[GEM] THE GEM MESSENGER, Volume 27, Number 51

[Newsletter Editor]

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     THE GEM MESSENGER
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Volume 27, Number 51
Nov.06,2017

Announcement submission website: http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/gem/messenger_form/

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Table of Contents

1. Call for Proposals for New GEM Focus Groups – Deadline December 1st

2. GEM Workshop Format Poll: (This) Friday, November 10th

3. ULF Wave Modeling, Effects, and Applications 2017 Mini-GEM Schedule

4. Special MMS plasma webinar on FPI/HPCA analysis using SPEDAS

5. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Scientist Position at NCAR/HAO

6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher at Boston University

7. JOB OPENING: GSFC Position in Magnetospheric Science

8. 2018 EGU Session ST3.2/2.12: "Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling: New Phenomenological Insights from Data and Theory"

9. 2018 EGU Session ST3.6: "ULF Waves and Turbulence in the Auroral Oval and Polar Cap Regions: New Horizons in Multi-Instrument Observations"

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1. Call for Proposals for New GEM Focus Groups – Deadline December 1st
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From: The GEM Steering Committee

The GEM Steering Committee (SC) is now accepting proposals for new Focus Groups (FGs), which are due by 5 pm (ET) Friday, December 1st. The official proposal guidelines are given in the GEM by-laws: http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/gemwiki/index.php/GEM_Bylaws and a more informal description is given in the latest version of the GEM Best Practices document: http://www-ssc.igpp.ucla.edu/gem/pdf/GEM_BestPractices_22Sep2017.pdf.

The proposals should be no more than 4 pages in length, organized under the following headings, and in the following order: 

1) Topic: a description of the topic
2) Timeliness: a statement on timeliness of the proposed FG
3) Fit: how does the FG relate to existing RA’s and FGs... e.g., complement?, duplicate?
4) Goals & Deliverable: specific goal and target deliverable* 
5) Co-chairs: names of the proposed co-chairs (we discourage SC members being listed)
6) Research Area: the Research Area with which it will be associated
7) Term: 5 years or less from summer 2014
8) Expected activities: for example topics of sessions or challenges

*Deliverables can be GGCM modules, empirical relations that lead to modules, solutions to specific science problems, challenges, data sets for validation and metrics, or paper collections. 

The currently active FGs, their descriptions, research areas, and terms are available on the GEM website: http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/gemwiki/index.php/GEM_Focus_Groups 

Please keep in mind that on one hand we want to have active FGs operating under the umbrella of each Research Area, but there is no upper limit to the number within a research area. The GEM SC will consider all proposals received before the submission deadline. 

The FG proposals will be posted on the GEM Wiki website before the GEM Mini-Workshop. There will be an evening session at the Mini- Workshop at which the FG proposals will be presented and discussed in a forum open to the entire GEM community. The SC will then meet after the mini-workshop sessions to decide which proposals will be selected to become new GEM Focus Groups. If you are proposing a FG, then please plan to give a 5-minute presentation in this session. 

Please send FG proposals to the GEM Steering Committee Chair Jacob Bortnik (jbortnik at atmos.ucla.edu) and Chair-Elect Paul Cassak (pacassak at mail.wvu.edu). Questions should be directed to the SC Chair or to the specific Research Area Coordinator for your topic, available at http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/gemwiki/index.php/Organization_and_People.


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2. GEM Workshop Format Poll: (This) Friday, November 10th
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From: Jacob Bortnik (jbortnik at gmail.com)

Dear GEM colleagues,

I'd like to thank everybody who filled out the GEM "workshop format" poll, and ask those who have not done so yet, to please fill out the poll by (this) Friday, November 10th and let us know what is important to you, as well as anything else that we as the GEM leadership could be doing better.

https://goo.gl/forms/Kjfyq3oRVzBWErOB3

Thank you,
Jacob Bortnik on behalf of the GEM steering committee


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3. ULF Wave Modeling, Effects, and Applications 2017 Mini-GEM Schedule
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From: Michael Hartinger, Kazue Takahashi, Brian Kress (mdhartin at vt.edu)

The “ULF wave modeling, effects, and applications” focus group will have two sessions at the 2017 mini-GEM meeting (http://www.cpe.vt.edu/gem-mini/).

