[HeliosphereNews] Heliosphere News - March 30, 2021

Tue Mar 30 14:38:51 EDT 2021

Heliosphere News - March 30, 2021

http://heliospherenews.unh.edu/

A newsletter devoted to Heliospheric Science.
Editor: Nathan Schwadron (nschwadron at unh.edu)
Co-Editor: Mihir Desai (mdesai at swri.edu)
Co-Editor: Eric Zirnstein (ejz at princeton.edu)
Co-Editor: Matina Gkioulidou (matina.gkioulidou at jhuapl.edu)
Co-Editor: Jamie Rankin (jsrankin at princeton.edu)

Coordinator: Liz Wilber (Elizabeth.Wilber at unh.edu) Web site editor: Ken Fairchild (Ken.Fairchild at unh.edu)

If you are interested in being added to the list, being removed from the list, or posting an announcement, please send information to Nathan, Mihir, Eric, Matina, or Jamie. Posts are limited to ascii text.

Newsletters are archived on the following website:
http://heliospherenews.unh.edu/.       

******************* Announcements *******************

1. JOB OPPORTUNITY: PhD and Postdoctoral Research Positions in Cosmic Dust/Heliosphere Science at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland

2. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Postdoctoral Research Fellow and/or Senior Research Positions in Space Physics at Princeton University

3. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Scientist Positions in Space Physics at Florida Institute of Technology

4. JOB OPPORTUNITY: PhD opportunities within the Solar and Space Physics research group at Northumbria University, Deadline = 28th April 2021

5. MEETING: Heliophysics 2050 Workshop, May 3-7, 2021

6. MEETING: Spring 2021 Meeting on Solar Flare Energy Release, May 24-26, 2021

7. ANNOUNCEMENT: Decadal Survey Preparatory Discussions (Pre-/Post-Heliophysics 2050 Workshop)

8. ANNOUNCEMENT: Decadal Survey White Paper Organization

9. ANNOUNCEMENT: Call for New Members of the Executive Committee of the Living with a Star Program Analysis Group (LPAG)

10. ANNOUNCEMENT: Upcoming SHIELD Webinar: Fri April 9th, 2020 2:00 PM EST

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1. JOB OPPORTUNITY: PhD and Postdoctoral Research Positions in Cosmic Dust/Heliosphere Science at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland

There are two research opportunities in cosmic dust/heliosphere science at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland.

The Astrophysical Dust Group (https://astrodust.phys.ethz.ch) at the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics (IPPA), ETH Zurich, in Switzerland, is looking for highly motivated candidates to apply for a postdoctoral researcher position, and a PhD position, within the framework of the ERC funded project “The heliosphere and the dust: characterisation of the solar and interstellar neighbourhood”.

The projects include cosmic dust data analysis, modelling of the interstellar dust transport through the heliosphere, and applying the results to other astrospheres and the solar system in the past. For more details and submission of the applications, see:

Postdoc position: https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_ryjk2Yj2JM3MH3WG3w
PhD position: https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_Pw3MvM3kDRZTXpC26H

Application deadline: March 31, 2021.

For questions (no applications!), please contact Veerle Sterken: vsterken at ethz.ch

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2. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Postdoctoral Research Fellow and/or Senior Research Positions in Space Physics at Princeton University

The Space Physics Group (see https://spacephysics.princeton.edu/) in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, anticipates offering one or more postdoctoral or more senior research positions in the observational study of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) and Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs).

The Space Physics Group researches many aspects of space physics (aka Heliophysics), with a strong emphasis on experimental and observational space plasma physics. The Group currently leads NASA's Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISOIS) energetic particle instrument suite.  The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission, which will launch in 2025 to explore the details of particle acceleration and the Sun's interaction with the local interstellar medium.

The successful candidate(s) will play a significant role in the analysis and publication of SEP observations from ISOIS and ENA observations from IBEX and must have both significant prior experiences analyzing at least one of these type(s) of particle data, as well as the proven ability to lead and participate in the rapid development and publication of numerous excellent research articles. A Ph.D. is required in physics, astrophysics, space science, or a closely related field.

Interested persons must apply online at https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/apply/application.xhtml?listingId=17501, Selecting Space Physics as the position you are interested in.

