Heliosphere News – August 4, 2020
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, or Matina. Posts are limited to ascii text. Newsletters are
archived on the following website:
http://heliospherenews.unh.edu/.
******************* Announcements *******************
1. MEETING: Call for Science Organizing Committee, Heliophysics 2050 Workshop
2. MEETING: 3rd Annual Interstellar Probe Exploration Workshop, November
17-19, 2020, Silver Spring, Maryland
3. MEETING: COSPAR Scientific Assembly, NEW DATES: 28 January - 4 February, 2021
4. MEETING: MUAN 2020: Upper Atmospheres and Ionospheres in the Inner Solar
System, September 9-11, 2020, New York, New York
5. MEETING: 4th Interstellar Probe Session at Fall AGU Meeting
(Abstract Deadline 29 July 23:59 EDT)
6. MEETING: Over a Full Solar Cycle of Outer Heliosphere Observations at Fall
AGU Meeting (Abstract Deadline 29 July 23:59 EDT)
7. ANNOUNCEMENT: Solar Orbiter In-situ Working Groups
8. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Civil Servant Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center
9. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Associate position in the Cooperative Institute
for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder supporting
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
10. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Space Weather Forecast Applications Scientist Position
in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
at CU Boulder supporting NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)
11. ANNOUNCEMENT: Special Issue on Dynamical Processes in Space Plasmas in
Applied Sciences Journal
*******************
1. MEETING: Call for Science Organizing Committee, Heliophysics 2050 Workshop
Earlier this year, NASA, NSF, and NOAA announced the Heliophysics 2050
Workshop. This workshop will be an agency-enabled, community-driven event to
help the community prepare for the next Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey.
This workshop will focus on a strategic, multi-decadal science framework for
solar and space physics. We anticipate that community members will leverage
workshop results to provide context for their individual white papers to the
Decadal Survey process. In preparation for and as input to the Workshop,
NASA will support community members in forming a Science Organizing
Committee (SOC) to:
1. Organize community white papers into a strategic science web that
identifies science dependencies and flow of science investigations.
2. Organize Workshop sessions.
3. Serve as editors for the workshop’s proceedings document.
Workshop Philosophy: 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 create a
‘Science Web’ that maps current understanding to the next set of compelling
science investigations which, in turn, lead to still later 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 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?
Applications are welcome from any heliophysics community member. Applicants
should be aware that a reasonable time commitment will be needed from summer
2020 through spring 2021. Ideally, the SOC will be a diverse group of
researchers able to identify the intra- and inter-discipline connections of
investigations that advance and expand the field of heliophysics.
Submission Instructions:
Email Jared Leisner (jared.s.leisner at nasa.gov) with the subject line
‘Heliophysics 2050 SOC’ and include:
1. A statement of interest, including any vision for the Workshop and
Decadal Survey preparation, and summarizing relevant expertise. Limit of two (2) pages.
2. A CV documenting 1) the breadth and depth of scientific and/or technical
expertise, 2) any relevant organizing experience, and 3) any experience with
multi-/interdisciplinary scientific endeavors.
*******************
2. MEETING: 3rd Annual Interstellar Probe Exploration Workshop November
17-19, 2020 Silver Spring, Maryland
The 3rd Annual Interstellar Probe Exploration Workshop is scheduled for
November 17-19, 2020 at the Tommy Douglas Conference Center in Silver
Spring, Maryland.
The workshop is being organized for heliophysicists, planetary scientists,
astrophysicists, and engineers from all over the world.
The purpose of the workshop is to gather together and discuss the
objectives, design, and operations for a near-term, pragmatic interstellar
probe mission.
The workshop is organized by a team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied
Physics Laboratory studying such a mission for the Heliophysics Division in
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Visit the JHU APL Interstellar Probe website for detailed information about
the ongoing study.
IMPORTANT: To be added to the mailing list to receive pertinent information
about this workshop and to indicate your interest in participating, please
submit an Indication of Interest.
https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/interstellarprobe2020/
#interstellarprobe2020
For more information, contact:
Meeting and Publication Services
USRA/Lunar and Planetary Institute
meetinginfo at hou.usra.edu
*******************
3. MEETING: COSPAR Scientific Assembly, NEW DATES: 28 January - 4 February, 2021.
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly will take place on 28 January - 4 February
at the International Convention Center in Sydney, Australia.
The 2021 Assembly will combine the latest in space research findings with
activities designed to enrich the global space research community -
including helping equip our future leaders, and workshopping with space
industry - and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. You
will have the opportunity of a lifetime to interact directly with everything
that Australia has to offer - our science and innovation, our people, our
heritage, and our beautiful environment. The Assembly website is
IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
Early Bird Registration Deadline 31 October 2020
Speaker Registration Deadline 31 October 2020
Accommodation Booking Deadline 15 December 2020
*******************
4. MEETING: MUAN 2020: Upper Atmospheres and Ionospheres in the Inner Solar
System, September 9-11, 2020, New York, New York
This three-day workshop will bring together scientists interested in the
general dynamics of, and coupling between, ionized and neutral atmospheric
constituents of three key inner Solar System planets: Mars, Earth, and
Venus. Other bodies, such as comets and moons are also welcome. The
objective is to embrace comparative studies between different planetary
bodies in addition to the usual Mars aeronomy and plasma physics
discussions, as this will lead to a better understanding of the role of
upper atmospheres on planetary evolution and habitability at Mars and in the
Solar System.
