[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXVI, Issue 62

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVI, Issue 62
Nov.13,2019

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Table of Contents

1. AGU Town Hall on Coordinated Open Science

2. MEETING: Exoplanets in Our Backyard: Solar System and Exoplanet Synergies on Planetary Formation, Evolution, and Habitability, February 5-7, 2020

3. MEETING: The 9th VERSIM Workshop at Kyoto University, March 23-27, 2020 -  Uji, Kyoto, Japan [Deadline for Submission: NOVEMBER 30TH 2019]

4. MEETING: Call for Abstracts: Second AI and Data Science Workshop for Earth and Space Sciences, March 24-26, 2020

5. MEETING: 11th International Workshop on Long-Term Changes and Trends in the Atmosphere (TREND 2020), May 25-29, 2020

6. Parker Solar Probe SWEAP and Fields Working Group Telecons

7. Recent Updates to the Low- and High-Resolution OMNI Data Set (as of October 2019)

8. JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space Plasma Physics Physics Department College of Sciences and Mathematics Auburn University

9. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at Princeton University

10. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher with the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph Team

11. PhD Position in Space Plasma Physics

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


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AGU Town Hall on Coordinated Open Science

From: Geoff Reeves, Christina Cohen (geoff at reevesresearch.org)

Dear Space Physics and Aeronomy section members,

We would like to bring your attention to a Town Hall at the AGU Fall meeting that aims to bring together scientists from across all AGU sections to discuss how open science can be best used to transform the geosciences. The organizers aim to engage with all AGU sections to gather insights, concerns, and questions. The resulting material will be collated into an open publication (e.g., AGU’s Science Update platform) and potentially a special issue with papers from across the geosciences community to continue the conversation on how we can best use open science to advance all elements of the geosciences while protecting individual scientists at all career stages. Please consider attending so that perspectives from the Space Physics and Aeronomy section are heard and included. 

The Town Hall will be on Thursday 12:30-1:30 in Moscone West, Room: 3001, L3
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm19/meetingapp.cgi/Session/82776


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MEETING: Exoplanets in Our Backyard: Solar System and Exoplanet Synergies on Planetary Formation, Evolution, and Habitability, February 5-7, 2020

From: Giada Arney, Noam Izenberg, Stephen Kane, Kathy Mandt, Vikki Meadows, Lynnae Quick, Abi Rymer (abigail.rymer at jhuapl.edu)

The Exoplanets in Our Backyard Workshop will be held February 5–7, 2020 at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, 3600 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, Texas, immediately following the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) meeting. 

This novel workshop is a joint effort (co-organized by the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG), the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG), and the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG)) to encourage and facilitate collaboration between the exoplanet and solar-system science communities. The goals of the workshop are to examine and discuss exoplanet-solar system synergies on planetary properties, formation, evolution, and habitability. We invite abstracts for contributed oral and poster presentations that focus on: comparative planetology on worlds near and far; solar system studies as a baseline to inform studies of extrasolar planetary properties and evolution; and lessons learned on planetary statistics, demographics, and system architectures from extrasolar planetary systems. The workshop aims to foster and build new collaborations among scientists in the solar system and exoplanet communities and to help guide the direction of future exploration and observations of worlds in the solar system and beyond. 

The abstract deadline is November 27, 2019. Please see the meeting website for more information: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/exoplanets2020/


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MEETING: The 9th VERSIM Workshop at Kyoto University, March 23-27, 2020 -  Uji, Kyoto, Japan [Deadline for Submission: NOVEMBER 30TH 2019]

From: Yoshiharu Omura (omura at rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp)

The 9th VERSIM Workshop will be held at the Uji Campus of Kyoto University, Japan, from March 23 to 27, 2020.

CONFERENCE WEBSITE:
http://pcwave.rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp/versim/

SCIENTIFIC TOPICS:
Plasma structures and boundaries - morphology and dynamics
Wave-particle and wave-wave interactions
Wave-induced particle precipitation
Wave propagation in magnetosphere and ionosphere
Sprites and the effects of lightning on the ionosphere
Results of recent space missions such as Arase, MMS, and Van Allen Probes

Scientific Program Committee:
Jacob Bortnik (UCLA, USA)
Mark A. Clilverd (British Antarctic Survey, UK)
Craig Rodger (University of Otago, New Zealand)
Janos Lichtenberger (Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary)
Jyrki Manninen (University of Oulu, Finland)
Andrei G. Demekhov (Polar Geophysical Institute, Russia)
Rajesh Singh (Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, India)
Binbin Ni (Wuhan University, China)
Yoshiharu Omura (Kyoto University, Japan)

