[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXV, Issue 57

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXV, Issue 57
Sep.11,2018

***********************************************************************

Table of Contents

1. NASA – Community Comments are Solicited for Draft 2019 LWS-TR&T Research Topics

2. MEETING: Chapman Conference on Scientific Challenges Pertaining to Space Weather Forecasting Including Extremes, February 11-15, 2019

3. MEETING: 18th Annual International Astrophysics Conference, February 18-22, 2019, Pasadena, California, USA

4. JOB OPENING: Senior Scientist, Heliophysics Division

5. JOB OPENING: Space Physicist

6. JOB OPENING: Research Scientist I (Step 1) working with Prof. Gary P Zank: University of Alabama in Huntsville

7. JOB OPENING: Postdoc Position in the Physics Department at Auburn University

***********************************************************************

Announcement Submission Website: http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g


1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1

NASA – Community Comments are Solicited for Draft 2019 LWS-TR&T Research Topics

From: Mark Linton (mark.linton at nrl.navy.mil)

Dear Heliophysics Community,

This summer, we solicited your input for Living with a Star (LWS) Focused Science Topics (FSTs) for ROSES 2019 and beyond. We received 46 topics from all areas of Heliophysics and many comments (see lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov/viewinput/2018/). We met in early July to carefully review all of these community suggested science topics, as well as topics submitted in previous years, keeping in mind the Heliophysics Decadal Survey goals, the overall Living with a Star goals, and the TR&T Strategic Science Areas (SSAs). Based on this, we have prepared a draft set of 19 Focused Science Topics, plus a Tools and Methods theme and a Sun-Climate theme, for your inspection and comment available at https://lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov/lpag/. We considered all of the submitted topics very carefully and tried to create Focused Science Topics that included as much of this input as possible.

Please keep in mind that these are draft topics only. We are now soliciting community feedback on these drafts, as the next, critical draft topics are posted on our website at lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov, with input boxes for comments and feedback on each individual topic, as well as on the overall process. The feedback site will be open for comments until October 19, 2018.

After this comment period closes, the committee will meet again to review the community feedback on the topics and, based on this feedback and on the Decadal Survey, LWS, and TR&T goals, to finalize the topics for our annual report to NASA Headquarters.

We look forward to your feedback on these draft topics.

Sincerely,
Mark Linton & Anthea Coster (co-chairs)
On behalf of the Living with a Star Program Analysis Group Executive Committee

Draft Focused Science Topics:

    Understanding the Impact of Thermospheric Structure and Dynamics on Orbital Drag
    Understanding and Predicting Radiation Belt Loss in the Coupled Magnetosphere
    Pathways of Cold Plasma through the Magnetosphere
    Understanding the Variability of the ITM System Due to Tides, Planetary Waves, Gravity Waves, and Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances
    The Variable Radiation Environment in the Dynamical Solar and Heliospheric System
    The Origin and Consequences of Suprathermal Particles
    Connecting Thermospheric Composition and Space Weather
    Understanding Ionospheric Conductivity and Its Variability
    Modeling and Validation of Ionospheric Irregularities and Scintillations
    Fast Reconnection Onset
    Extreme Solar Events – Probabilistic Forecasting and Physical Understanding
    Connecting Auroral Phenomena with Magnetospheric Phenomena
    Understanding Space Weather Effects and Developing Mitigation Strategies for Human Deep Space Flight
    Solar Photospheric Magnetic Fields
    Magnetospheric and Ionospheric Processes Responsible for Rapid Geomagnetic Changes
    Coupling of Solar Wind Plasma and Energy into the Geospace System
    Combining Models and Observations to Study CME Plasma Energetics in the Inner Corona
    Atmospheric Evolution and Loss to Space in the Presence of a Star
    Hemispherical Asymmetries in Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling Processes: Fundamental Causes and Myriad Manifestations 

Draft Sun-Climate Theme:

    Variability and Predictability of the Solar-Driven Earth System 

Draft Tools and Methods Theme:

    Data Science and Analytics 

The full letter, with the descriptions of the draft FSTs and Themes, is available at https://lwstrt.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/pdf/LPAG_DCL_2018_Final.pdf.  


2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2

MEETING: Chapman Conference on Scientific Challenges Pertaining to Space Weather Forecasting Including Extremes, February 11-15, 2019

From: Anthony J. Mannucci (anthony.j.mannucci at jpl.nasa.gov)

Dear Colleagues,

We cordially invite you to attend the Chapman Conference on “Scientific Challenges Pertaining to Space Weather Forecasting Including Extremes” occurring February 11-15, 2019 in Pasadena, California, USA (https://bit.ly/2v7XLjY). We look forward to bringing together the solar and geospace communities to review and advance our scientific understanding of solar-terrestrial relationships as they relate to forecasting space weather, from moderate to extreme conditions. We hope to have strong international participation and a diverse pool of participants. This Chapman Conference is meant to create new community perspectives that will accelerate space weather forecasting as a scientific discipline, and address the barriers that currently exist in its development. 

Discussion among the participants will be a major focus of the meeting. The outcome of the discussion will be used to suggest new research directions within the community. 