ULF wave modeling challenges, 1200-1330: Discussion of final plans for the CCMC ULF wave modeling challenge with idealized drivers, as well as open discussion of new challenges involving data-model and model-model comparisons during specific events. Please come with 1-2 slides showing examples of such comparisons, ideas for improving ULF wave models, and/or ideas for specific modeling challenges/sessions relevant to the FG science questions: What excites ULF waves? How do ULF waves couple to the plasmasphere/ring current/radiation belt populations? What is the role of ULF waves in MI coupling?

Heliophysics/Geospace system observatory coordination for ULF wave studies, 1350-1520: Discussion of HGSO coordination for ULF wave studies. This includes updates on the 2 May 2017 conjunction event (see GEM wiki for new observations from Van Allen Probes and Cluster, http://aten.igpp.ucla.edu/gemwiki/index.php/FG:_ULF_Wave_Modeling%2C_Effects%2C_and_Applications) followed by an open discussion of conjunctions and datasets that are particularly useful for ULF wave studies, including upcoming RBSP-ERG-ground conjunctions. Please come with 1-2 slides showing examples of datasets and past/upcoming conjunctions ideal for addressing the FG science questions. We welcome discussion from both modelers and observers of the types of conjunctions and observations that are most needed to address these questions.


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4. Special MMS plasma webinar on FPI/HPCA analysis using SPEDAS
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From: Eric Grimes, Jim Lewis, Vassilis Angelopoulos and the SPEDAS team (egrimes at igpp.ucla.edu)

Dear Space Physics community

The Space Physics Environment Data Analysis Software (SPEDAS) development team would like to invite you to participate in a Webex presentation we'll be holding on November 15, 2017.

On Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 10:00am Pacific, we'll be hosting a session focusing on tools to analyze MMS plasma data (FPI/HPCA) using SPEDAS. For more information on SPEDAS, please see: http://spedas.org/wiki

If there are any particular questions or topics of general interest that you'd like to see covered, please send your suggestions to Eric Grimes, egrimes at igpp.ucla.edu, and we'll try to work them in.

See below for the agenda and Webex connection info.

Eric Grimes, Jim Lewis, Vassilis Angelopoulos and the SPEDAS team

Special MMS plasma webinar on FPI/HPCA analysis using SPEDAS

Time: November 15, 10:00am-12:00pm Pacific
URL: https://uclaigpp.webex.com/uclaigpp
Meeting name = Special MMS plasma webinar on FPI/HPCA analysis using SPEDAS
Password = mms-FPI-HPC4
Phone to use: 510-643-3817
Conference ID/pass = none; first person hears the ring, second starts the telecon

Tentative agenda:

1) Introduction to load routines, keywords
2) Energy, PA, gyro phase spectra from distributions (mms_part_getspec)
3) 2D velocity/energy slices from distributions (spd_slice2d)
4) Combining time series moments/spectra with 2D slices (mms_flipbookify)
5) Visualizing the distributions in 3D (isee_3d)


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5. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Scientist Position at NCAR/HAO
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From: William Lotko (wlotko at ucar.edu)

