ExoPAG Overview

1. Astrophysics Virtual Town Hall (October 23, 2024; 3:00pm EDT / 12:00pm PDT)

NASA’s Astrophysics Division (APD) invites you to participate in an upcoming virtual community Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Astrophysics Division Director Dr. Mark Clampin will provide an update on current Astrophysics Division activities of interest to the community and will answer questions submitted through the IO tool.

Submit your questions and upvote others ahead of and during the meeting using our IO tool: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/n66j/#!/dashboard

IO is open now, and questions may be submitted at any time prior to or during the Town Hall. Thank you in advance for your questions!

Attendees must preregister to receive meeting connection information. Preregister at: https://nasaevents.webex.com/weblink/register/rba19ad70ee9e6c7adf8a2b49aaae6748

If you have any questions about the virtual town hall meeting, please contact David Morris at [email protected].

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2. ExoPAG 31: Agenda Now Posted (January 11-12, 2025, National Harbor, MD)

The 31st meeting of the ExoPAG will be held January 11-12, 2025 in National Harbor, MD as part of the American Astronomical Society’s 245th conference scheduled for January 12-16, 2025. The ExoPAG will be a hybrid meeting.

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag31/exopag31-overview/

The draft agenda has been posted at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/3124/ExoPAG%2031%20agenda_100824.pdf

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3. REMINDER: Call for Early Career Speakers at the ExoPAG 31 Meeting (January 11-12, 2025; Speaker Application Deadline October 25, 2024)

NASA's Exoplanet Program Analysis Group’s Executive Committee (ExoPAG EC) and NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) Office invites eligible early career scientists to consider presenting at the next ExoPAG meeting being held January 11-12, 2025 in conjunction with the American Astronomical Society’s 245th meeting in National Harbor, MD. The EC and ExEP are particularly interested in attendance and presentations by early career scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

The following career levels are eligible to apply:

• Undergraduate must be enrolled in school at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Bachelor
• Graduate students must be enrolled at a university at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Doctoral

Selected speakers will be eligible for travel reimbursement which may consist of roundtrip airfare, lodging, car rental, meals, and conference registration based on approved government rates.

Focus of proposed ExoPAG 31 talks

Whether you are investigating how planets form, how they evolve or how to search for and characterize them, the ExoPAG EC invites you to share your work. Presentations should align with the priorities described in the current Exoplanet Exploration Program Science Gap List. https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2749/ExEP_Science_Gap_List_2023_Final.pdf

Interested scientists must complete the speaker application, and attach an abstract of their proposed talk prior to the posted deadline, October 25th, 2024 8:00pm ET = 5:00pm PT. See additional information and application here https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag31/exopag31-abstracts/

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4. ExEP Postdoctoral Research Associate (Application Deadline: December 6, 2024)

The NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) Office at JPL invites applications for a postdoc interested in exoplanet-related research and programmatics.

The successful candidate will work with the Program Office Scientists to support the definition and implementation of current & future exoplanet space observatories and their required precursor science. Preferred research areas are defined by the ExEP Science Gap List (link below) and include:

Analyses of exoplanet demographics, Host star properties, Exozodiacal dust, Simulations of mission science return and signal extraction, Methods to mitigate stellar jitter in radial velocity datasets, Instrumentation for high contrast imaging or precision RV work, Or modeling of exoplanetary atmospheres and biosignatures.

Research connected to the exoplanet priorities of the Astro2020 Decadal Survey is especially encouraged. The appointee will be expected to divide their time between program-related activities and independent exoplanet research. Both facets of the position include interfacing with the science community and the general public.

The ExEP Office works with NASA HQ to implement the Agency's science vision for exoplanets with a portfolio of science analyses, technology development, mission concept development, and supporting ground-based observations. ExEP is a unique environment at the intersection of NASA science, policy, technology, engineering, and public engagement, all focused on the goals of discovering exoplanets, characterizing their properties, and identifying candidates that could harbor life. For further information on current ExEP activities and staff expertise, visit: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to do collaborative research with staff of the JPL Science Division (https:/science.jpl.nasa.gov) and the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI; http://nexsci.caltech.edu/) on the Caltech campus. The exoplanet research environment in Pasadena also includes academic researchers in the Caltech Astronomy and Planetary Science Departments. JPL postdocs can apply for observing time on the Palomar 5-m telescope, whose instruments include optical and near-infrared imagers & spectrographs, and an adaptive optics system.

