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 (John Wisniewski, Exoplanet Exploration Deputy Program Scientist).

New Executive Committee members for 2024: Thomas Beatty, Chuanfei Dong, Julien Girard, and Sarah Peacock.


ExoPAG News and Announcements (November 26, 2024)

  1. Save the Date: Towards the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Visionary Science and Transformational Technology (July 28-31, 2025; Washington, DC)
  2. Call for HWO AAS Splinter Session Pops Presentations (NOTE: new extended deadline to December 6, 2024)
  3. ROSES-24 Amendment 73: D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers Substantial Revisions
+ more

1. Save the Date: Towards the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Visionary Science and Transformational Technology (July 28-31, 2025; Washington, DC)

We are pleased to announce the inaugural open community conference for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), to be held at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC, from July 28–31, 2025. This milestone event will bring together scientists, engineers, industry, and community stakeholders to propel the development of HWO, a mission poised to usher in a new era of astrophysics discovery and address one of humanity’s oldest questions: Are we alone?

The Habitable Worlds Observatory is the next flagship mission for NASA Astrophysics, designed to directly image and characterize Earth-like exoplanets in the habitable zones of nearby stars. Building on the foundation of the Hubble, Webb, and Roman telescopes, HWO will deploy advanced ultraviolet, optical, and infrared technologies to identify potentially habitable worlds and analyze their atmospheres for signs of life. This same technology will confront fundamental astrophysical questions about cosmology, galaxy evolution, the origins of elements, and our Solar System's place in the universe—questions that have persistently eluded answers due to the limitations of current technology. By overcoming these barriers, HWO will act as a disruptive force, driving a paradigm shift in our understanding of the universe.

Significant progress has been made in the past year, with NASA establishing a dedicated Technology Maturation Project Office at Goddard Space Flight Center, working in close collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center. This initiative is advancing critical technologies and science areas while fostering collaboration across government, academia, and industry. Results of HWO working groups will be showcased together with contributions from the global astronomy research community, and the conference proceedings will form a first HWO community science book.

Join us at this first-ever open community conference to learn more, share your insights, and help shape the future of this transformative mission. Additional details about registration and abstract submissions will follow in early 2025. Keep apprised of updates through our mailing list, save the date, and be part of this exciting journey!

HWO Mailing List: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB6s1BrmewC-Ht8nxakg0jxgZGReyEQ9wh43sKdVzHUI5f-g/viewform


2. Call for HWO AAS Splinter Session Pops Presentations (NOTE: new extended deadline to December 6, 2024)

The HWO AAS Splinter session will have a dedicated "pop" session where participants can provide a brief (~1 minute) single-slide presentation of their work relevant to the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). The Splinter session is scheduled on January 16, 2025, from 9 AM to 12:45 PM ET and the pop session itself will tentatively be 10:45-11:15 AM ET. While the session will be presented in a hybrid fashion, due to logistical limitations, pop presenters must already be attending AAS in person.

Due to the limited number of pop slots, we will prioritize early career individuals (undergraduate, post-bac, graduate, postdoc, and those within 10 years of earning their PhD) who have not previously attended an HWO meeting in person. We will also strive to ensure diverse representation from different topics: for example, but not limited to, origins and evolution of galaxies (including dark sector, AGN, ionizing photons, IGM & ICM), star formation, stars and stellar population, cosmic explosions, and exoplanets.

Please fill out this form to apply for the pop presentation by 8pm ET (5pm PT) on December 6, 2024. Please circulate this announcement with your local institution and communities. If you have any questions, please contact Raissa Estrela (restrela@jpl.nasa.gov) and Rob Zellem (robert.t.zellem@nasa.gov).