The main topics for discussion are:
- Planetary aeronomy - past, present and future.
- Thermosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere-exosphere (TIME) coupling.
- Lower-upper atmosphere connections.
A significant part of the workshop will be devoted to brainstorming and
opportunities to discuss different science aspects, and to help establish
fruitful collaborations.
Our workshop will be hosted by Columbia University in New York City, with
opportunities to present posters or talks. The workshop will be limited to
100 attendees, so to aid us in planning, we encourage all those interested
to please indicate your interest here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVgrQ8cIQx8mOgF5rVV76Re6hh6u1_xwtK4XXhKSpVSOU2_A/viewform
SOC:
Beatriz Sanchez-Cano (University of Leicester) David Andrews (Swedish
Institute of Space Physics) Mark Lester (University of Leicester) Robert
Lillis (UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory) Hermann Opgenoorth (Umea
University) Dmitri Titov (ESA) Michael J. Way (NASA Goddard Institute for
Space Studies) Olivier Witasse (ESA) Email inquiries about this meeting can
be directed to Linda Sohl (LOC) at linda.sohl at columbia.edu.
*******************
5. MEETING: 4th Interstellar Probe Session at 2020 Fall AGU Meeting
For the fourth consecutive year the American Geophysical Union is hosting a
session on an Interstellar Probe to the Local Interstellar Medium. Please
consider submitting your work on the groundbreaking science enabled by an
Interstellar Probe; current state of understanding of the outer heliosphere;
solar system and beyond; design concepts; enabling technologies;
programmatic challenges; and more.
Abstract Submission:
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/103634
Abstract Deadline: 23:59 EDT 29 July 2020
Session Title: SH011 - Interstellar Probe: Pushing the Boundaries of Space
Exploration
Session Description: An Interstellar Probe through the heliospheric
boundary, into the Interstellar Medium, opens a new regime of space physics
to understand the global nature of our habitable astrosphere and to explore
the Interstellar Cloud. Kuiper Belt and dust disk observations provide
unique insights into the evolution of our solar system. Outside the zodiacal
cloud, the unobscured infrared sky reveals new information on early galaxy
formation. The recent interest in an Interstellar Probe launching in the
2030's is fueled by the mysteries uncovered by the aging Voyager mission,
the unexpected IBEX and Cassini discoveries, and conventional propulsion
improvements that enable delivering a probe to the heliospheric boundary in
~10 years. This session seeks presentations on the unique science
observations that an Interstellar Probe enables across the physics of the
heliosphere and beyond, and also planetary science, and astrophysics. Status
of enabling technologies in propulsion, communication, power,
instrumentation, and programmatic aspects are encouraged.
************************
6. MEETING: Over a Full Solar Cycle of Outer Heliosphere Observations at 2020
Fall AGU Meeting
Please consider submitting a presentation concerning theory and observations
of the structure and evolution of the outer heliosphere to the following session:
Session Title: SH014 - Over a Full Solar Cycle of Outer Heliosphere Observations
The recent completion of a full solar cycle of IBEX observations of ENAs from
the outer heliosphere highlights the fact that we have had over 16 years of
continuous observations from beyond the termination shock, starting with
Voyager 1’s crossing in 2004. These observations, in conjunction with Cassini
and New Horizons, have provided a remarkable opportunity to study the evolution
of particle distributions and plasma through the heliosphere and beyond, leading
to an unprecedented advancement in our knowledge of the outer heliosphere. With
the expected launch of IMAP in 2024, we look forward to continuing observations
of this region for years to come. We also anticipate new opportunities to link
both in situ and remote observations throughout the heliosphere. This session
will feature what we have learned, both observationally and theoretically, about
the structure and evolution of the outer heliosphere, and its interaction with
the interstellar medium.
Abstract Submission:
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101098
Abstract Deadline: 23:59 EDT 29 July 2020
**********************
7. ANNOUNCEMENT: Solar Orbiter In-situ Working Groups
The Solar Orbiter In-situ Working Groups are now ready for you to sign
up!
The goals of these community-driven Working Groups are to form
collaborations, to avoid overlap in research activities, to make the
community aware of ongoing work with Solar Orbiter data, and to
guarantee the delivery on the Solar Orbiter Science Activity Plan (SAP).
Membership in the Working Groups is open for interested researchers on
all career levels and without restrictions. We recommend, however, that
you only sign up to the Working Groups that you want to actively
participate in.
You can find more detailed information about the Working Groups,
including short summaries of the groups' objectives and the instructions
to sign up, on this website that Andrew Dimmock has set up:
https://sites.google.com/view/soloiswg/
We also have created a shared Google Calendar with the information about
all meetings. You can subscribe to the calendar to stay up to date about
the ongoing meetings.
The Working Groups will start their work in early September.
