instrument onboard the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will conduct an Observation Phase encompassing 90 days within the first 18 months of the mission. This time will be used for both technology and science demonstrations with coronagraph performance expected to surpass the required contrast of 10^-7 in the optical with the potential to image planets in reflected light, exozodiacal light at optical wavelengths and serve as an important pathfinder for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. The Observation Phase will be allocated by the Coronagraph Community Participation Program (CPP; D.14 Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Research and Support Participation Opportunities) to maximize the long-term science and technical value of the Coronagraph Instrument. The CPP requests community feedback and input on the options and strategies under consideration via a Community Interest Survey available now through March 1st:

Community Interest Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTjJzA8OjhIQEPpFp-su4izXcTFPr9hhZ5sB8MfJ5r-5FSwQ/viewform

A summary of the capabilities and observing scenarios to assist in completion of the survey is available in the Roman Coronagraph Primer: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T9aYqe4tgVOAr-Qrg6P-e_bKCa11PPqK0phuPlSe2hE/preview?tab=t.0#heading=h.nj23sjpj5u97

We look forward to hearing your feedback.

On behalf of the Coronagraph Community Participation Program with support from Nancy Grace Roman Telescope’s Project Science Team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Science Support Center (SSC) at IPAC, and the Science Operations Center (SOC) at STScI.

D.14 Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Research and Support Participation Opportunities: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7b13570A2B-EE5C-553E-B73A-6312B84CFDAA%7d&path=&method=init

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3. Corrections to D.21 U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science

D.21 U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science (US-CAPS) was established to solicit proposals from the US community for investigations that will integrate with and complement the ongoing activities of the Ariel Science Consortium

D.21 US-CAPS has been corrected in several ways: The erroneous requirement to include the table of personnel and work effort in the Total Budget has been removed from Section 3.1 and several other minor corrections were made in Section 3.2.1.4 and Table D.21-1. New text is in bold and deleted text is struck through. The proposal due date for this program remains February 20, 2025.

Questions concerning D.21 US-CAPS may be directed to Hannah Jang-Condell at Hannah.Jang-Condell@nasa.gov and Douglas Hudgins at Douglas.M.Hudgins@nasa.gov.

D.21 U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science (US-CAPS): https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7bC0A12E83-6C51-94E8-FEE4-2512E1C29EA9%7d

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4. REMINDER: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG)

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

Dear Colleagues:

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

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

Nominations for the ExoPAG EC and/or EC Chair should be submitted via email to the address: john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Cover letters should indicate whether the applicant is interested in serving on the EC or in chairing the EC (or both). Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who are employed at a U.S. institution for the period of the service. There are no citizenship restrictions. Nominations from individuals at academic institutions—university, college, or non-NASA research laboratory—are strongly encouraged. Self-nominations are welcome and treated equally as external nominations. The deadline for nominations is February 21, 2025, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2025. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

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

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

1. Letter to ExoPAG Community on California Fires and Response

"On behalf of the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program Office, I'd like to express our sincerest thanks to those that have reached out to us in our time of need. Many of our coworkers who suffered losses in the fires and/or were dealing with their immediate aftermath were unable to attend the ExoPAG 31 and AAS245 meetings in DC. The expressions of concern and willingness to help among our friends and colleagues across the country at these meetings were heartfelt, and we sincerely thank those who have contributed funds to the affected and who even filled the many vacant shifts at the ExEP and JPL Astrophysics tables at the AAS245 NASA booth. It makes me very proud to be part of this generous and supportive community.

Everyone has been affected in some way - several have lost their homes and just about all of their possessions, some had homes that were saved but many of their immediate neighbor's burned, some in the vicinity are dealing with smoke in their homes and/or no utilities. JPL was saved, with the Eaton Fire reaching close to the East gate.

The lab will begin to open on January 21st for those that need to be on site, but otherwise the rest of us will be working remotely.

With many members of the NASA ExEP family, along with friends and neighbors at JPL, IPAC/NExScI, Caltech, Palomar Observatory, and TMT in the Pasadena being affected by the recent fires in the Los Angeles area, especially the Eaton Fire that decimated Altadena, community members have asked how they can help, and while we can't advertise individual fundraising efforts through official NASA channels like this, several efforts are underway and accessible through various social media channels, and if you aren't sure, feel free to reach out to us at exopag_info@jpl.nasa.gov or to individual NASA ExEP team members, including ExEP Program Manager, Dawn Gelino (dawn.gelino@jpl.nasa.gov), and Eric Mamajek (mamajek@jpl.nasa.gov) who are tracking those who suffered losses as well as the various philanthropic efforts. We are also trying to track folks that have recently retired from JPL or were recently laid off during the rounds of layoffs in 2024. We'd like to especially acknowledge and thank our colleagues from other parts of our extended NASA astronomy family that have started fundraising efforts (e.g. gofundme) to help local staff members - especially Jason Tumlinson (STScI), Grant Tremblay (CfA), and John O’Meara (Keck Obs) who are coordinating with ExEP leadership on tracking who has been affected and needing aid. Others have offered temporary residence in rooms or homes. Thousands of other people in the area and their pets have obviously been affected as well and also need help. The effects of the fires will be with us for months and years to come, and your offers of assistance will do much to help put our community back on track.

