SolarNews The Electronic Newsletter of the Solar Physics Division American Astronomical Society Volume 2004 Number 4 Neal Hurlburt, editor 5 Feb 2004 ---------------------- Contents --------------------------- Special Edition FY2005 NASA Budget: Implications for the Sun-Earth Connection Solar Film Requested Employment Opportunities Postdoctoral Position at UMIST, Manchester Meeting Announcements SOHO 15 : Coronal Heating Connecting our Dynamic Sun to the Heliosphere and Geospace TIGER 2004 Symposium at COSPAR Editor's Notes ----------------------------------------------------------- Special Edition Neal Hurlburt, editor@spd.aas.org 5 Feb 2004 This is a special edition to SolarNews to bring you the message from Dr Fischer . While I was at it, I am including other recent items. The regularly scheduled SolarNews will still be published around February 15. FY2005 NASA Budget: Implications for the Sun-Earth Connection Richard Fisher, richard.r.fisher@nasa.gov 5 Feb 2004 Dear Colleague, There is a record of tremendous scientific achievement in the fields of study supported by the NASA SEC Division. This has never been more clearly illustrated than in the case of the completeness of the characterization of cause and effect seen at the time of the October-November activity that occurred late last year. The design, construction, deployment, and utilization of the SEC space asset is, in fact, a dramatic demonstration of scientific research yielding not only cultural and intellectual benefits but results that had impact on the national political and economic scenes. This achievement is not unnoticed, and in my view speaks volumes. However, implementation of the new space policy announced by the President on January 14th requires significant refocusing of NASA efforts and the Sun-Earth Connection Division program is being impacted. The specific impacts were not clear until the President's FY 2005 (through 2009) budget was released on Tuesday (February 2). The details of the budget are available at several sites on the internet. You should be aware that there are a number of inaccuracies in some of the material. A least one site indicates, for instance, that the ROSS-2004 solicitation for research opportunities in space science has been suspended; this is not the case: nothing has changed in the status of the ROSS since it was issued. In my previous message, we reported that the president had formulated and announced a new space policy. Since then , the NASA Administrator, Mr. O'Keefe, fleshed out the meaning of this change in policy in his testimony to Congress on the 28th of Janaury. The Vision Goals that he presented were: The fundamental goal of the new U.S. space exploration policy is to advance U. S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust space exploration program. In support of this goal NASA will: * Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond; * Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and other destinations; * Develop the innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration ; and * Promote international and commercial participation in exploration to further U. S. scientific, security, and economic interests. In this note I want to report to you the consequences of the alignment of NASA priorities with this new vision with regard to the SEC program and to report on the actions that we are taking to deal with them. The following assumptions are guiding our response to our new budget. (1) Projects already in development will be completed, tested, launched and operated (2) Assets and funding as described in the President's Budget will be the resource available for this task. (3) The NRC Decadal priority is an appropriate tool for accessing scientific priorities for the SEC division. (4) Mr. O'Keefe's "Vision Goals" as given in his testimony are clear indication of the aim of the Agency's Exploration initiative. The consequences to specific elements of the SEC budget, as I understand them today, and our responses are outlined below. R and A: SR&T programs will be level funded for the period 2005 - 2009 at approximately the same rate as present; this is also true for the Science Data and Computing Technology, and Sounding Rocket Operations budgets. We are working with the Sounding Rocket Program Office at Wallops to understand the consequences of this action and are developing scenarios for dealing with them. There is no alteration of budget for either LWS or the New Millennium programs . MO and DA: funding for operating missions has been reduced. While this will require some mission curtailment, we expect to be able to maintain a substantial Guest Investigator program. As Paul Hertz, the Explorer Program Scientist has already announced, the President proposed a reduced budget for the Explorer Program. The available funding for future Explorers (includes SMEX selections from the current Phase A studies as well as missions solicited through future AO's) will not support the baseline plan, which was: a) Downselect two SMEX's for launch in 2007 and 2008 b) Issue an AO this year for MIDEX's to launch in 2010 and 2011 To first order (we are working the budgets now, this is a back-of-the-envelope calculation at this point), the reduced Explorer Program budget will support the following options. Option A: a) Downselect two SMEX's for launch in 2008 and 2009 b) Issue an AO in 2006 for MIDEX's to launch around 2012 or later Option B: a) Downselect one SMEX for launch in 2008 b) Issue an AO in 2005 for one MIDEX to launch around 2011 Ed Weiler, the Associate Administrator for Space Science, is asking the Space Science Advisory Committee (SScAC) for advice before deciding between these options. (The SScAC meets March 26-27 in Washington, DC.) Reductions in the Solar Terrestrial Probe (STP) mission line will have significant impact on the SEC program: program content will be affected. We expect to be able to finish and launch SOLAR B and STEREO on their current planned schedules. However, implementation of the Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS ) mission will be delayed. We continue, following the advice of the decadal survey, to give MMS the highest priority among new STP missions. Therefore , we intend to proceed with the Phase A concept studies, while at the same time investigating options for moving into mission implementation. At the budget levels given in the FY 05 budget for the STP program, MMS launch