For further inquiries, contact spacephysics at princeton.edu

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3. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Scientist Positions in Space Physics at Florida Institute of Technology

The Space Physics Group in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, is offering several postdoctoral and senior research positions in space physics. The Space Physics Group researches in several areas of heliospheric physics. These positions focus on studying cosmic rays and solar energetic particle propagation in fluctuating magnetic fields for space weather forecasts. Preferred qualifications of the candidate include having prior experience in numerical computer modeling, machine learning, and analyzing plasma, particle, and magnetic field data from spacecraft. The applicant should have a Ph.D. degree in space physics or closely related disciplines. Send application to mzhang at fit.edu in a single PDF file along with names and contact information for recommendation letters.

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4. JOB OPPORTUNITY: PhD opportunities within the Solar and Space Physics research group at Northumbria University, Deadline = 28th April 2021

The Solar and Space Physics research group at Northumbria University (Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) is inviting applications for full-time PhD studentships for an October 2021 or March 2022 start.

These are 3.5 year studentships and are funded by a STFC Doctoral Training Partnership.

This year, we are offering PhDs on the following topics:

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Plasma thermodynamics of the inner heliosphere with Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe
principal supervisor: Dr Robert Wicks
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=131335
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Determining global plasma waves in Earth's magnetosphere from ground observations
principal supervisor: Dr Sarah Bentley
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=131337
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What makes geomagnetic storms so special?
principal supervisor: Professor Jonathan Rae
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=131333
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Exploring fundamental MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) properties of solar chromospheric magnetic fields, via a unique observation of a large-scale swirl and associated magnetic null point
principal supervisor: Dr Eamon Scullion
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=131334
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Modelling an X-class solar flare combining observations, electron beam transport physics and MHD numerical simulations
principal supervisor: Dr Gert Botha
https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=131336
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Full details can be found at: https://sites.google.com/view/solarphysicsnu/research/phd-projects-2021

For informal questions, please contact the relevant supervisor, and/or contact Professor James McLaughlin james.a.mclaughlin at northumbria.ac.uk

Deadline for applications: 28th April 2021

Start Date: 1st October 2021 or 1st March 2022

Overview of the research group
The Solar and Space Physics group is a large and successful group, and our long-term research programme is to understand all aspects of the solar-terrestrial connection. Evidence of the group’s success includes funding from STFC, NERC, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Astronomical Society, the US Air Force, and a UKRI Future Leader Fellow. The group also plays multiple roles in the UKRI SWIMMR (Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk) programme in support of the UK Met Office.

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5. MEETING: Heliophysics 2050 Workshop, May 3-7, 2021, Virtual

The workshop will examine current scientific understanding and what near-term investigations can enable and inform future investigations. From this scientific progression, the workshop will explore fundamental connections (i.e., Science Web) that map current understanding to the next set of research investigations which will, in turn, enable next-generation studies. These investigations will cover the range of work from basic research to operational efforts and would be agnostic to their mode of execution (e.g., theory, observations, spaceflight missions). This approach will enable the next Decadal Survey to lay out a long-term science strategy: What does Heliophysics look like in 2050, and what do we do in the next decade to help us get there?

Call for Poster Abstracts

Poster presenters and attendees are encouraged to discuss the long-term impact of the presented topics, with an eye toward collaboration in submitting white papers to the Heliophysics Decadal Survey. Solicited poster abstracts are limited to 2,500 characters, and an abstract pdf is not required.

Abstract submission deadline: April 4, 2021, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time (GMT -5)

Registration

Registration fees are not being collected for this virtual workshop, but registration is required for communication purposes including virtual access information.

Registration deadline: April 26, 2021

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/helio2050/

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6. MEETING: Spring 2021 Meeting on Solar Flare Energy Release, May 24-26, 2021

The SolFER DRIVE Science Center is announcing a web-based science meeting on Solar Flare Energy Release to take place on May 24-26, 2021. The meeting is open to all scientists working on the topic. The meeting will include invited talks, submitted oral talks as well as poster presentations and will provide substantial time for informal scientific discussion.  We encourage paper submissions that are based on remote and in situ observational data as well as those based on theory and modeling. Extensive use will be made of Gather meeting software to facilitate interactive poster sessions as well as informal discussion between meeting participants. The meeting will be organized around the key scientific topics listed as follows:
    -What mechanisms facilitate the fast release of magnetic energy in impulsive solar flares?
    -What controls the onset of fast flare energy release?
    -Why and how do flares transfer a large fraction of the released magnetic energy into energetic electrons?
    -What mechanism drives the energization of ions and the measured abundance enhancements of some species during impulsive flares?
    -What mechanisms control energetic particle transport in flares?
    -How does reconnection heat plasma in flares and the small events (nanoflares) that may be responsible for heating the corona?
More information on these scientific topics can be found on the SolFER website (solfer.umd.edu). Information on abstract submission and more details on the daily timeline of the meeting are being developed for posting on the website.