ExEP Program Office Scientists Drs. Karl Stapelfeldt, Eric Mamajek, and Jennifer Burt will serve as advisors for the successful candidate. The appointee will carry out research in coordination with the advisors, resulting in publications in the open literature. A travel funding allowance will be provided. The selected candidate will be hosted within the NASA ExEP Office but have an organizational home in the Astrophysics & Space Sciences Section of JPL’s Science Division.

Required Qualifications:

Ph.D. in astronomy or planetary science. Candidates with an interest in science management are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates should familiarize themselves with ExEP Program Science Gap list (linked at https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/science-overview) and propose a research plan congruent with these science priorities and the candidate's independent exoplanet research.

Applicants may be subject to additional program requirements by NASA. Postdoc positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed up to a maximum of three years.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and 3–5-page research plan. Please arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to [email protected] by the application deadline of December 6, 2024.

For more information, see the full description at: https://www.jpl.jobs/job/R5051/Postdoc-Exoplanet-Exploration-Program-Postdoctoral-Research-Associate

[Please note that job ads are only posted via the exopagannounce email list that directly support ExEP activities at NASA HQ or the program office at JPL.]

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5. REMINDER: Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) (Deadline for Nominations: January 31, 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: [email protected] . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, commitment to NASA’s core value of inclusion, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. 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 January 31, 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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6. RESCHEDULED: Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Seminar Series: First Talks (Aki Roberge & Giada Arney) (October 30, 2024; 1:00pm-2:00pm ET / 10:00am-11:00am PT)

[Due to a technical issue, the HWO Seminar Series talk originally scheduled for October 9, 2024 has been rescheduled to October 30, 2024]

The NASA COR, PhysCOS, and ExEP program offices invite you to the new seminar series presenting the science and technology of the Habitable Worlds Observatory!

Habitable World Observatory Seminar
30 October 2024, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/561/habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-seminar-series/

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 will be posted before the event at: https://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/studies/habitable-worlds/events/seminars/01-30-Oct-2024/30-Oct-2024.php

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7. NASA Establishes New Class of Astrophysics Missions, Selects Studies

NASA Establishes New Class of Astrophysics Missions, Selects Studies

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-establishes-new-class-of-astrophysics-missions-selects-studies/

Two proposals for missions to observe X-ray and far-infrared wavelengths of light from space were selected by NASA for additional review, the agency announced Thursday. Each proposal team will receive $5 million to conduct a 12-month mission concept study. After detailed evaluation of those studies, NASA expects to select one concept in 2026 to proceed with construction, for a launch in 2032.

The resulting mission will become the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions within the agency’s longstanding Explorers Program. The new mission class, Probe Explorers, will fill a gap between flagship and smaller-scale missions in NASA’s exploration of the secrets of the universe.

“NASA’s Explorers Program brings out some of the most creative ideas for missions that help us reveal the unknown about our universe. Establishing this new line of missions – the largest our Astrophysics program has ever competed – has taken that creativity to new heights,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Both of the selected concepts could enable ground-breaking science responsive to the top astrophysics priorities of the decade, develop key technologies for future flagship missions, and offer opportunities for the entire community to use the new observatory, for the benefit of all.”

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s 2020 Decadal Survey, Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s, recommended NASA establish this new mission class, with the first mission observing either X-ray or far-infrared wavelengths of light. Mission costs for the new Probe Explorers are capped at $1 billion each, not including the cost of the rocket, launch services, or any contributions.

NASA evaluated Probe Explorers proposals based on their scientific merit in alignment with the Decadal Survey’s recommendations, feasibility of development plans, and use of technologies that could support the development of future large missions.

The selected proposals are:

Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite

This mission would be an X-ray imaging observatory with a large, flat field-of-view and high spatial resolution. It would study the seeds of supermassive black holes; investigate the process of stellar feedback, which influences how galaxies evolve; and help determine the power sources of a variety of explosive phenomena in the cosmos. The observatory would build on the successes of previous X-ray observatories, capturing new capabilities for X-ray imaging and imaging spectroscopy.