The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) at the National Center for Atmospheric Research invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on numerical modeling of the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system. Investigations of the influence of ion-neutral coupling on ionospheric ion outflow processes and their global effects on the M-I-T system are of special interest. The position offers post graduate scientific research in magnetospheric and ionospheric physics with direct application to magnetohydrodynamic modeling, electrodynamics, multi-fluid plasma transport, and ion outflow.  The successful candidate will perform research using coupled geospace numerical models and applications that can support the development of these models, submit the results of the research to refereed journals, and present results at scientific meetings. The research has project-defined scientific goals and deliverables, entails a team effort and will be directed by an NCAR staff member. The position is for one year with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Among the computational tools available at HAO for this research are the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global MHD model, the Ionosphere Polar Wind Model (IPWM), the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM), the Coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere (CMIT) model and the extended Whole Atmospheric Model (WACCM-X). The applicant must have completed a Ph.D. in physics, atmospheric physics, or a related field, within five years of the application date. The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong background in one or more areas of plasma physics, magnetospheric physics, ionospheric/thermospheric physics, or computational physics, with particular interest in the dynamics of plasma transport and energization within the Earth’s topside ionosphere. Experience in the development of numerical algorithms for multi-fluid plasma models and in high-performance computing are very desirable.

Additional information on the terms of the appointment and application procedure can be found by following the link: https://ucar.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=218260&company_id=15947&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=992803&level=levelid1&levelid1=45500&startflag=2 

Please contact Dr. William Lotko (wlotko at ucar.edu, 303-497-1562), Dr. Roger Varney (roger.varney at sri.com, 650-859-2726), Dr. Wenbin Wang (wbwang at ucar.edu, 303-497-2177) or Dr. Binzheng Zhang (binzheng at ucar.edu, 303-497-1547) for additional information regarding project goals.

NCAR is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.


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6. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher at Boston University
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From: Brian Walsh (bwalsh at bu.edu)

The Center for Solar Physics (CSP) of Boston University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the area of cubesat and instrument development and solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. We're looking for a postdoctoral scholar to be involved in mission development and scientific analysis with the CuPID Cubesat Observatory. The 6U cubesat is scheduled to launch in 2019 and will carry a soft X-ray telescope and microdosimeter suite with a science objective to study large-scale properties of magnetic reconnection. There’s additional opportunity for involvement in the ESA-Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Solar Wind Magnetosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission. The SMILE mission is currently being developed with a launch date of 2021. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in space physics, as well as some spaceflight or ground-based hardware experience.

Conditions: 
The position is available immediately with a negotiable start date. The duration is two years with the potential for renewal. Salary will follow the Boston University standard for post-doctoral scholars and it will scale with the applicant’s experience.

How to Apply: 
Applicants must submit the following materials by email to Brian Walsh bwalsh at bu.edu by December 1:
1. A cover letter describing background, qualifications, and experience relevant to the position
2. A full curriculum vitae (CV) - detailing education, awards, publications, research experience, etc.
3. Contact information for three professional references

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer.


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7. JOB OPENING: GSFC Position in Magnetospheric Science
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From: Virginia Peles (virginia.c.peles at nasa.gov)

Applications are now being accepted for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work on data returned from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission, funded through the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II (CRESST II). The MAVEN spacecraft is orbiting Mars doing a comprehensive study of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere, its interaction with the solar wind, and loss of the Mars atmosphere to space. The successful applicants will work on site at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center with scientists in the Solar System Exploration Division. The candidate will work directly with the MAVEN Project Scientist as part of the magnetometer investigation, participating in data analysis and scientific interpretation of the data, leading to the publication of results in scientific journals. Prior experience with magnetometer data analysis, scientific programming skills (especially IDL) and scientific writing experience are strongly preferred.

The MAVEN mission has completed its primary science mission and is currently in the extended mission phase. The appointment will be initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal in subsequent years depending on funding. Applicants may have recently acquired their Ph.D. or have up to two years post-doctoral experience.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a related field with a strong interest in planetary missions, instrumentation, and data analysis with an emphasis on magnetospheric physics. In addition, the candidate should have prior experience in a relevant scientific area, preferably related to the mission and/or the types of instruments flying on MAVEN.