INVITED SPEAKERS
Oleksiy Aagpitov / Jay Albert / Narges Ahmadi / Daniel Baker / Michael Balikhin / Robert Bingham / James Burch / Gerard Chanteur / Chris Crabtree / John Foster / Mei-Ching Fok / Huishan Fu / Gurudas Gangli / Mark Golkowski / Mitsuru Hikishima / Richard Horne / Masahiro Hoshino / Allison Jaynes / Shrikanth Kanekal / Satoshi Kasahara / Yoshiya Kasahara / Yuto Katoh / Khan-Hyuk Kim / Craig Kletzing / Guan Le / Wen Li / Xinlin Li / Quanming Lu / Evgeny Mishin / Yoshizumi Miyoshi / Frantisek Nemec / Toshi Nishimura / Geoff Reeves / Dennis Papodopoulos / Jean-Francois Ripoll / Ondrej Santolik / Kazuo Shiokawa / David Shklyar / Yuri Shpritz / Xin Tao / Weichao Tu / Bruce Tsurutani / Drew Turner / Maria Usanova / Frederick Wilder / Xu-Zhi Zhou / Qiu-Gang Zong
 
E-mail inquiries about the meeting should be directed to versim2020 at rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp


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MEETING: Call for Abstracts: Second AI and Data Science Workshop for Earth and Space Sciences, March 24-26, 2020

From: Ryan McGranaghan, Dan Crichton, Rich Doyle, Dan Duffy, Mark Carroll, Nargess Memarsadeghi, Miles Pellazar (ryan.mcgranaghan at gmail.com)

Second AI and Data Science Workshop for Earth and Space Sciences
March 24–26, 2020
Hosted by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology.

Call for Abstracts
https://datascience.jpl.nasa.gov/aiworkshop

Online Submission Open
https://ai-workshop-2020.jpl.nasa.gov

NASA’s mission of exploration requires leveraging new ways to utilize and learn from the unprecedented amount of data that space-based observation platforms generate.  New capabilities are needed, ranging from onboard autonomy for robotic spacecraft to techniques for understanding the world and universe where we live. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science are rapidly becoming integral to NASA’s future to drive automation and interpretation.

Compared to Industry and Academia, NASA has specific challenges as well as resources that are particularly well-suited to the use of AI and data science:

- A wealth of data and information to leverage and "learn" from
- Many science- and mission-oriented applications that can benefit from learning on previous data and from domain and expert knowledge
- Extreme challenges unique to NASA’s exploration mission from onboard sensing in remote locations to retrospective and predictive analysis for monitoring our Earth’s state.

In November 2018, Goddard Space Flight Center hosted the GSFC AI Workshop. This is a follow-on workshop that builds on the progress made in AI, data science, and within NASA in the application of these capabilities to NASA projects. 

The workshop will be organized as a combination of keynote addresses, invited speakers, short talks and posters centered around specific themes and topics of interest. These are as follows:

1. Data-Driven Science – Applications of AI and data science methodologies applied to enable science research at NASA. Support for working with observational data and model output. Data analytics support including i) quantification of uncertainty in inference from big data; ii) use of machine learning to support data mining and pattern recognition; iii) reproducibility in scientific inferences from AI and data science.

2. AI in Engineering – Applications of AI and data science methodologies applied to support NASA engineering applications across science, human exploration, and aeronautics. Use of AI methods for simulation, design, and operations.

3. Autonomy – Use of AI and data science to enable automated mission operations; onboard application of AI and data science to support autonomous missions including navigation, operations, and science.

4. Cross-cutting AI and Data Science activities at NASA – General AI methods and projects applicable to multiple NASA programs including machine learning, image analysis, natural language processing, etc.

5. Cross-Agency AI and Data Science activities – AI and data science collaborations across federal agencies

6. Emerging Research Topics in AI; Collaborations with Academia – AI and data science collaborations between NASA and academia. Training and educating next generation workforces in AI and data science. Research topics in AI and data science including trust, reproducibility, explainability, human AI interaction, etc.

7. Real-World Applications of AI and Data Science – NASA deployed applications in AI and data science.

For complete information visit:
https://datascience.jpl.nasa.gov/aiworkshop

Schedule and Deadlines
October 10, 2019:  Call for Abstract Release
November 6, 2019:  Online Abstract Submission Gateway Available
December 6, 2019:  Abstract Submission Deadline
January 10, 2020:  Abstract Acceptance Notification
March 24–26, 2020:  Workshop Dates


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MEETING: 11th International Workshop on Long-Term Changes and Trends in the Atmosphere (TREND 2020), May 25-29, 2020

From: Jan Lastovicka, Viktoria Sofieva (jla at ufa.cas.cz)

11th International Workshop on Long-Term Changes and Trends in the Atmosphere (TREND 2020 – IAGA/ICMA/SCOSTEP workshop), 25-29 May 2020, Helsinki, Finland