Principal investigator: Christopher Reynolds, University of Maryland, College Park
Project management: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland

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Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics

This observatory would be a 5.9-foot (1.8-meter) telescope studying far-infrared wavelengths, helping bridge the gap between existing infrared observatories, such as NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, and radio telescopes. By studying radiant energy that only emerges in the far-infrared, the mission would address questions about the origins and growth of planets, supermassive black holes, stars, and cosmic dust.

Principal investigator: Jason Glenn, NASA Goddard
Project management: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California

The Explorers Program is the oldest continuous NASA program designed to provide frequent, low-cost access to space using principal investigator-led space science investigations relevant to the Science Mission Directorate’s astrophysics and heliophysics programs. Since the Explorer 1 launch in 1958, which discovered Earth’s radiation belts, the Explorers Program has launched more than 90 missions, including the Uhuru and Cosmic Background Explorer missions that led to Nobel prizes for their investigators.

The Explorers Program is managed by NASA Goddard for the Science Mission Directorate, which conducts a wide variety of research and scientific exploration programs for Earth studies, space weather, the solar system and universe.

For more information about the Explorers Program, visit: https://explorers.gsfc.nasa.gov

Alise Fisher
Headquarters, Washington
202-617-4977
[email protected]

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8. Request for Information (RFI): Development of NASA-DARES 2025: The NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy

Request for Information (RFI): Development of NASA-DARES 2025: The NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy

• Number: NNH25ZDA002L
• Release Date: October 8, 2024
• Response Date: February 4, 2025
• Short URL: https://go.nasa.gov/ABStrategyRFI

Dear Colleagues:

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is pleased to announce a Request for Information (RFI) to gather community responses for the development of the forthcoming 2025 NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES).

The need for a new Strategy is timely. Since the publication of the 2015 Astrobiology Strategy, the field has experienced transformative growth, driven by numerous scientific discoveries and technological advancements. “Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023 – 2032" (OWL) identifies decadal priorities for astrobiology within the context of planetary science missions. Recognizing astrobiology’s emergence as a cross-cutting pillar of NASA’s scientific and mission portfolios, NASA-DARES 2025 will broaden the scope of astrobiology to reflect the full breadth and potential of astrobiology research and exploration at NASA in support of a growing interdisciplinary community.

This RFI seeks responses broadly from U.S. industry, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, NASA centers, Federal Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and other U.S. federal, state, local, tribal government agencies as well as the international science community. Responses are subject to the restrictions placed on NASA by the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, P.L. 118-42, Sec. 526” that prohibit bilateral relationships with China. Details of that restriction are at https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ103/PLAW-117publ103.pdf.

This email is a partial summary of the RFI. For the full text of the 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. In the event of any future lapses to the NASA operations, RFI respondents should visit NSPIRES, the official NASA source for this RFI.

All responses to this RFI must be submitted in an electronic format per section “6. Response Instructions” via NSPIRES. The RFI Response should address the requested information found in section “5. Requested Information”, including an indication of the primary Topic addressed followed by no more than three secondary Topics as outlined in section “3. Requested Response Topics”.

Please email questions and comments concerning this RFI to the email address below, no later than January 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern, with the subject line: “NASA-DARES 2025 RFI Question/Clarification”. NASA intends to respond to received questions by January 29, 2025. Depending on the nature of received questions, NASA may respond on an individual basis by email or may post responses to inquiries in a “Questions and Answers” (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.

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 [email protected].

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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9. REMINDER: Know Thy Star Know Thy Planet 2 (Abstract submission deadline: November 9, 2024)

"This is a reminder that abstract submission for “Know Thy Star Know Thy Planet 2” is due one month from today, on Saturday, November 9th.

https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/knowthystar2/

The conference will be held on the Caltech Campus in Pasadena, California, the week of February 3rd-7th, 2025. The conference is a follow-on to the 2017 “Know Thy Star, Know Thy Planet”. This conference will focus on the ways that stars both enable and limit our ability to determine planetary masses, orbits, bulk compositions, and atmospheric abundances, as well as the state-of-the-art knowledge and techniques that have been developed to characterize and mitigate stellar effects. The preliminary agenda can be found here:

https://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/knowthystar2/page/KTS2%20Agenda

Important Dates:

• Deadline for abstract submission: 09 November 2024
• Deadline for in-person registration: 05 January 2025
• (Optional) Deadline for conference dinner: 05 January 2025
• Deadline for late in-person registration: 31 January 2025
• Deadline for online-only registration: 31 January 2025

The meeting is primarily organized around in-person attendance, but online streaming of the talks will be available. Please send questions to [email protected].