3. ROSES-24 Amendment 73: D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers Substantial Revisions

Note: PIONEERS24 NOIs Due January 24, 2025

D13. Astrophysics Pioneers: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7b8C8C2628-3976-F04F-DC88-70706B738C94%7d&path=&method=init

D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers solicits proposals for Astrophysics space and sub-orbital science investigations that are greater in cost, scope and capability than what is possible within the Astrophysics Research and Analysis (APRA) suborbital and CubeSat program (D.3 of ROSES-2024) but are smaller in cost than what is possible within the Astrophysics Explorers Mission of Opportunity (MO) program (e.g., PEA Q of SALMON-3 for the 2021 opportunity). Investigations are solicited using platforms that include CubeSats (including constellations), other SmallSats, and major balloon missions.

ROSES-2024 Amendment 73 makes several substantial changes to D.13 Astrophysics Pioneers:

  1. ISS payloads are no longer solicited due to ISS decommissioning
  2. (cis)-Lunar payloads are no longer solicited (see F.11 PRISM SALSA)
  3. Additional options for launch are included
  4. Sub-orbital launches are excluded, and
  5. Numerous other small changes have been made including outdated references to the guidebook have been updated to refer and link to the new Grant and Cooperative agreement manual.

On or about November 26, 2024, 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 and will appear on SARA's ROSES blog at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/solicitations/roses-2024/

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


ExoPAG News and Announcements (November 5, 2024)

  1. Briefing for Prospective Proposers to ROSES-2024 Solicitation NNH24ZDA001N-USCAPS: U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science (November 20, 2024, 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST)
  2. Town Hall for NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES 2025) (November 8, 2024, 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST)
  3. REMINDER: NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (November 7-8, 2024)
  4. REMINDER: Know Thy Star, Know Thy Planet 2 Conference (Abstract Deadline: November 9, 2024)
  5. HWO Working Groups F2F - October 2024 Rochester NY Meeting - Presentations Online
  6. Pebbles in Planet Formation (February 10-13, 2025, Tokyo; Registration deadline for participants requiring an invitation letter: November 30, 2024; Abstract submission deadline: December 10, 2024)
  7. Gas Accretion in Planet Formation (GAP) (March 10-12, 2025, Heidelberg, Germany; Deadline for Abstract Submission and Registration December 8, 2024)
+ more

1. Briefing for Prospective Proposers to ROSES-2024 Solicitation NNH24ZDA001N-USCAPS: U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science (November 20, 2024, 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST)

Briefing for Prospective Proposers to Solicitation NNH24ZDA001N-USCAPS
U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science
ROSES 2024, Appendix D.21
Date: November 20, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST (10:00 AM PST)

Meeting Description:
This preproposal videoconference is designed to provide information for prospective proposers about the new ROSES program element entitled, “U.S. Contributions to Ariel Preparatory Science” (USCAPS; ROSES 2024, Appendix D.21) that was released on October 15, 2024. Topics covered in the presentation will include:

  • Background information about NASA’s plans to support U.S. community involvement in the European Space Agency’s Ariel mission;
  • Descriptions of the areas of research solicited under the USCAPS program;
  • NASA’s expectations regarding coordination between the selected investigations, the NASA Ariel Science Center (NASC), and the Ariel Science Consortium; and
  • Guidance for preparing and submitting complete and properly anonymized proposals in response to the solicitation.
  • Open Q&A

Participants can use the link and/or QR code (in the attached PDF) to submit questions in advance of the meeting.

URL for questions: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/chs9/#!/dashboard
Webinar Link: https://tinyurl.com/v9s3tkw6
Webinar number: 2823 325 3009
Webinar password: jJqgT98JKz9 (55748985 from phone or video system)
Join by phone
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
+1-312-500-3163 United States Toll (Chicago)
Access code: 282 332 53009


2. Town Hall for NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES 2025) (November 8, 2024, 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST)

Join us for an interactive NASA Astrobiology Town Hall where we will provide an overview of the forthcoming NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES 2025). This new Strategy aims to address the evolving needs of the astrobiology community, reflecting its growth and increasing interdisciplinarity. NASA-DARES 2025 emphasizes astrobiology’s expanded role as a central pillar across NASA’s scientific research and mission portfolios, creating a framework that guides research and exploration over the next decade.