From: Jan Lastovicka (jla at ufa.cas.cz), chairman of SOC, and Viktoria Sofieva (viktoria.sofieva at fmi.fi), chairperson of LOC

Workshop topics:
• Observed trends and long term variations in the middle atmosphere
• Trends and long-term changes in the ionosphere and thermosphere
• Modeled and predicted trends and long term variations in the middle and upper atmosphere
• Dynamic, physical, chemical and radiative mechanisms of trends and long term variations
• Role of the middle atmosphere for climate
• Miscellaneous

Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC):
• Jan Lastovicka , Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Prague, Czech Republic
• Gufran Beig , Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, India
• Franz-Josef Lübken, Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Kühlungsborn, Germany
• Liying Qian, High Altitude Observatory, NCAR, Boulder, CO, USA
• Kalevi Mursula, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
• Gabriele Stiller, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
• Ana G. Elias, Universidad Nacional de Tucuman, Argentina
• Irina Petropavlovskikh, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory, CIRES, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
• Viktoria Sofieva , Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland

Web site:  http://trends2020.fmi.fi/

E-mail of LOC:  trends2020 at posti.fmi.fi 


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Parker Solar Probe SWEAP and Fields Working Group Telecons

From: Kristopher G Klein (kgklein at email.arizona.edu)

The Fields and SWEAP Science Teams invite interested members of the Heliophysics community to join weekly telecons discussing science related to the recently released Parker Solar Probe data. These meetings will be held weekly on Tuesdays, and have a rotating set of foci comprised of specific topics relevant to the PSP data.The first virtual meeting will be held on Nov 19th from 8-10 am PT (11am-1pm ET), with a focus on the SWEAP and Fields data products themselves.

Participation in these meetings will be limited to 200 individuals per meeting, but they will be recorded for those unable to attend.The link for the telecon is:
https://arizona.zoom.us/j/752488353

The rotating schedule for the following weeks will be posted on the SWEAP and Fields websites
http://sweap.cfa.harvard.edu/
and 
http://fields.ssl.berkeley.edu/


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Recent Updates to the Low- and High-Resolution OMNI Data Set (as of October 2019)

From: Natalia Papitashvili, John Cooper (Natalia.E.Papitashvili at nasa.gov)

1. The low-resolution OMNI2 data set (hourly, daily, and 27-day averages) provides a nearly 60-years-long record of the near-Earth solar wind magnetic field and plasma parameters, plus some geomagnetic activity indices and solar energetic particle fluxes. Recently we added a one-year resolution OMNI data set. We also substituted the old (version 3) Lyman Alpha index in the OMNI2 database with the new Lyman Alpha index (version 4, in new units, W/m^2). Following user requests, we added a new parameter to the OMNI extended records: QI(Quasy-Invariant) = Ratio of SW Magnetic energy density/Proton kinetic energy density (see OMNI description at <http://omniweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/ow.html>.  

2. The main source for the high OMNI database is Wind's MFI definitive data and SWE/KP Plasma parameters. We have recently processed a new version of the high-resolution OMNI dataset (from 1995 to present time) using the Wind/SWE definitive plasma data. The use of SWE definitive plasma data has improved the plasma data quality in the new OMNI database, as well as the added "Alpha/Proton Density Ratio" parameter in the high-resolution OMNI database. However, OMNI users should keep in mind that the overall time coverage in the new  high-resolution OMNI data set has decreased by 2-10 percent (depending on a year), and the latest date in the new dataset usually lags behind the OMNI data that are based on SWE/KP data. Details at <https://spdf.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/data/omni/high_res_omni/modified/00readme_modified>.

Here are the main links to the low- and high-resolution OMNI data: <https://omniweb.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/> and <https://cdaweb.gsfc.nasa.gov/>


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JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space Plasma Physics Physics Department College of Sciences and Mathematics Auburn University

From: David Maurer (DAM0014 at auburn.edu)

The Physics Department at Auburn University is seeking a qualified individual for a tenure-track faculty position in Space Plasma Physics at the Assistant Professor level. Current Auburn Space Physics group expertise is in computational modeling of the magnetosphere in particular ULF dynamics and magnetic reconnection phenomena, and also in the analysis of satellite image data for validation of magnetospheric physics models.  Candidates should have research interests in areas of Space Plasma Physics complementary to those in which the Auburn group is currently active. Applications in theoretical, computational, or experimental areas of Space Plasma Physics are encouraged. The successful candidate will be expected to: (1) demonstrate strong leadership potential in the area of Space Plasma Physics, (2) participate in further developing the Space Plasma Physics group research portfolio at Auburn University, (3) provide direction to undergraduate, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in Space Plasma Physics, and (4) conduct excellent instruction at the undergraduate and graduate level in the Physics curriculum. Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics or a closely related field at the time employment begins. Post-doctoral research experience is highly desirable. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills are required.