Abstract submission (https://bit.ly/2M1Br1B) is now open (deadline: October 24, 2018). Travel and registration fee support has been requested and may be available via AGU travel grant application (see website). 

Warm Regards,
Conveners: 
Anthony Mannucci, Delores Knipp, Huixin Liu, Surja Sharma, Bruce Tsurutani, Olga Verkhoglyadova

Program Committee:
Yue Deng, Alexa Halford, Cheryl Huang, Mamoru Ishii, Farzad Kamalabadi, Kanya Kusano, Hermann Lühr, Tomoko Matsuo, Larry Paxton, Tuija Pulkkinen, Nathan Schwadron and Harlan Spence

Local Organizing Committee:
Xing Meng and Ryan McGranaghan


3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3

MEETING: 18th Annual International Astrophysics Conference, February 18-22, 2019, Pasadena, California, USA

From: Gary P Zank (garyp.zank at gmail.com)

SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT: The 18th Annual International Astrophysics Conference will be held in Pasadena, California at the Sheraton Pasadena February 18 – 22, 2019. (Welcome Reception and Evening Registration begins Sunday, February 17).

The theme of the meeting will be "The Physics of Energetic Particles: Universal Processes from the Solar Corona to the Very Local Interstellar Medium and the Physics they Enable" and will follow the same format as before with 25-minute presentations punctuated by selected 40-minute invited talks that will explore various themes in greater detail.

Energetic particles are ubiquitous throughout the solar wind, being integral to the solar corona, accelerated by interplanetary shock waves, present in the quiet solar wind, possibly accelerated by magnetic flux ropes or magnetic islands in the vicinity of the heliospheric current sheet, at planetary bow shocks, present in the distant heliosphere and the heliospheric termination shock, in the inner heliosheath, and now observed by Voyager 1 in the very local interstellar medium. Although numerous mechanisms have been identified that accelerate particles, no consensus exists as to which is primary, and indeed several acceleration processes can operate simultaneously in close proximity. The acceleration of particles to large energies represents a fundamental dissipative process for the plasma and can therefore modify the underlying plasma physical processes in important ways. The meeting will explore observations, theories, and look forward to anticipated new missions that will shine a light on this theme, the Parker Solar Probe and IMAP.

Please visit the conference website for registration and abstract submission:  https://www.icnsmeetings.com/conference/18thannual/index.html

E-mail inquiries about the meeting should be directed to Gary Zank at garyp.zank at gmail.com or icnsmeetings at gmail.com.


4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4

JOB OPENING: Senior Scientist, Heliophysics Division

From: Nicky Fox (nicola.fox at nasa.gov)

NASA is hiring a Senior Scientist in the Heliophysics Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.  NASA's Heliophysics Division conducts research on the Sun, its extended solar-system environment (the heliosphere), and interactions of Earth, other planets, small bodies, and interstellar gas with the heliosphere. Division research also encompasses geospace -- Earth's uppermost atmosphere, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere -- and the changing environmental conditions throughout the coupled heliosphere (solar system weather).

NASA is seeking a highly skilled individual to work with an agile and diverse team whose core values include excellence, integrity, transparency, teamwork, and a growth mindset towards planning and coordinating NASA programs in research, development, operations of missions and instrumentation, and strategic management of available resources in Heliophysics and related fields.  

The incumbent will report directly to the Heliophysics Division Director on all matters pertaining to the science activities in which the Division is actively engaged. In addition, the Senior Scientist will provide recommendations, advice, and consultation on all science-related aspects of NASA's Heliophysics Division to the Heliophysics Director. 

More details may be found in the job announcement.

Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov and the announcement will close on October 5th, 2018.
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/510391400


5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5

JOB OPENING: Space Physicist

From: Dr Paul Loto'aniu (paul.lotoaniu at noaa.gov)

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder has an immediate opening for a Research Associate (Research Scientist) to support NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in work related to the magnetometers (MAGs) on the GOES-R mission satellites. The position is initially for one year, with up to two additional years depending on performance and availability of funding. Two of the four GOES-R satellites have been launched and are now called GOES-16 and GOES-17. The position is located within the Solar & Terrestrial Physics program of the NCEI in the NOAA David Skaggs Research Center, Boulder, Colorado.

The Physicist will split their time among scientific research, optimizing MAG data correction algorithms, and future mission development. The time spent on each is dependent on need. On the algorithms, the Physicist will evaluate different correction methods, test the algorithms using GOES-R data and select the best method to implement. Their scientific research will utilize GOES-R MAG data leading to published journal papers and presentations at scientific conferences. Possible area(s) of research include: Pc 1-5 ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves; ULF wave-particle interactions in ring current and/or outer radiation belt dynamics; development of a high-resolution magnetic field model, and application of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to multi-GOES satellite observations. The physicist will also work on development of our small satellite mission study including helping develop the mission study report.

Minimum requirements include a Ph.D. in Space Physics or similar scientific discipline with an excellent understanding of magnetic fields in the space environment of Earth.

Due to U.S. Export Control Restrictions, only U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.

