[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXVII, Issue 47

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXVII, Issue 47
Jul.31,2020

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

Table of Contents

1. Expression of Interest for SMD’s Augmentations and Funded Extensions Solicitation

2. Solar Orbiter In-situ Working Groups

3. Magnetosphere Online Seminar Series

4. Interstellar Probe Study Webinar 06 August @ 12PM EDT – Possibilities for Planetary Science and Astrophysics

5. Ground Magnetometer Measurements for Heliophysics Research and Space Weather Monitoring

6. Register for the CUSIA Online Workshop: August 20-21

7. The 5th IAGA School, August 16-20, 2021

8. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Application Deadline November 1, 2020

9. JOB OPENING: Postdoc Researcher in Computational Plasma Physics, New Mexico Consortium, NM

10. JOB OPENING: Advanced Systems Manager at Ball Aerospace

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

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

Expression of Interest for SMD’s Augmentations and Funded Extensions Solicitation

From: Michael New (michael.h.new at nasa.gov)

Expression of Interest (EOI): SMD call for Augmentations and Funded Extensions

Solicitation Number: NNH20ZDA010L
Release Date: JUL 29, 2020
Response Date: AUG 21, 2020

Dear Colleague,

At the Virtual Community Town Hall on July 9, 2020, SMD announced that it would be accepting requests for funded extensions and augmentations to existing awards to help make up for increased costs directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. SMD’s priorities for funding extensions and augmentations, in the likely case that demand exceeds available funding, are in an SMD policy document, “Augmentations and Funded Extensions in Response to COVID-19.”

In order to estimate the size of this new program, SMD asks currently funded researchers who may request an extension or augmentation to submit an “Expression of Interest” (EOI) via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).   SMD asks that EOIs be submitted by August 21, 2020 as a Notice of Intent (NOI) in response to NNH20ZDA010L via NSPIRES.  Download the full text of the EOI and response instructions from
https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?solId=%7B2F320E44-5D23-176F-C195-597F32FBBC9D%7D&path=&method=init

Non-NSPIRES submissions will not be accepted or acknowledged. SMD will not provide any feedback on a submitted Expression of Interest. An EOI submission is not required for the submission of a proposal.  An EOI’s contents do not limit the content of submissions to the “SMD Post-COVID Recovery” solicitation. NASA SMD will keep EOI contents confidential and will use responses to improve management of the augmentation and extension processes. 

A forthcoming amendment adding a new program element  to the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) – 2020, solicitation NNH20ZDA001N, is expected to be entitled “SMD Post-COVID Recovery” with requests for augmentations and funded grant extensions due to be  submitted after October 1, 2020.

Thanks for your cooperation. Be well and stay safe.

Dr. Michael H. New
Deputy Associate Administrator for Research
Science Mission Directorate
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Questions concerning general ROSES-2020 policies and procedures, including this Expression of Interest, should be emailed to sara at nasa.gov and use as the subject line “SMD call for Augmentations and Funded Extensions, Solicitation: NNH20ZDA010L”.


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

Solar Orbiter In-situ Working Groups

From: Daniel Verscharen (d.verscharen at ucl.ac.uk)

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.


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

Magnetosphere Online Seminar Series

From: Kyle Murphy, David Sibeck (magnetosphere.seminars at gmail.com)

You are invited to join the Magnetosphere Online Seminar Series every Monday at 12 pm (EDST, 1600 uT).

On Monday Aug 3, Clare Watt will discuss Auroral Acceleration Mechanisms and how they relate to the Magnetospheric Substorm  at 12 PM EDST. A link to join the seminar via Zoom or YouTube can be found on our home page (https://msolss.github.io/MagSeminars/). The password to join the Zoom seminar is Mag at 1. 

On Monday Aug 10 Eric Donovan will be discussing the Proton Aurora.

You can see previous talks here - https://msolss.github.io/MagSeminars/blog.html

And add your name to the mailing list here - https://msolss.github.io/MagSeminars/mail-list.html


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

Interstellar Probe Study Webinar 06 August @ 12PM EDT – Possibilities for Planetary Science and Astrophysics

From: Andrea S. Harman (ams573 at alumni.psu.edu)

Please join the Interstellar Probe Study Team for another installment of the Interstellar Probe Study Webinar series on Thursday (August 6th) at noon EDT via Zoom.