The SolFER science team also encourages community participation in the ongoing science discussion related to flare energy release. A detailed calendar of working group meetings as well as the monthly webinar can be found on the SolFER website (soler.umd.edu).

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7. ANNOUNCEMENT: Decadal Survey Preparatory Discussions (Pre-/Post-Heliophysics 2050 Workshop)

To augment the impact of the Heliophysics 2050 Workshop (May 3-7) on the community’s pre-decadal preparation, NASA is supporting additional opportunities for community coordination.

   1. Pre-Workshop, NASA is encouraging preparatory discussions so that the In-Workshop discussions are as productive as possible.
   2. Post-Workshop, NASA is encouraging follow-on discussions that can take threads that arise at the Workshop and further develop them as part of decadal survey white paper preparation. 

NASA especially encourages discussions on interdisciplinary science, science that expands the field of heliophysics, a coherent pipeline from basic research to operational activities, and state of the profession topics. Topics should be focused enough to be productive without being so focused that discussion threads outside of established canon are excluded.

Given the limited time before the Workshop, groups are encouraged to meet at least once a week. After the Workshop, groups will be encouraged to consider the decadal survey white paper deadlines when scheduling.

Some pre-Workshop groups are currently meeting, and interested individuals are encouraged to contact the organizer for connection information:
   Larry Kepko (larry.kepko at nasa.gov): Terrestrial magnetospheric science.
   Shasha Zou (shashaz at umich.edu): Terrestrial ITM science.
   Albert Y. Shih (albert.y.shih at nasa.gov): High-energy solar physics.
   Dan Seaton (Daniel.Seaton at Colorado.EDU): Middle corona and connection to heliosphere.
   Mark Linton (mark.linton at nrl.navy.mil): Solar interior and atmospheric science.

To volunteer to organize a new group, contact Ian Cohen (ian.cohen at jhuapl.edu) to coordinate. No topic relevant to the Workshop and the decadal survey will be discouraged. A modest honorarium is available for eligible organizers.

All groups must be open to all interested members of the community. All groups must abide by the highest standards of conduct.

Any questions about NASA Heliophysics Division’s preparation for the decadal survey should be directed to Jared Leisner (jared.s.leisner at nasa.gov).

Links:
Heliophysics Division Decadal Survey webpage: https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/resources/2024_decadal_survey
Heliophysics 2050 Workshop: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/helio2050/

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8. ANNOUNCEMENT: Decadal Survey White Paper Organization

To support community self-organization ahead of the decadal survey, a webpage has been set up for individuals to share their plans for decadal white papers with the heliophysics community. 

The intention is for community members to use this page to coordinate similar white papers, solicit comments from interested researchers, and make connections that lead to refined and new white papers. The webpage is based on the Lunar and Planetary Institute’s successful model used for a previous decadal survey, and can be found at: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/decadal_whitepaper_proposals/heliophysics/

This site is for community information only and is not part of the National Academies' activities. The decadal survey sponsoring agencies do not approve, reject, or modify white paper concepts submitted.

Listing a white paper proposal here does not commit the author to submitting a white paper to the decadal survey, and an individual is not required to list a white paper here in order to submit it for the decadal survey.

Any questions about NASA Heliophysics Division’s preparation for the decadal survey should be directed to Jared Leisner (jared.s.leisner at nasa.gov).

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9. ANNOUNCEMENT: Call for New Members of the Executive Committee of the Living with a Star Program Analysis Group (LPAG)

Dear Colleague,

We are seeking well qualified candidates for the Executive Committee of the Living with a Star Program Analysis Group (LPAG), formerly the LWS TR&T Steering Committee. As with its predecessor, the LPAG performs a vital role by providing an opportunity for the Heliophysics Community to provide input and information to the LWS program. Examples of the activities that the LPAG is asked to address include:

* Articulation of the key scientific drivers for LWS scientific research including potential focused science topics (FSTs), strategic capabilities, cross-cutting research, and others;
* Evaluation of the expected capabilities of potential LWS missions for achieving the science goals of the program;
* Evaluation of LWS goals, objectives, investigations, and required measurements;
* Articulation of focus areas for targeted research and technology development; and
* Analysis of related activities such as ground-based observing, theory and modeling programs, laboratory Heliophysics, suborbital investigations, data archiving, and community engagement.