To see full job details and apply go to:
 https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/?jobId=12905

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Paul Loto’aniu (Paul.Lotoaniu at noaa.gov)


6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6

JOB OPENING: Research Scientist I (Step 1) working with Prof. Gary P Zank: University of Alabama in Huntsville

From: Gary P Zank (garyp.zank at gmail.com)

The Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) and the Department of Space Science (SPA) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) seeking a qualified candidate for the position Research Scientist I (step 1), available beginning October 2018.  The position will support Prof. Gary Zank in a combination of research, teaching, and administrative activities, examples of which include; 1) to assist in developing models that describe magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence throughout the heliosphere, including the solar corona, the supersonic solar wind, and the outer heliosheath, relating turbulence models to physical problems such as particle scattering and transport, shock waves, etc., and in other research activities; 2) to assist in his teaching activities, including the supervision of graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D. level); 3) to present results at meetings and in papers; 4) to assist with proposals and; 5) to assist in the running of both a 4-week long Space Weather Summer Camp and similar Alabama Plasma Physics Summer Camp. The position requires essential knowledge and skills of advanced plasma physics, MHD, particularly in transport theory, experience in theory and related computing, in the context of space and solar physics.  The Department of Space Science and CSPAR provides a diverse and vibrant environment for academic excellence and professional growth.  SPA offers a unique academic program in space plasma physics, covering research topics ranging from solar physics to physical processes throughout the heliosphere and in the interstellar medium.  The appointee will also benefit from close interaction with the solar physics group at the Marshall Space Flight Center, who shares the same office space.  The Research Scientist I is eligible to serve as a Principal Investigator in competing for internal and external funding opportunities.  The City of Huntsville, also known as the Rocket City, boasts a high quality of life and a low cost of living.  The appointment is initially for one year and is renewable for additional years.  

Minimum qualifications include a Master's degree in Physics or a related field, 6-9 months of experience working on MHD turbulence and Landau fluids.  Must possess significant expertise in the field of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence and in turbulence simulations.  Must have expertise in both the theory and simulation of Landau fluids.  Ph.D. in Physics or a related field is desired.  Skills in the numerical solution of systems of ordinary and partial differential equations is preferred.  Ph.D. with 24-26 months of full-time postdoctoral experience working on MHD turbulence and Landau fluids is desired.  The approximate starting salary is $62,591 - $68,030 with an excellent benefits package. To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter describing professional experience as it relates to the requirements of the position, a current resume, and names of three referees.  Qualified applicants should apply on-line for the Research Scientist I (step 3)/RV4230 position at https://uah.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=102235.  Further inquiries about the position can be directed to Prof. Gary P. Zank (garyp.zank at gmail.com).   

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER OF  MINORITIES/FEMALES/VETERANS/DISABLED


7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7

JOB OPENING: Postdoc Position in the Physics Department at Auburn University

From: Xueyi Wang (wangxue at auburn.edu)

A post-doctoral research position is now available in the field of plasma/space plasma physics at Auburn University, with an expected starting date in the beginning of 2019 or earlier. Review of applicants will begin Nov. 1, 2018 and will continue until the position is filled. The contact person for these positions is Dr. Xueyi Wang (wangxue at auburn.edu).

This position is focused on understanding the physics of magnetosonic wave excited at Earth’s magnetosphere. Experience in fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations and/or gyrokinetic simulation is highly desirable. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit application according to the following instructions. 

The College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University located in Auburn AL (http://www.auburn.edu/cosam) is seeking candidates for the position of postdoctoral fellow in the sciences and mathematics. From time-to-time, postdoctoral positions become available under a variety of research grants and projects in the college. We are seeking applications from individuals with a Ph.D. in any one area such as: biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, statistics, physics or related fields.  The candidates selected for these positions must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; and must possess excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. The positions are available for a minimum of one year as full-time 12 month appointments, with renewal possible based on performance, need, and/or funding for a maximum of three years. These are non-tenure track positions. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Review of applications will begin after July. 1, 2018 and continue throughout the year as positions become available. Please upload curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, along with a list of three references and contact information at https://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/2960
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer


***** SUBSCRIPTION AND ANNOUNCEMENT REQUESTS *****

The AGU Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) Section Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. Back issues are available at:

http://spa.agu.org/category/newsletters/

To request announcements for distribution by the newsletter, please use the online submission form at:
http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g

To subscribe to the newsletter, please go to the web page at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/mailman/listinfo/spa
(Do not use this web page to post announcements.)

NOTE: Due to the large number of SPA-related sessions at major conferences, the SPA Newsletter can no longer accept announcement requests for individual sessions at AGU, AOGS, COSPAR, EGU, or IAGA Meetings. Titles and web links (if available) of these sessions will be distributed in a special issue of the Newsletter before the abstract deadline.

SPA Web Site: http://spa.agu.org/

SPA Newsletter Editorial Team: Peter Chi (Editor), Guan Le (Co-Editor), Sharon Uy, Marjorie Sowmendran, Todd King, and Kevin Addison

*************** END OF NEWSLETTER ****************