Dr. Catherine A. Clark | she/her
Scientific Outreach Coordinator
NASA Exoplanet Science Institute
Caltech/IPAC"

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10. Third Penn State SETI Symposium (August 18-21, 2025, State College, PA)

The Third Penn State SETI Symposium will be held
August 18–21, 2025 at
The Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel
State College, PA
https://sites.psu.edu/setisymposium2025/

This symposium will be a broad look at SETI, including new technosignature search results and upper limits, new search methodologies and instrumentation, theory, and social aspects of the field including the post-detection protocols, message construction, and the historical roots of the field. Interdisciplinarity will be emphasized. As with previous instances, we encourage the submission of proposals for breakout sessions for workshops, tutorials, or special sessions on narrower topics.

Early career researchers are especially encouraged to attend.

To receive updates including announcement of the opening of abstract submission and registration, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/BcXwwNGQkLwkpyf5A

Inquiries to the LOC and SOC should be directed to [email protected].

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11. Rogue Worlds 2024: Uniting Theory and Observation (December 11-14, 2024, Osaka, Japan; Abstract Deadline: October 20, 2024)

Rogue Worlds 2024: Uniting Theory and Observation
Dec. 11-14, 2024
Osaka, Japan
https://rogueworlds2024.org

Rogue Worlds 2024 is the first international workshop dedicated to advancing the understanding of free-floating planets. With new probes of this population launching in the coming years, now is the time to bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and observational prospects. This workshop will bring together leading researchers from both theory and observation to foster collaboration and new insight on these exciting, little-understood worlds.

We seek a large breadth of researchers from different fields, including but not limited to:

• Planet formation theory
• Planetary dynamics
• Gravitational microlensing
• Direct imaging
• Brown dwarfs
• Stellar flares and astrophysical transients

If you are interested in becoming involved in this exciting new field, please submit an abstract at the link below no later than October 20, 2024. We hope to see you in Osaka!

Website: https://rogueworlds2024.org

Contact the SOC: [email protected]

1. Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee (Member and Chair) of the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) (Deadline for Nominations: January 31, 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: [email protected] . Nominations must include both a cover letter and a one-page CV summarizing the nominee’s relevant background. The cover letter should provide a description of the nominee’s area of expertise, qualifications for service, commitment to NASA’s core value of inclusion, and anticipated contributions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee. 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 January 31, 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. Call for Early Career Speakers at the ExoPAG 31 Meeting (January 11-12, 2025; Speaker Application Deadline October 25, 2024)

NASA's Exoplanet Program Analysis Group’s Executive Committee (ExoPAG EC) and NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) Office invites eligible early career scientists to consider presenting at the next ExoPAG meeting being held January 11-12, 2025 in conjunction with the American Astronomical Society’s 245th meeting in National Harbor, MD. The EC and ExEP are particularly interested in attendance and presentations by early career scientists from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

The following career levels are eligible to apply:

• Undergraduate must be enrolled in school at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Bachelor
• Graduate students must be enrolled at a university at the time of the conference or the semester immediately before the conference (if during break)
• Post Doctoral

Selected speakers will be eligible for travel reimbursement which may consist of roundtrip airfare, lodging, car rental, meals, and conference registration based on approved government rates.

Focus of proposed ExoPAG 31 talks

Whether you are investigating how planets form, how they evolve or how to search for and characterize them, the ExoPAG EC invites you to share your work. Presentations should align with the priorities described in the current Exoplanet Exploration Program Science Gap List. https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2749/ExEP_Science_Gap_List_2023_Final.pdf

Interested scientists must complete the speaker application, and attach an abstract of their proposed talk prior to the posted deadline, October 25th, 2024 8:00pm ET = 5:00pm PT. See additional information and application here https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag31/exopag31-abstracts/

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3. Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Seminar Series: First Talks (Aki Roberge & Giada Arney) (October 9, 2024; 1:00pm-2:00pm ET / 10:00am-11:00am PT)

The NASA COR, PhysCOS, and ExEP program offices invite you to the new seminar series presenting the science and technology of the Habitable Worlds Observatory!