Title: Possibilities for Planetary Science and Astrophysics
Panelists:
Pontus Brandt: Project Scientist, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL
Kirby Runyon: Planetary Science Lead, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL
Abi Rymer: Exoplanet Science Lead, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL
Casey Lisse: Astrophysics Lead, Interstellar Probe Study, JHUAPL

During the voyage of a Heliophysics Interstellar Probe mission, there exists opportunities for new discoveries in Astrophysics and Planetary Science. This webinar will feature a discussion on those opportunities. This includes the possibilities to view Kuiper Belt Objects and Dwarf Planets, the chance to view our solar system as an exoplanetary analogue, and astrophysical opportunities to measure the extragalactic background light and study the circum-solar dust disk to further our understanding of planetary system formation.

Following the presentations there will be a question and answer session.

To watch this webinar please visit the following event page, which has the Zoom link.
http://interstellarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Resources/Meetings/agenda.php?id=95


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

Ground Magnetometer Measurements for Heliophysics Research and Space Weather Monitoring

From: Mike Hartinger (mdhartin at vt.edu)

Please join us for a discussion of current and future uses for ground-based magnetometer measurements, including support for satellite missions, space weather monitoring, and model validation. The Zoom discussion will be on August 7 at 3:00-4:30 PM ET. To attend, please sign up with this form: https://forms.gle/M9GHcsNJ3vE2sckC9

The discussion includes three invited speakers:
1) Syau-Yun Hsieh – SMILE mission ground-based support
2) Enrico Camporeale – Long-term continuous magnetometer data for geomagnetic activity prediction using machine learning
3) Slava Merkin – Model validation using ground magnetometers

We’ll also have updates from several magnetometer networks supported by United States funding agencies. This discussion is part of a recent community driven effort to discuss and coordinate efforts for US magnetometers: current operations, priorities for deployments, distributed-array style model(s) for future operations, high-level data products. We welcome feedback on ways magnetometers can best support scientific investigations, spacecraft missions, modeling efforts, and space weather forecasts. Please see this wiki page for more information: https://tinyurl.com/yhxy2dnt


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

Register for the CUSIA Online Workshop: August 20-21

From: Daniel Welling (daniel.welling at uta.edu)

The Center for the Unified Study of Interhemispheric Asymmetries (CUSIA) Online Workshop is an interactive working meeting with 3 goals:

1. Bring together researchers who are interested in the topic of interhemispheric asymmetries.
2. Identify the most critical outstanding questions concerning interhemispheric asymmetries.
3. Develop new collaborative research tasks that participants will pursue to address the pressing open questions.

The workshop will be modeled after ISSI International Teams, which are small, focused workshops meant to quickly advance understanding of a certain subtopic within heliophysics.  After introducing CUSIA research goals and activities, participants will be able to share their progress in the area of interhermispheric asymmetries.  Through breakout discussions, we will identify research priorities in this sub-field and develop new projects that take advantage of the full expertise and capabilities of the participants.  Through this workshop and the continued collaborations it initiates, we hope to enhance your science and expand the CUSIA team.  

The workshop will be held online from August 20th through 21st.  It will be held via Zoom web conferencing and via Slack chat.  Registration is free but required; please visit https://form.jotform.com/202125976911052 to register.  We hope to see you online!


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

The 5th IAGA School, August 16-20, 2021

From: Simon Wing (simon.wing at jhuapl.edu)

The 5th IAGA School is planned for August 16-20 in Hyderabad, India, just before the IAGA-IASPEI Joint Assembly. It aims at providing excellent early career scientists (mainly PhD students) with a good basic understanding of a wide range of the scientific topics covered by IAGA, the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. The Summer School consists of lectures accompanied by practical exercises, presented by international experts in the fields (see below).

Due to the unpredictable situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not clear at this point if the IAGA School can be held as usual. We might organize a partly or fully virtual school. Nevertheless, as participants also should get to know each other the number of participants will still be limited. If an in-person meeting is possible, about 20 PhD students will be sponsored for accommodation and cost of living. As it is expected that participants will also attend the Joint Assembly they are expected to cover travel costs to Hyderabad themselves.