SUBMIT A QUESTION: https://arc.cnf.io/sessions/dgnp/#!/dashboard

JOIN THE WEBINAR: https://www.youtube.com/live/B_3bMaUIsBM

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the ongoing Request for Information (RFI) process, accessible through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI. We will also discuss how the RFI feedback will be used to inform the Strategy’s direction, as well as additional opportunities for community involvement and engagement throughout the coming year.

Submit a Question:
Ask questions in advance by clicking the "Submit A Question" button above. Let us know what issues matter the most to you by upvoting questions already in the list.

Agenda (EST):
1:00PM Presentation - DARES Overview/Strategy (30 minutes – Rachel)
1:30PM Questions (30 minutes – Rachel/David)

Presenters:
David Grinspoon, Senior Scientist for Astrobiology Strategy, NASA HQ
Rachel Harris, NASA Postdoctoral Management Program Fellow, NASA HQ

For more information: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI


3. REMINDER: NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (November 7-8, 2024)

The NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) will be holding their next meeting November 7-8, 2024.

Agenda: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/apac-nov-2024-agenda-draft102924.pdf

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


4. REMINDER: Know Thy Star, Know Thy Planet 2 Conference (Abstract Deadline: November 9, 2024)

A reminder that the deadline for abstracts for the “Know Thy Star, Know Thy Planet 2” Conference (to be held at Caltech in Pasadena, CA, February 3-7, 2025) is Saturday, November 9, 2024:

Abstract submissions: https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/knowthystar2/abstracts
Know Thy Star, Know Thy Planet 2: https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/knowthystar2/

The SOC is committed to building an inclusive conference agenda and is looking for ways to facilitiate vibrant, thoughtful, and respectful discussions between all participants. Attendees may submit abstracts for talks and/or posters. You may make multiple submissions and submit to more than one category. Please fill out the abstract form for each abstract you wish to submit. Abstracts will be anonymously ranked and selected by the SOC.


5. HWO Working Groups F2F - October 2024 Rochester NY Meeting - Presentations Online

The fourth Face-to-Face (F2F) meeting of the Habitable Worlds Observatory took place October 22 - October 24, 2024, in Rochester, NY. Presentations and posters from the poster session are now available online at: https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/hwo-f2f-oct24/


6. Pebbles in Planet Formation (February 10-13, 2025, Tokyo; Registration deadline for participants requiring an invitation letter: November 30, 2024; Abstract submission deadline: December 10, 2024)

Pebbles in Planet Formation
10-13 February 2025
NAOJ Mitaka Campus, Tokyo, Japan and Online
https://indico2.riken.jp/event/5012/

Research on planet formation involves various approaches, including explorations of small solar system bodies, observations of protoplanetary disks, dust experiments, simulations, and theoretical studies. One of the primary objectives in this field is to develop a comprehensive theory that explains how kilometer-sized planetesimals form from micrometer-sized dust grains, drawing upon findings from these diverse research methods.

This workshop will focus on the concept of pebbles, which play a crucial role in the planet formation process. Pebbles — typically defined as solids ranging from millimeter to centimeter in size — are intermediate building blocks in planet formation, though their definition varies depending on the context. Assuming pebbles has led to theoretical advances in mechanisms such as streaming instability and pebble accretion, which promote the formation and growth of planetesimals. Additionally, pebbles have been linked to barriers against dust growth, such as the bouncing barrier. Furthermore, observations of protoplanetary disks have revealed the size distribution and porosity of solids, while the strength and thermal conductivity of comets obtained by the Rosetta mission suggest the accumulation of pebbles due to disk instabilities. However, inconsistencies have been pointed out between pebble formation and theories of dust growth.

This workshop aims to revisit and refine our understanding of solid materials implicated in planet formation, particularly in light of findings from solar system explorations and protoplanetary disk observations. We aim to reevaluate the definition and role of pebbles in the broader context of planet formation, with a special focus on the current challenges and open questions in the field. The workshop will include discussions of experiments and simulations of dust growth and collisions, and planetesimal formation mechanisms such as streaming instability. The workshop features keynote talks from the perspectives of explorations, observations, experiments, simulations, and theories, and we also call for presentations on related topics.