The impacts to various events, opportunities, etc. are still being assessed. Delays in a few deadlines have already been announced and are part of this message. To summarize:

• ExoPAG EC nomination deadline has been extended to February 21, 2025.
• NASA DARES RFI white paper deadline has been extended to March 17, 2025.

Dr. Dawn M. Gelino
Manager, NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program
Jet Propulsion Laboratory"

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2. REMINDER: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) (Deadline for Nominations: postponed to February 21, 2025)

NOTE: deadline postponed to February 21, 2025

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

Dear Colleagues:

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

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

Nominations for the ExoPAG EC and/or EC Chair should be submitted via email to the address: john.p.wisniewski@nasa.gov . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. Cover letters should indicate whether the applicant is interested in serving on the EC or in chairing the EC (or both). Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who are employed at a U.S. institution for the period of the service. There are no citizenship restrictions. Nominations from individuals at academic institutions—university, college, or non-NASA research laboratory—are strongly encouraged. Self-nominations are welcome and treated equally as external nominations. The deadline for nominations is February 21, 2025, with announcement of selections anticipated in Spring of 2025. Selections will be announced by the ExoPAG mailing list (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList).

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

Sincerely,

Dr. John Wisniewski, NASA Headquarters

Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist, ExoPAG Executive Secretary"

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3. ROSES-24 Amendment 102: Due Date Delays for Several Astrophysics Programs (ARA, SAT, Pioneers, HWOTAS, EMMP, US-CAPS/Ariel Preparatory Science)

ROSES-2024 Amendment 102 delays due dates for several Astrophysics program elements:

The due date for Proposals for both D.3 Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program (APRA) and D.7 Strategic Astrophysics Technology (SAT) have been deferred to February 21, 2025.

For D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers Mandatory NOIs are now due February 14, 2025, and proposals are due April 3, 2025.

D.19 Habitable Worlds Observatory System Technology Demonstrations and Mission Architecture Studies (HWOTAS) proposals are now due March 4. 2025.

For D.20 Exoplanet Mass Measurement Program (EMMP) Mandatory NOIs are now due February 13, 2025, and proposals are due March 18, 2025.

D.21 U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science (US-CAPS) proposals are now due February 20, 2025.

On or about January 16, 2025, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2024" (NNH24ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2024

Questions concerning D.3 APRA may be directed to David C. Morris at david.c.morris@nasa.gov.

Questions concerning D.7 SAT may be directed to Dominic Benford at Dominic.Benford@nasa.gov.

Questions concerning D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers may be directed to Michael Garcia at michael.r.garcia@nasa.gov.

Questions concerning D.19 HWOTAS may be directed to Julie Crooke at Julie.A.Crooke@nasa.gov.

Questions concerning D.20 EMMP may be directed to Hannah Jang-Condell at hannah.jang-condell@nasa.gov.

Questions concerning D.21 US-CAPS may be directed to Hannah Jang-Condell at Hannah.Jang-Condell@nasa.gov and Douglas Hudgins at Douglas.M.Hudgins@nasa.gov.

NSPIRES links:

• D.3 Astrophysics Research and Analysis: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId={EE77611A-DA28-E724-A4B6-F838EF9CD1DD}
• D.7 Strategic Astrophysics Technology: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7B818D9AFA-16F8-6F4D-9895-B879EE968932%7D
• D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7B8C8C2628-3976-F04F-DC88-70706B738C94%7D
• D.19 Habitable Worlds Observatory System Technology Demonstrations and Mission Architecture Studies: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7B90F5A9B0-8948-3EBB-C15F-3A89573DB223%7D
• D.20 Exoplanet Mass Measurement Program: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7B4B711EDE-75AF-5D9D-963D-C5D15D5F9529%7D
• D.21 U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7BC0A12E83-6C51-94E8-FEE4-2512E1C29EA9%7D

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

"Dear Colleagues,

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

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

The CSIT self-nomination process is detailed in a Dear Colleague Letter that can be found on NASA’s HWO webpage: https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/astro/documents/DCL_HWO_CSIT_v9.pdf?emrc=67bed2c83011a​.