How to apply:
Early career scientists interested in participating should apply to the Chair of the IAGA Working Group or Division relevant for their topic of work for a nomination.  See About IAGA for IAGA topics and contact information.  Applications must contain a short CV (minimum name, affiliation, contact information, date of birth, gender, nationality) and a  short motivation for applying. Please use the application form and send applications to the Division Chair by September 30, 2020.  .

The final selection of participants will be made by the IAGA Executive Committee and information on acceptance will be sent before December 31, 2020.

Definition of early career scientists:
• be in age 30 or younger,
• be an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters/PhD) student or have received her/his highest degree qualification (e.g., BSc, MSc, PhD) within the last two years.

Div III chair: Simon Wing (simon.wing at jhuapl.edu) 
Div III co-chair: George Balasis (gbalasis at noa.gr)


8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship - Application Deadline November 1, 2020

From: Taifa Simpson (tsimpson at usra.edu)

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA's scientific goals.  The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections.

Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA's missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space operations, and astrobiology.

Current NPP research opportunities can be viewed here: https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply.

Stipends start at $60,000 per year, with supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $10,000 per year is provided for professional travel.

Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.

For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.usra.edu/

Questions: npphelp at usra.edu


9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9

JOB OPENING: Postdoc Researcher in Computational Plasma Physics, New Mexico Consortium, NM

From: Xiangrong Fu (sfu at newmexicoconsortium.org)

The New Mexico Consortium has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research position in Computational Plasma Physics. Researcher will take a leading role on a project funded by DOE. The goal of the project is to model nonlinear Alfven wave experiments on Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA to better understand the fundamental physics of parametric instabilities in low-beta plasmas.  Results will be applicable to both laboratory and space plasmas. Duties include developing and running a hybrid simulation code (kinetic ions and fluid electrons) with geometry, boundary conditions, and parameters applicable to LAPD. The researcher will also have the opportunity to travel to UCLA and interact with scientists from the LAPD team.

We are looking for a researcher with a Ph.D. in plasma physics or a related field. Experience with plasma simulation code development and high performance computing are required. Applicants should also demonstrate the potential to publish research results in peer-reviewed high-quality journals, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Experiences with nonlinear Alfven waves, hybrid simulation codes, and modelling of laboratory experiments are not required, but are considered advantages.

This is a one-year position with competitive salary and benefits. A possible second year extension is contingent on performance and continued availability of funds. The appointment is expected to start on October 1st, 2020, although the exact start date is flexible. The application deadline is August 1st, 2020. The position is located at Los Alamos, New Mexico. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Xiangrong Fu (sfu at newmexicoconsortium.org) with any questions.

Please apply using our online application form (follow the link below) or by mail to NMC, 4200 W. Jemez Road, #301, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Please include a resume, a cover letter, and a research statement and arrange for 3 letters of recommendation. New Mexico Consortium is an independent nonprofit Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/Vet/Dis, E-verify employer.

For more information and details on how to apply, view the full posting at:
https://newmexicoconsortium.org/careers/


10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10

JOB OPENING: Advanced Systems Manager at Ball Aerospace

From: Nicole Duncan (nduncan at ball.com)

Ball Aerospace has an immediate opening within the Civil Heliophysics team, whose projects include technologies, instruments and spacecraft that address a diverse range of topics applicable to NASA Heliophysics and NOAA Space Weather. This role is focused on working with internal technology teams and external science teams to develop missions and technologies.  Technical management experience with understanding of the design and/or operation of remote sensing, in-situ or fields instrumentation is desired, but not required. Applicants with backgrounds in disciplines relevant to NASA Heliophysics or NOAA Space Weather missions are invited to apply. Please visit Ball's Jobs Portal for a complete description of requirements and responsibilities (https://jobs.ball.com/aerospace/job/Boulder-Mgr-I-Advanced-Sys-CO-80301/654887100/). Applicants do not need to possess all skills listed in the job advertisement, and are encouraged to discuss how their interests and experiences align with the position overall. Please apply online and/or contact Nicole Duncan (Heliophysics Mission Area Lead, nduncan at ball.com) for more information. 


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

The AGU Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) Section Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. Back issues are available at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/pipermail/spa/

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, and Kevin Addison

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