TOPICS:
Pebble-related: Solar system explorations, Protoplanetary disk observations, Experiments, Simulations, Theories, Planetesimal formation, Other related topics

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Carsten Güttler (University of Münster), Ryota Fukai (JAXA/ISAS), Takahiro Ueda (CfA), Bastian Gundlach (University of Münster), Min-Kai Lin (ASIAA), Misako Tatsuuma (RIKEN)

IMPORTANT DATES:
Registration deadline for participants requiring an invitation letter: Nov 30, 2024
Abstract submission deadline: Dec 10, 2024
Announcement of program: Early January 2025
In-person registration deadline: Jan 10, 2025

Zoom registration deadline: Feb 3, 2025
Workshop dates: Feb 10-13, 2025
(Feb 11: excursion due to the Japanese holiday)

ORGANIZERS:
Misako Tatsuuma (RIKEN iTHEMS), Akimasa Kataoka (NAOJ), Yuhito Shibaike (NAOJ), Tomomi Omura (Osaka Sangyo Univ.), Ryosuke Tominaga (Institute of Science Tokyo), Kiyoaki Doi (MIPA), Naoya Kitade (NAOJ)

SPONSORSHIP:
This workshop is co-organized by RIKEN and NAOJ and supported by JSPS KAKENHI grants and RIKEN iTHEMS.


7. Gas Accretion in Planet Formation (GAP) (March 10-12, 2025, Heidelberg, Germany; Deadline for Abstract Submission and Registration December 8, 2024)

Gas Accretion in Planet formation (GAP)
10 - 12 March 2025
Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany
https://sites.google.com/view/gapconference1/

The most direct approach to studying the planet formation process is to identify and characterize young, forming planets still embedded in protoplanetary disks. The final stages of gas giant planet formation are influenced by the gas supply from the disk. Additionally, these studies offer insights into the relationship with isolated planetary-mass accretors and wide-orbit planets that are not embedded within disks. The aim of this meeting is to bring together researchers to discuss current understanding of gas accretion during planet formation and to explore future directions in this field.

The meeting will be held in person at the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, from Monday 10:00 AM until Wednesday around 2:00 PM.

Due to the capacity of the conference room, the number of attendees is limited to 75.

Important dates:
Call for abstracts and registration open: 1 November 2024
Deadline for Abstract Submission and Registration: 8 December 2024
Program Release: Middle of December 2024
Meeting Dates: 10-12 March 2025


ExoPAG News and Announcements (October 30, 2024)

  1. REMINDER: Habitable Worlds Observatory Seminar (October 30, 2024, 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT)
  2. NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (November 7-8, 2024)
  3. Astrophysics Virtual Town Hall (October 23, 2024) Presentation Slides Posted Online
  4. Exoplanets in our Backyard 3: Last Call to Register (November 13-15, 2024, Louisville)
  5. Exoclimes VII (July 7-11, 2025, Montreal)
+ more

1. REMINDER: Habitable Worlds Observatory Seminar (October 30, 2024, 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT)

The rescheduled Habitable Worlds Observatory Seminar will be Wednesday, October 30, 2024 (1:00pm ET/10:00am PT)

Aki Roberge (NASA/GSFC)

“Introduction to the Habitable Worlds Observatory”

Humans have long wondered if there were worlds around other stars — and life on those worlds. Over the last two decades, astronomers have found that the answer to the first question is a resounding YES. Those accomplishments have put us in a position to possibly answer the second question. The 2020 US Astrophysics Decadal Survey laid out a path to the first telescope that can find out if truly Earth-like exoplanets are common or rare and search them for signs of life, while performing a wide range of transformative astrophysics studies and Solar System observations.

NASA has dubbed that space telescope the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). This presentation will briefly introduce HWO’s scientific goals and planned technical capabilities. I’ll then move on to NASA’s current efforts to mature the HWO mission concept, highlighting key activities. Science, technology, engineering, and many other areas must band together in the journey to realize this revolutionary endeavor.