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

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

Sincerely,
Eric Smith
Astrophysics Division Director, Acting
NASA Headquarters"
NASA Habitable Worlds Observatory website: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/

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5. NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (DARES) Request for Information (RFI) (Due Date Extended to March 17, 2025)

NASA-DARES RFI: DUE DATE EXTENDED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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6. Habitable World Observatory Seminar Series (February 12, 2025, 1:00pm–2:00pm EST / 10:00am-11:00am PST)

Habitable World Observatory Seminar
12 February 2025, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET

Bertrand Mennesson
Introduction to High-Contrast Observations & Instrumentation

The various techniques used to detect and characterize exoplanets provide largely complementary physical information. In particular, direct observations of exoplanetary systems using high contrast spectro-imaging have the power to uniquely address some fundamental questions: how do planets form and evolve? How normal or unusual is the solar system architecture of planets and dust belts? What are the physicochemical characteristics of exoplanet atmospheres over a broad range of insolation levels and sizes? How common or rare are Earthlike planets orbiting sunlike stars, and how common is life on such planets?

The technical challenge of reaching the required combination of spatial resolution and dynamic range is daunting. However, there has been remarkable progress in high contrast instrumentation over the last two decades, using different approaches from the visible to the infrared, as evidenced by key technical developments at the laboratory and at telescopes, on the ground and in space. Such improvements are paving the way to NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, a mission that shall be capable of mapping out entire planetary systems around nearby stars and seeking out worlds with signs of habitability and life.

Peter Kurczynski
Shining a Light on the Ultraviolet with Habitable Worlds Observatory

The science of ultraviolet light impacts us all. The Earth's atmosphere largely protects us from the Sun's ultraviolet rays; but over eons these rays have molded the air itself into its present composition so that we can breathe. Science in the ultraviolet has always been essential to understanding our cosmic origins, from the ultraviolet catastrophe that gave birth to modern physics to the primordial ultraviolet glow of galaxies in formation. Building upon decades of investment in laboratory research and suborbital and orbital missions, NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory will explore the ultraviolet universe in unprecedented detail. It will search for signs of life on planets around distant stars. It will trace the flow of gas around nearby galaxies to understand how our Milky Way came to be. It will probe comets in our solar system to discover the necessary conditions for the formation of planet Earth. NASA funding and a vibrant community of dedicated researchers are enabling these future discoveries. Shining a light on ultraviolet science shows that the future is bright.

Connection information will be posted at: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/studies/habitable-worlds/events/seminars/02-12-Feb-2025/12-Feb-2025.php

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7. Conference "51 Peg b 30th Birthday: Cool Giant Planets & Their Systems (October 6-10, 2025, OHP, Saint Michel l'Observatoire, France)

51 Peg b 30th Birthday: Cool Giant Planets & Their Systems

Thirty years ago, the discovery of the giant exoplanet 51 Peg b revolutionised our view of the Universe and marked the start of an entire field of research. To celebrate this anniversary, we are organising the "51 Peg b 30th Birthday" conference at Haute-Provence Observatory (OHP), where it all started, from 6 to 10 October 2025.

The conference will be devoted to giant exoplanets and their systems in the current observational context: long-term radial velocity surveys, direct imaging and spectroscopy of young systems, high-accuracy orbital monitoring with interferometry, characterisation of planetary companions at high spectral resolution, and the upcoming release of ESA/Gaia DR4 data that holds great promise for the exoplanet field. The conference will cover the latest observational and theoretical results on giant planets and on smaller inner planets in their systems.

The conference will be held at OHP in beautiful Southern France, near the village of Saint Michel l'Observatoire. The number of participants will be limited to 100.

Important dates:

• Announcement: January 2025
• Opening of pre-registration: 1 March 2025
• Abstract submission deadline: 1 May 2025
• Programme announcement: 15 June 2025
• Registration deadline: 15 July 2025
• Conference: 6 - 10 October 2025

Website: https://ohp2025.sciencesconf.org/

Isabelle Boisse, Damien Ségransan & Arthur Vigan for the SOC and LOC

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8. 5th Advanced School on Exoplanetary Science "Physical and Dynamical Processes of Exoplanetary Systems" (May 26-30, 2025, Vietri sul Mare (Salerno), Italy)

5th Advanced School on Exoplanetary Science
"Physical and Dynamical Processes of Exoplanetary Systems"
26 - 30 May 2025
Lloyd's Baia Hotel
Vietri sul Mare (Salerno), Italy
https://ases5.web.roma2.infn.it/

The 5th Advanced School on Exoplanetary Science will be held in Vietri sul Mare (Salerno), Italy from 26 to 30 May, 2025. The School - taking place close to the enchanting Amalfi Coast - is aimed to provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-art picture of a variety of relevant aspects of the fast-developing, highly interdisciplinary field of Exoplanet research. The Lecture topics of the 5th edition of the School will be focused on the Physical and Dynamical Processes of Exoplanetary Systems, mainly covering the theoretical aspects.

In particular, the following key topics will be covered:

• Physical Processes in Protoplanetary Disks
• Dynamical Evolution of Exoplanetary Systems
• Exoplanet Interiors - from Gas Giants to Terrestrial Planets
• Modeling Exoplanet Atmospheres
• Planet Formation Models

The Lectures will be delivered by five senior researchers to an audience of graduate students and young post-docs.

contact: ases5@lists.roma2.infn.it