• Habitable World Observatory Seminar
• 9 October 2024, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
• https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/561/habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-seminar-series/

"Introduction to the Habitable Worlds Observatory"

Aki Roberge, NASA/GSFC

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.

"The Scientific Potential of Habitable Worlds Observatory"

Giada Arney, NASA/GSFC

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 for the presentations can be found at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/561/habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-seminar-series/

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4. Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Technology Roadmap Webinar (November 14, 2024; 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT)

The NASA Astrophysics Division ExEP and PhysCOS/COR program offices invite you to a Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Technology Roadmap Webinar taking place November 14, 2024 at 10:00 Pacific/1pm Eastern.

Please join HWO Chief Technologist Matt Bolcar and HWO Deputy Chief Technologist Feng Zhao, who will describe the HWO technology roadmap, and ways that the astrophysics technology community can get involved in achieving the goals of the roadmap. HWO is the concept for NASA’s next flagship space observatory, to be designed around the capability to discover and characterize potentially habitable plants orbiting other stars. This ambitious mission science goals requires new technology - particularly in the areas of coronagraphy, ultra-stable telescopes, and ultra-violet instrumentation.

The event will consist of 45 minutes of talks followed by 45 minutes of Q&A/Discussion, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the roadmap. The connection link via Microsoft Teams will be announced closer to the event. Please see the event web page here: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/events/560/habitable-worlds-observatory-hwo-technology-roadmap-webinar/

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5. Save the Dates! The 2025 PI Launchpad (August 11-15, 2025; NASA/ARC)

The Science Mission Directorate’s 2025 PI Launchpad Event Dates Announced

Are you thinking about developing your first space mission proposal to NASA in the next few years but have no idea where to start? If so, then this forthcoming, in-person workshop is for you!

The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) expects to support a PI Launchpad event from August 11th to 15th, 2025 at NASA Ames Research Center, in Mountain View, California. https://www.nasa.gov/ames/

Details about previous workshops, including workbooks, presentations, and videos, can be found here: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/pi-launchpad/.

SMD will accept applications to attend the 2025 event only via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) starting in early calendar year 2025. The 2025 application will be similar to, but not identical, to the PI Launchpad Workshop 2023 NNH23ZDA008L, which is available at: https://go.nasa.gov/ApplyPILP23.

Depending on the availability of NASA resources, up to 40 competitively selected applicants may be invited to attend. Likewise dependent on the availability of funds, travel, lunch, and lodging for eligible attendees may be provided.

It is not possible to apply now. One way to learn when PI Launch Pad is open for applications is to subscribe to the SMD announcement list available from NSPIRES. If you are not yet a NSPIRES member, then click the “Create an Account” button on the top right of the page at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/. After you create an account, log in and subscribe to the Science Mission Directorate Mailing list (list serv), as well as any other lists of interest to you. In addition to receiving information about when the PI Launch Pad is accepting applications, you will receive emails about other opportunities. You may need to check you spam filter and add the address, e.g., [email protected] or [email protected] to your safelist.

Sincerely,
The 2025 NASA PI Launch Pad Organizers
[email protected]

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6. A Future Space Mission with Very High Precision Astrometry Conference: Talk Slides Posted

Talk slides from the conference "A Future Space Mission with Very High Precision Astrometry", held September 11-13, 2024 at Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, are now posted at: https://astrometry.sciencesconf.org/resource/page/id/10

1. ExoPAG 31 (January 11-12, 2025, National Harbor, MD)

The 31st meeting of the ExoPAG will be held January 11-12, 2025 in National Harbor, MD as part of the American Astronomical Society’s 245th conference scheduled for January 12-16, 2025. The ExoPAG will be a hybrid meeting.

ExoPAG 31: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag31/exopag31-overview/

ExoPAG 31 Registration: If you intend to participate in ExoPAG 31 in person or remote, organizers ask that you register on the website https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopag31/exopag31-registration/ no later than January 3rd, 2025. Registered participants may pick up their name badge at the check in table outside of the meeting room on January 11th and all participants will receive remote connection information prior to the meeting. In-person attendees must register for AAS https://aas.org/meetings/aas245/registration to attend ExoPAG.

