The Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) is responsible for soliciting and coordinating community input into the development and execution of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP). It serves as a community-based, interdisciplinary forum for soliciting and coordinating community analysis and input in support of the Exoplanet Exploration Program objectives and of their implications for architecture planning and activity prioritization and for future exploration. It provides findings of analyses to the NASA Astrophysics Division Director.

Executive Committee:

ExoPAG activities and meetings are organized through an Executive Committee, selected by NASA HQ through a Dear Colleague letter. Appointments are made annually to replace members rotating off; the normal term is 3 years. If you are interested in serving on the Executive Committee, please contact the ExoPAG Executive Secretary at NASA HQ (Hannah Jang-Condell, Deputy Exoplanet Exploration Program Scientist).

New Executive Committee members for 2023: Ian Crossfield, Kate Follette, Natalie Hinkel, Samson Johnson, Malena Rice, and Lily Zhao.


ExoPAG News and Announcements (March 13, 2024)

  1. ExoPAG Operating Procedures Document
  2. REMINDER: ExoPAG 30 (May 5, 2024; Providence RI @ AbSciCon, hybrid)
  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)
  4. REMINDER: TESS Cycle 7 Call for Proposals (Deadline March 21, 2024)
  5. ROSES-2024 F.3 Exoplanets Research Program (XRP) (Step-1 deadline April 2, 2024)
  6. NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) Call for Proposals (due April 1, 2024)
  7. NOIRLab Semester 2024B Call for Proposals (due April 1, 2024)
  8. CHEOPS Guest Observers Program - 5th Announcement of Opportunity (Call closes April 25, 2024)
+ more

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"


ExoPAG News and Announcements (March 7, 2024)

  1. Announcement: The 30th Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group Meeting
  2. NN-EXPLORE Proposals for 2024B (Deadline April 1, 2024)
  3. ExoExplorer Science Series: Alex Polanski (U Kansas) & Lili Alderson (U Bristol) (March 8, 2024, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)
  4. Habitable Worlds Observatory: START/TAG Meeting (March 11-13, 2024) and Slides & Recordings from HWO Splinter Session at AAS243
  5. Space Science Week & Meeting of the Committee on Astronomy and Astrophysics (CAA) (March 18-20, 2024)
  6. Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (March 20-21, 2024)
  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)
  8. Notice of Upcoming Call for Community Input into the TESS Extended Mission Planning
  9. NASA Planetary Science Division Status Update on Efforts in Response to the Planetary Data Ecosystem Independent Review Board (PDE IRB) Final Report
  10. SEEC Symposium: Pathways to Characterizing Non-Transiting Planets (April 15-19, 2024, GSFC; Registration Deadline March 15, 2024)
  11. UVEX (UltraViolet EXplorer) Selected as NASA's Next Astrophysics Medium-Class Explorer Mission
  12. NASA Cosmic Pathfinders Program
  13. 7th ICE-CSIC Summer School: Multiwavelength Approach to Exoplanetary Systems (July 2-11, 2024, Barcelona; Registration Deadline April 15, 2024)
+ more

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)


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


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


ExoPAG News and Announcements (February 15, 2024)

  1. 2024B NASA Keck Call for Proposals (Proposals due March 14, 2024)
  2. ExoExplorer Science Series: Fuda Nguyen (U. Arizona) & Garrett Levine (Yale) (February 16, 2024, 2pm-3pm EST/11am-12pm PST)
  3. 2024 Sagan Workshop Registration and Financial Aid Application Now Available (July 22-26, 2024, Pasadena CA; Travel Support Deadline March 21, 2024)
  4. NASA ROSES: Release of Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES)-2024
  5. NASA ROSES: Updated Precursor Science Gap List for ROSES-23 D.16 Astrophysics Decadal Survey Precursor Science
  6. NASA ROSES: Change to ROSES-2024 Astrophysics Data Analysis Program (ADAP)
  7. Cross-PAG Time-Domain and MultiMessenger (TDAMM) SIG Meeting (March 1, 2024; 2pm EST/11am PST)
  8. TESS Science Conference III (July 29-August 2, 2024; Cambridge MA; Abstract deadline April 12, 2024)
  9. Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Meeting (June 12-13, 2024; Ithaca NY/Virtual)
+ more

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) on Friday 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.


ExoPAG News and Announcements - Archive


NExSS

The Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS) is a research coordination network whose role is to form a cohesive community of exoplanet researchers that transcends disciplines and funding stovepipes. It is led by teams funded by NASA Research & Analysis Programs from the Astrophysics, Planetary Science, Heliophysics and Earth Science Divisions that conduct interdisciplinary exoplanet research. NExSS helps lead or facilitate white papers, workshops, conferences, science and communications working groups, and other community activities that support exoplanet research.

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