The terms of reference for the LPAG are located on the LWS web site:

https://lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/pdf/LPAG_TOR_2017_Final_Signed.pdf

As part of the LPAG process, four of the twelve members of the current Executive Committee are stepping down to allow for new membership. We are currently seeking four members from the Heliophysics community with a solid understanding of the scientific basis of Heliophysics system science. Highly qualified candidates from all career stages, including early career, will be considered. Membership in the LPAG is nominally three years. In the past, the LPAG Executive Committee would meet in person for three days twice a year.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, the LPAG met virtually in 2020 and plans are for this meeting format to continue in 2021 with the expectation that in person meeting may resume in 2022.  Participation in these meetings and during occasional telecons is expected for continued membership on the Executive Committee. In addition, members may participate in community engagement at various scientific meetings during the year either through soliciting input from the wider community or presenting status of LPAG activities. Additional information can be found on the LWS website at:

https://lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov/lpag

To be a candidate for the LPAG Executive Committee, send your submission to the LWS program staff at the email addresses below. Please include in your submission a brief summary of the contributions you would make to the committee and your qualifications for doing so, as well as a single-page CV. This submission must be limited to a two-page PDF file. Nominations will only be accepted for scientists who reside at a U.S. institution for the period of service. We will accept submissions until midnight Eastern Daylight Time on April 25, 2021.  The details of the selection process are discussed in the LPAG TOR. Please feel free to share this letter with anyone you think would be interested.

Simon Plunkett
simon.p.plunkett at nasa.gov

Madhulika (Lika) Guhathakurta
Madhulika.Guhathakurta at nasa.gov

Jeff Morrill
jeff.s.morrill at nasa.gov

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10. ANNOUNCEMENT: Upcoming SHIELD Webinar: Fri April 9th, 2020 2:00 PM EST

Young Voices

Speaker: Parisa Mostafavi
Heliospheric shocks Propagating Beyond the Heliosphere: How Far Does the Sun’s Influence Extend into the Interstellar Medium

Current spacecraft have identified many interesting discoveries about shocks’ structure in the outer heliosphere and the very local interstellar medium (VLISM). In this talk, I summarize how the structure of heliospheric shock waves changes with distance from the Sun. A two-fluid (thermal gas and nonthermal energetic particles) model has been used to study the shock structures observed in these regions. We show that a small percentage of the solar wind flow energy at the upstream of the heliospheric termination shock (HTS) is converted to downstream thermal heating, as it was observed by Voyager 2 and nonthermal energetic particles called pickup ions (PUIs) provide almost all the dissipative heating of the bulk flow energy at the HTS. Next, we study the inner heliosheath (IHS) medium and show that the IHS temperature mediation due to the presence of many shocks results in the more effective production of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs). The predicted ENA flux matches the observed IBEX ENA flux more closely when shock waves are present in the IHS. Voyager 1 and 2 crossed the heliopause in 2012 and 2018, respectively, and are both continue to make in-situ measurements of the VLISM for the first time. The first observed VLISM shock by Voyager 1 was extremely broad, exhibiting properties very different from those shocks in the heliosphere. We find that the VLISM is collisional with respect to the thermal plasma (unlike the collisionless heliosphere), and the broad VLISM shock structure is due to thermal particle collisions. Many interesting questions have been raised about shocks propagation by Voyager 1 and 2 traveling into the ISM. However, they were not instrumented properly to elucidate the physics of shocks in a completely different medium, and thus a dedicated spacecraft is needed. A future interstellar probe is the first deliberate mission to the interstellar medium through the outer heliosphere with the dedicated set of observations to answer the most debated questions about the heliosphere and discover our 
local interstellar neighborhood.

Speaker: Elena Provornikova
Interstellar Probe: a future mission to unravel mysteries of the heliosphere and its interstellar neighborhood

An Interstellar Probe mission to the local interstellar medium would bring new discoveries of physical mechanisms shaping our vast heliosphere and directly sample the unexplored Local Interstellar Cloud that our Sun is traveling through. Interstellar Probe would enable for the first time to explore the heliosphere edge with dedicated instrumentation, to take the image of the global heliosphere by looking back and explore in-situ the Sun`s interstellar neighborhood. The Interstellar Probe would represent Humanity’s first explicit step into the galaxy. In this presentation, I will give an overview of heliophysics science for the mission and discuss the compelling discoveries that await on the journey up to 1000 AU from the Sun.

Friday, April 9
2 PM EST

Register Here:
https://bostonu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArde-tqz8qGNeJxsf7r3WQHKD8agy9-Ikv

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