For best consideration submit a Curriculum Vita, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references by November 30, 2017 to:

MAVEN
CRESST/UMBC
Mail Code 660.8, NASA/GSFC 
Greenbelt, MD 20771, or 
Via e-mail to virginia.c.peles at nasa.gov

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The position is available immediately.

For more information about the MAVEN Mission, see www.nasa.gov/maven. Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Gina DiBraccio, gina.a.dibraccio at nasa.gov.

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minority group members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


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8. 2018 EGU Session ST3.2/2.12: "Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling: New Phenomenological Insights from Data and Theory"
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From: Rob Shore (robore at bas.ac.uk)

Session ST3.2/2.12 at the EGU General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, April 8-13 2018

We invite all colleagues working on the physics of terrestrial magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling to submit abstracts here:
https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2018/sessionprogramme
Deadline: January 10th 2018.

This session will highlight the latest research into the physics of how magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling dynamically modulates near-Earth electromagnetic phenomena. This coupling operates on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, and impacts phenomena ranging from magnetospheric magnetic field topology, electric fields and currents to aurora, ionospheric conductivity, particle precipitation and neutral winds. Of particular interest are improved descriptions of the physical processes of energy conversion and momentum transfer which underpin near-Earth current systems, owing to the coupling and feedbacks between the magnetosphere and ionosphere.  These are challenging issues which push at the limits of our current sampling and modelling schemes.

We welcome contributions based on data analysis, theory and simulations which seek to improve the nowcasting, forecasting or hindcasting of these phenomena. Studies which consolidate multiple data sources from different regions of near-Earth space are particularly welcome.

Session conveners:
Robert Shore, Kirsti Kauristie, Andrew Kavanagh and Gang Lu


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9. 2018 EGU Session ST3.6: "ULF Waves and Turbulence in the Auroral Oval and Polar Cap Regions: New Horizons in Multi-Instrument Observations"
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From: Lisa Baddeley, Michael Hartinger, Vyacheslav Pilipenko (mdhartin at vt.edu)

“ULF Waves and Turbulence in the Auroral Oval and Polar Cap Regions: New Horizons in Multi-Instrument Observations,” session ST3.6 at EGU General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, April 8 – 13 2018. We invite researchers in the ULF and turbulence community to submit abstracts to this session (http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2018/session/27249). Deadline for abstracts: January 10, 2018. Deadline for travel support applications: 1 December (https://egu2018.eu/roland_schlich_travel_support.html).

This session will combine the efforts and expertise of various research groups towards understanding the physics of high-latitude ULF wave phenomena (pulsations and transients with periods between seconds and tens of minutes) and their implications in the auroral oval, polar cap and cusp. The emphasis will be towards multi-instrument studies using ground magnetometers, optical imagers, ionospheric radars (SuperDARN, EISCAT), GPS receivers, HEO (e.g. MMS, ERG) and LEO (e.g. SWARM) satellites. Existing studies have shown that the theoretical underpinning of many models developed for low and middle latitude phenomena turn out to be invalid at very high latitudes. A full understanding of how magnetospheric boundary domains manifest themselves in ground magnetometer/photometer/radar data at high latitudes is still needed. The zoo of specific high-latitude ULF phenomena (such as broadband and narrow band Pc5-6 pulsations, polar cap Pc3 waves, high latitude Pi2-3 pulsations, SC/TCV/MIE transients, Pc1-2 EMIC emissions, etc.) have not been fully examined yet and the geophysical context of many ULF phenomena remains elusive. Auroral emissions associated with such high latitude pulsations further highlight the link between such phenomena and incoming accelerated particle populations and substorm activity.

Recently, new facilities for the study of specific high-latitude ULF phenomena have become available: complete coverage of both polar caps by an array of SuperDARN radars, conjugate Antarctica-Greenland magnetometer profiles, new types of optical scanning photometers and all-sky airglow cameras, a fast expanding array of GPS receivers, imaging riometers, etc. It is thus an opportune time to discuss how to use these facilities effectively and to discuss first results.


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