Candidates must apply online at: 
http://aufacultypositions.peopleadmin.com/postings/3873
(NOTE that a previous SPA newsletter on the position contained the above link incorrectly)

Applications need to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research and the names and contact information for three professional references.  More information about the department can be found at:  http://www.physics.auburn.edu

The review of applications will begin on December 2, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled.  The desired starting date is August 16, 2020. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.  

Auburn University is understanding of and sensitive to the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples. Please visit the following link for more information:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/pdf/guidelines-dual-career-services.pdf.
In addition, for information about the Auburn University community please visit:
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/.
Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability Employer and committed to building an inclusive and diverse community


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Research Position in Space Physics at Princeton University

From: Dan White (danieljw at princeton.edu)

The Space Physics Group (https://spacephysics.princeton.edu/)in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, is expanding and anticipates offering one or more postdoctoral or more senior research positions in experimental/observational space physics.

The Space Physics Group carries out research in many aspects of space physics (aka heliophysics), and currently leads NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, the Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS) instrument suite, and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission. The successful candidate(s) can play a major role in 1) the development of the experimental capability of the group and development of space flight instrumentation for IMAP, 2) the analysis and publication of SEP observations from ISIS, and 3) the analysis and publication of ENA observations from IBEX, and/or other funded space physics research. Preferred qualifications include having prior experience in the development of space flight instrumentation, analyzing these type(s) of particle data, the proven ability to lead/participate in the rapid development and publication of numerous excellent research articles.

For more information about this position, please visit https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/14383.


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JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Researcher with the MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph Team

From: Nick Schneider (nick.schneider at lasp.colorado.edu)

Summary. The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a talented scientist to work with the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) team on the MAVEN mission. The IUVS team has made important discoveries in the areas of Mars aeronomy, atmospheric escape and evolution, aurora, nightglow, photochemistry, composition, dynamics and cloud formation, and more discoveries are anticipated.  The team is led by Nick Schneider.

Key Responsibilities: Observational studies of the Mars atmosphere through ultraviolet spectroscopy and imaging.  Scientific analysis of data obtained, publication of results in appropriate scientific journals and presentation at conferences. Support for mission/instrument operations and observation planning. Operation and enhancement of automated data processing pipelines including retrievals of atmospheric properties. Mentoring of graduate and undergraduate student researchers.

Position Requirements: Ph.D in Planetary Science, Astronomy, Atmospheric Science, Physics or a related field. Coding proficiency in python, IDL or other scientific computing languages.

Desired Qualifications: Skill with data analysis, image processing and statistics. Familiarity with Mars atmospheric science, including one or more of the following: atmospheric structure, dayglow, nightglow, aurora, photochemistry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, atmospheric evolution, climate, waves and tides, familiarity with General Circulation Models and numerical simulation.

Please see https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/jobDetail?jobId=21086 for additional information about the University, LASP, benefits, etc. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Review of applications begins on 15 December. Start date is negotiable. Contact nick.schneider at lasp.colorado.edu with questions.


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PhD Position in Space Plasma Physics

From: Adnane Osmane (adnane.osmane at helsinki.fi)

The Space Physics Group of the University of Helsinki is a leading European space physics group specialised both in observations and theoretical/computational modelling of space plasmas. We develop in particular the global magnetospheric hybrid-Vlasov simulation Vlasiator and have a strong focus on solar eruptions and planetary radiation belts. 

We are now opening a doctoral student position with a focus on the plasma physics of the Earth’s radiation belts. The research of the PhD student will focus on developing computational models and/or data analysis tools to quantify the role of kinetic processes in the Earth's radiation belts. Prior knowledge of computational physics, and a background in information theory, machine learning, or applied mathematics is considered an advantage. 

We offer a position in a dynamic and international research group, funding to attend two major international conferences on a yearly basis, and the support to develop one’s personal interest and strengths as a young researcher. A relocation fund for international applicants is also available. Our PhD graduates can be found across various European and North American academic institutions and industries immediately after completion of their PhD. The expected start date for the position is in Spring 2020. Applications are open until the 30th of November 2019.

For specifics about the position, contact Adnane Osmane (adnane.osmane ‘at’ helsinki.fi) and Minna Palmroth (minna.palmroth ‘at’ helsinki.fi). Interested candidates should send their application, a CV, a transcript of their university grades, and a maximum of three names to act as references.

For more information, please visit:
http://blogs.helsinki.fi/spacephysics/
https://www.helsinki.fi/sustainable-space


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

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