Highlights from the agenda are as follows:

• Presentations from Habitable Worlds Observatory working group leads on their current activities and future plans.
• Roman Project Involvement: A dedicated talk on how early-career scientists can contribute to the Roman Space Telescope’s scientific goals.
• Early career talks aligned with the priorities described in the current Exoplanet Exploration Program Science Gap List. (APPLICATION COMING SOON!)
• Open Mic Session: Engage in an open discussion where all attendees can provide feedback on exoplanet-related topics, submit new suggestions, and directly influence the ExoPAG Executive Committee, the Exoplanet Exploration Program, and NASA Headquarters.
• Reports from Science Interest Groups and Study Analysis Groups: Hear updates on studies related to exoplanet demographics, synergies between exoplanet and solar system research, the impact of exo-zodiacal dust on direct imaging surveys, technosignatures, and more.

ExoPAG meetings offer a forum for deep discussions on scientific and technical issues in exoplanet exploration, with a strong emphasis on community input to guide NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP). We encourage all interested members of the space science community to attend, participate, and contribute to the ongoing prioritization of activities that will advance our understanding of exoplanets.

Suggestions and Findings:

Have you participated in the ExoPAG and thought “this meeting could more useful if…” or “I have really found ExoPAG to benefit me by…” or “If they improved this, it would contribute greatly to the broader community.” There is a form for that!! All members of the ExoPAG community are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to the ExoPAG Executive Committee (EC) via a known or anonymous submission via the online form. All submissions will be reviewed and discussed by the EC. Please submit your suggestions any time, and no later than October 11th for potential discussion at the January 2025 ExoPAG meeting. https://forms.gle/d3BRXawE8KBJGHSL9

Have you ever thought, “NASA really needs to…” or “My peers and I are severely impacted by… and NASA should do something” There is a form for that too! https://forms.gle/yTfzef8bMEGwBe5m6

Proposed findings will be discussed by the EC and possibly brought to the ExoPAG for review and voting. Examples of past findings can be found here https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/exopagFoundingDocuments/exopag-findings/

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2. REMINDER: 2025A NN-EXPLORE Observing Time Available for Exoplanet Research Through NSF NOIRLab Proposal Call (Proposal Deadline September 30, 2024)

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

"NN-EXPLORE observing time available for exoplanet research

NN-EXPLORE is a partnership between NASA and the NSF to support community exoplanet science. NN-EXPLORE will make available about 40 nights of observing time at the WIYN telescope, 300 hours of observing time at SMARTS/CHIRON, and 150 hours of observing time in MINERVA-Australis. The proposals will be managed via the NOIRLab time allocation process. NOIRLab will release the new announcement of opportunity the first week of September 2024. All researchers associated with US institutions are encouraged to apply. More information at https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/NNExplore/overview/."

NSF NOIRLab Call for Standard Proposals: Semester 2025A

https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/call-for-proposals/

This Call for Proposals 2025A (CfP25A) covers the observing time period from 1 February 2025 – 31 July 2025.

Proposal Deadline: 30 September 2024 at 11:59 pm Mountain Standard Time (MST)

Proposals for standard observing programs at all ground-based facilities coordinated by the NSF NOIRLab, which include US time on the telescopes of Gemini, CTIO (including SOAR), and KPNO (WIYN), as well as community-access time with other observatories (which for 2025A include Magellan, CHARA, Keck, and MINERVA-Australis), can be submitted twice per year.

More details about the process of submitting observing proposals to NOIRLab can be found at:

https://noirlab.edu/science/observing-noirlab/proposals/preparing-standard-proposal-instructions.pdf

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3. REMINDER: Input to ExEP Science Gap List (Input Requested by September 30, 2024)

The NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP) is seeking community input on the ExEP Science Gap List (SGL) through September 30, 2024, with the goal of providing an updated version in early 2025:

The current 2023 version of the SGL is posted on the ExEP Program Science page (https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/science-overview/) at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/internal_resources/2749/ExEP_Science_Gap_List_2023_Final.pdf)

The Science Gap List (SGL) curates from community inputs program “science gaps”, which are defined as the difference between knowledge needed to define requirements for specified future NASA exoplanet missions and the current state of the art, or knowledge which is needed to enhance the science return of current and future NASA exoplanet missions. This gap list is a resource for the broader community, pointing to where focused science investigations are needed over the next 3-5 years in support of community ExEP goals. The ExEP Science Gap List represents activities and investigations that will advance the goals of NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program and provides brief summaries in a convenient tabular format. The ExEP Science Gap list is meant to assist proposers in describing the relevance of their work to Program goals as they respond to SMD ROSES and mission observing proposal solicitations. All ExEP approaches, activities, and decisions are guided by science priorities, and those priorities are presented and summarized in the ExEP Science Gap List.