Giada Arney (NASA/GSFC)

“The Scientific Potential of Habitable Worlds Observatory”

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a future NASA flagship observatory following in the tradition of other transformative space-based observing platforms such as Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope. Due to its large aperture primary mirror, powerful instrument suite, and broad wavelength coverage in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared, the science capabilities of HWO will be broad and deep. Its major goals will include searching for signs of life on Earth-like exoplanets, understanding the origin of galaxies, studying the cycling of matter in our universe, placing our solar system in a broader cosmic context, and more. The presentation will briefly introduce HWO’s major science capabilities across astrophysics and planetary science. HWO will be capable of addressing some of the biggest questions we have today — and questions we can’t yet think to ask.

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

Connection Information: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/561/habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-seminar-series/


2. NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) Meeting (November 7-8, 2024)

The NASA Astrophysics Advisory Committee (APAC) will be holding their next meeting November 7-8, 2024.

Agenda: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/apac-nov-2024-agenda-draft102924.pdf

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


3. Astrophysics Virtual Town Hall (October 23, 2024) Presentation Slides Posted Online

Presentation slides from the NASA Astrophysics Division Town Hall from October 23, 2024 are now posted online at: https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/astro/documents/Town_Hall_Oct._2024_Gold-2_copy.pdf


4. Exoplanets in our Backyard 3: Last Call to Register (November 13-15, 2024, Louisville)

Purpose & Scope:
EioB3 is a workshop dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of exoplanet research through interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together experts from solar system science, astrophysics, and related fields to foster cross-disciplinary partnerships and share insights on exoplanetary research — past, present, and future. The event emphasizes discussion, networking, and the exchange of knowledge, with invited speakers leading the discourse. Abstract submissions are encouraged but not mandatory. Researchers of all levels will benefit from the collaborative environment aimed at advancing the detection and characterization of exoplanets. The workshop schedule can be found here: Schedule and Abstracts and our sessions and invited speakers can be found here: Sessions, Themes, & Speakers.

Conference Location and Dates:
EioB3 will be held in Louisville, Kentucky at the Muhammad Ali Center, from November 13-15, 2024 and is in person only. Registration is $425 and will be open until November 1. https://www.exoplanetsbackyard.com/registration

Please note that space is limited, and no on-site registrations will be allowed. The event aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and education and due to this there will not be an online/virtual component.

Registration & Additional Information:
For more information visit https://www.exoplanetsbackyard.com/ and/or send an email for the organizers to exoplanetsbackyard@bmsis.org.


5. Exoclimes VII (July 7-11, 2025, Montreal)

"Dear colleagues,

We are excited to announce that the Exoclimes VII conference will be organized by the Trottier Institute for Research in Exoplanets and held in Montréal (Canada) from July 7 to 11, 2025. To maintain the collaborative spirit of Exoclimes, the number of participants will be limited to 200. Exoclimes is a conference series devoted to the atmosphere, climate, and evolution of sub-stellar bodies from solar system worlds to exoplanets and brown dwarfs. It began at Exeter in 2010 and is coming back with a 7th edition.

Alongside this year’s Exoclimes conference, we will be holding a summer school program (ExoSLAM2) for early career researchers and those new to the field of atmosphere and climate sciences, focusing on observations. ExoSLAM (Exoclimes Summer School on Atmospheres and Modelling) will run from 3-5 July 2025 before the conference and will be open to up to 50 participants.

If you would like to receive further communications about this upcoming meeting, please fill out the interest form below. This will also help the LOC gauge the enthusiasm around the conference and the needs of potential attendees.

Let me know if you have any questions!

We look forward to seeing you in Montréal,
The Exoclimes VII and ExoSLAM local organizing committees"

Exoclimes VII: https://exoclimes.org/about.html
Trottier Institute for Research in Exoplanets: https://exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/

Interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAnAHLpGFWQkZniHTU2rA7pORBO0M5Z9EsYwbWWfRWD1ipqw/viewform


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.

ExoPAG overview top image - PIA23002 K2-138 6 Planets Artwork