**********************
8. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Civil Servant Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space
Flight Center
The Energetic Particle Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is
looking to hire a scientist with experience in designing, building and
analyzing data from instruments that measure ionized and neutral high-energy
particles in the heliosphere and magnetosphere. The laboratory currently has
instruments in development for the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration
Probe (IMAP) mission (launch in 2024), several cubesats for Low-Earth Orbit
and interplanetary space, and the Lunar Gateway.
The Energetic Particle Laboratory is in the Heliospheric Science Laboratory
(Code 672) of Goddard's Heliophysics Science Division. This is a US
Government Civil Servant position, therefore applicants are required to be
either US citizens or currently holding a green card and are expected to
have a PhD in a related field and several years of experience beyond
completion of their PhD. Interested individuals should send a current CV to
Adam Szabo (adam.szabo at nasa.gov), Code 672 Lab Chief, and Eric Christian
(eric.r.christian at nasa.gov), Code 672 Associate Lab Chief and head of the
Energetic Particle Laboratory.
*******************
9. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Associate position in the Cooperative Institute
for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at CU Boulder supporting
NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at
the University of Colorado at Boulder has an immediate opening for a
Research Associate supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental
Information (NCEI). This position is for an Energetic Particle Space
Scientist in NCEI’s Solar and Terrestrial Physics (STP) Group. A team of
dedicated scientists within STP works to ensure that current and future
space weather sensors on NOAA satellites provide effective operational
products for use by the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather
Prediction Center (SWPC). STP’s overall responsibilities also include
providing access to these environmental data by spacecraft engineers and the
scientific community. The Energetic Particle Space Scientist will be
primarily responsible for ensuring the quality and availability of data from
the Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS), operated on-board NOAA’s
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-R series system.
SEISS measures the local charged particle environment across a broad energy
range at multiple pitch angles. The GOES-R series is NOAA?s newest
generation of GOES spacecraft. The first GOES-R satellite, GOES-16, was
launched in November 2016. The fourth and last GOES-R satellite is expected
to launch in 2024. SEISS calibration and validation activities are ongoing.
Required:
-This position involves handling export-controlled documents and data, thus
only applications from US citizens or permanent residents (green card
holders) can be considered.
-If hired, you will need to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries
(NACI, Federal background check).
-Ph.D. in Physical Science, Engineering or similar technical discipline.
-Four years of experience at the post-bachelor’s level in satellite sensor
design, algorithm development, and/or scientific research with space
environmental data.
What We Would Like You to Have:
-Ph.D. in Space Plasma Physics.
-1-2 years postdoctoral experience working with space plasma
instrumentation and instrument data.
-Familiarity with NOAA’s satellite programs, particularly GOES.
-Willingness to pursue independent funding for research.
For additional information and application instructions go to
https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail?jobId=23539
Please direct questions about this position to Brian Kress (brian.kress at
noaa.gov).
* Note, this position was originally posted on 09-Jan-2020, but the hiring
process has been on hold due to rapidly changing hiring policy at CU Boulder
during the coronavirus pandemic. We are restarting the search for this
position.
*******************
10. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Space Weather Forecast Applications Scientist Position
in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
at CU Boulder supporting NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC)
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
encourages applications to fill a Research Associate position resident at
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather
Prediction Center (SWPC)! SWPC is the nation’s official source of space
weather alerts and warnings. SWPC forecasts and products support a wide
range of customers, including power grid operators, Global Navigation
Satellite Systems (GNSS), aviation, satellite operators, and emergency
managers.
Our Research Associate will work within the SWPC Testbed section of the
Space Weather Prediction Center, working with the wider Deep Space Climate
Observatory (DSCOVR), Space Weather Follow On - L1 (SWFO-L1), and Compact
Coronagraph teams. Specifically, this position will initially support the
DSCOVR mission, with the expectation the candidate will take a lead in
developing experimental space weather forecasting applications for the
benefit of forecasters and customers. In addition to data from DSCOVR,
the successful applicant is encouraged to investigate future missions
including the SWFO-L1 and Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe
(IMAP) for their use in crafting new space weather applications. Together,
these missions are important to ensuring the highest quality space
weather forecasts and it is encouraged that the applications developed
using these missions will be used to improve and enhance SWPC’s geomagnetic
and radiation storm forecasts. Through this role, the successful candidate
will participate in preparing these missions, ground systems, and forecast
products for post-launch, real-time operations!
For Additional Information and to Apply:
https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=26121
For Direct Questions Regarding the Position,
Please Contact Eric Adamson:
eric.adamson@noaa.gov
*******************
11. ANNOUNCEMENT: Special Issue on Dynamical Processes in Space Plasmas in
Applied Sciences Journal
From: Georgios Nicolaou
We are happy to announce our special Issue on Dynamical Processes in Space
Plasmas in Applied Sciences Journal by mdpi.
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci/special_issues/Dynamical_Processes_Space_Plasmas
We welcome original papers with theoretical, modelling and/or data-analysis
research on dynamical mechanisms in collisionless space plasmas. We strongly
encourage papers demonstrating new methods, measurement and analysis
techniques to resolve physical processes in space plasmas.
*******************
Best Regards,
Mihir