UPDATE: You can submit your suggestions either anonymously or with your name and email via the new Google form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18-QkF1PXc8YgZ-X3KLy18MmgcwRmeNBuLYa9up-2wys/

For any questions on the ExEP Science Gap List, you are welcome to contact ExEP scientists Karl Stapelfeldt ([email protected]) & Eric Mamajek ([email protected]).

The ExEP Exoplanet Program Science documents are available at: https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/science-overview/

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4. Call for Habitable Worlds Observatory F2F Poster Session (Due Friday September 27, 2024)

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Face-to-Face meeting will take place in Rochester, NY, from October 22nd through 24th.The event will feature an in-person poster session on Wednesday, October 23. Additionally, there will also be a "pop" poster session on Thursday October 24, where participants can provide a brief (~1 minute) overview of their poster work, allowing virtual attendees to engage with their research.

If selected to present a poster, participants will also receive an invitation to attend the meeting in person and travel funds will be available.

Due to the limited number of poster slots, we will prioritize early career individuals (undergraduates, post-bacs, graduate students, postdocs, 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 various working groups.

Please fill out this form to apply for a poster presentation by 5pm PT (8pm EST) on Friday September 27.

Please feel free to circulate this announcement at your local institution and communities.

If you have any questions, please contact Raissa Estrela ([email protected]) and Rob Zellem ([email protected]).

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5. ROSES-24: D.14 Roman Participation Opportunities - Comments Due 1 October 2024

NASA’s Astrophysics Division would like to call attention to the draft solicitation, D.14 Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Research and Support Participation Opportunities, that has been open for comments through 1 October 2024.

Please send any questions or comments regarding this draft text to [email protected], with the subject line "D.14 Roman Draft".

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6. ROSES-24: F.18 MOSAICS 5-Year Collaboration Awards DRAFT Text Released

When it is solicited, F.18 Mentorship and Opportunities in STEM with Academic Institutions for Community Success (MOSAICS) Five-Year Collaboration Awards (M5YCA) will solicit proposals for up to five years of funding to support longer-term research and mentoring collaborations between scientists and engineers at NASA Centers or Facilities and faculty at institutions historically underfunded by NASA. Three funding categories are available: Small, Medium, and Large, corresponding up to ~$200,000/year, ~$500,000/year, and ~$1M/year, respectively, including indirect costs.

ROSES-2024 Amendment 50 releases DRAFT text of F.18 M5YCA for community comment. Comments and questions concerning this draft are due by 1 November 2024, either anonymously via this Google form or via email to [email protected] with the subject line "Feedback on ROSES-2024 F.18 DRAFT".

Please direct questions concerning F.18 M5YCA to Patricia (Padi) Boyd at [email protected].

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7. Town Hall for Planetary Science Research Programs (October 15, 2024)

On October 15, 2024, at 3 PM Eastern Time, NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD) will host a webinar to discuss changes made to select upcoming Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES)-24 programs and anticipated program changes for ROSES-25.

The following topics will be included in this discussion: 1) General overview for broad scale changes, 2) Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) including requirements for ROSES-24 and implementation of Dual Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR), 3) Merging of Emerging Worlds (EW), Solar System Workings (SSW), Solar System Observations (SSO) into a single program for ROSES-25, 4) Changes to Astrobiology Programs including scope modification of Habitable Worlds (HW), Exobiology (Exo), and Exoplanet Research Programs (XRP).

In advance of and during the webinar, questions may be submitted and upvoted on at: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/qfp6/#!/dashboard

Join the webinar link: https://nasaevents.webex.com/nasaevents/j.php?MTID=m4b97dc236100544c4e6154fbb9c999cb

Webinar number: 2819 527 2926
Webinar password:
H84dpKbJ7Pu (48437525 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
+1-312-500-3163 United States Toll (Chicago)
Access code: 281 952 72926

Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to Kathleen Vander Kaaden at [email protected].