could not occur earlier than 2012. The schedule for further future STP missions is unclear: major spending for missions such as Jupiter Polar Orbiter , Geospace Electrodynamic Connections, and/or Magnetospheric Constellation would come from budgets that are beyond the horizon of the budget which has just been released. There is clearly work to be done in aligning the SEC program with the new NASA Vision, We at Headquarters have begun assessing the impacts of the FY 2005 budget and developing scenarios for dealing with its impacts. We are discussing these efforts with the various SEC advisory groups and all of these issues will be considered at the Sun-Earth Connection Advisory Committee that will be held March 10-12 Washington. However, we also recognize that the cooperation of everyone in the community will be required to ensure that the Sun-Earth Connection continues its significant contributions to the Nation. Your participation in this process is very important to the program. Solar Film Requested Jay Pasachoff, Jay.M.Pasachoff@williams.edu 3 Feb 2004 Does anybody have a copy of Spencer Weart's film "The Solar Atmosphere," made at Big Bear Solar Observatory around 1970, either as a 16-mm movie or as a videotape? I would like to show it to my Williams College undergraduate solar physics seminar as part of a series of solar films, but Spencer doesn't have a copy and I can't find ours. Jay Pasachoff jay.m.pasachoff@williams.edu Employment Opportunities ----------------------------------------------------------- Postdoctoral Position at UMIST, Manchester Philippa Browning, p.browning@umist.ac.uk 3 Feb 2004 Solar coronal heating: MHD models and observational signatures Applications are invited for a 3 year PPARC funded Postdoctoral Research Assistant position in the Department of Physics at UMIST. The PDRA will work with Dr Grisha Vekstein and Dr Philippa Browning developing models of solar coronal heating by nanoflares and relating these to observations. The PDRA will join an active research group working on a variety of topics in astrophysics and plasma physics. From October 2004, UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester will join to form a single university, and astrophysics research will form part of a new Centre for Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics , which with around 25 academic staff will be one of the largest in the UK. Explaining how solar coronal plasma is heated to temperatures of millions of degrees is a major unresolved problem in astrophysics. It is now known that the corona is highly dynamic, and the heating process must be sporadic . It is then an attractive idea that large scale energy releasing events (flares) and coronal heating are due to the same underlying mechanism, namely magnetic reconnection. Coronal heating is thus the result of many ?nanoflares ?. The PDRA will investigate this further, undertaking analytical and numerical studies using both magnetohydrodynamic and kinetic approaches. The predictions will be confronted with observations using satellite data on coronal X-ray and EUV emission. The project involves international collaborations with colleagues in Belgium, Japan and Switzerland. Applicants with a PhD degree, or shortly expecting to obtain one, with experience in MHD or plasma theory, are encouraged to apply. Expertise in computer simulation or data analysis would be highly desirable. The appointment will be on the starting points of the RAIA scale, currently 20,311 pounds ? 22,191 pounds dependent on age and experience. The post will commence on 1 April 2004, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications in the form of a CV, including the names and addresses of two referees, and covering letter should be sent to: Dr G Vekstein, Dept of Physics, UMIST, PO Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD , UK. For further information contact g.vekstein@umist.ac.uk or p.browning@umist.ac.uk or see http://www.umist.ac.uk/departments/physics/research/default.htm Meeting Announcements ----------------------------------------------------------- SOHO 15 : Coronal Heating Robert Walsh, rwwalsh@uclan.ac.uk 5 Feb 2004 Second Announcement SOHO 15 : Coronal Heating University of St. Andrews, Scotland, UK 6th-9th September, 2004 www.soho15.org SOC Co-Chairs: R.W. Walsh (University of Central Lancashire, UK) J. Ireland (L3Com/GSI NASA-GSFC, USA) We are pleased to announce that registration and abstract submission for "SOHO 15: Coronal Heating" is now open. Details about this workshop are outlined below. AIM OF WORKSHOP Understanding coronal heating is fundamental to our understanding of the Sun. We are in an unprecedented era in solar physics research with several space- and ground-based observatories as well as sophisticated computer modelling revolutionizing our knowledge of our closest star. One of the three principal scientific objectives the SOHO mission has been the "study of the heating mechanisms of the solar corona". This timely meeting will focus on developments in our understanding of coronal heating brought about by SOHO, Yohkoh, TRACE, RHESSI and theoretical advances. SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME A detailed programme can be found on the workshop website. Topics that will be addressed include:- What exactly is the Coronal Heating Problem? Role of the magnetic carpet and small-scale structures in coronal heating Wave Heating: theoretical constraints and observational analysis Coronal Heating by Magnetic Reconnection (Theory and Observations) The Heating of Stellar Coronae Remote sensing of plasma properties relating to coronal heating Determining the local form of the heat input to coronal loop atmospheres Please note that the workshop will place special emphasis on looking towards the "next generation" missions that will be arriving in the not-to-distant future (in particular Solar-B, STEREO, SDO and Solar Orbiter). In that regard, a few months before the workshop, it is planned that a short paper will be made available on the website that will outline the instrumental capabilities of future space-based solar instrumentation. Participants will be encouraged to assess their contribution to the workshop programme in the light of these. REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION The registration fee is GBP 200.00. This covers attendance at the workshop, a pack/bag, a copy of the proceedings, lunch each day at New Hall and tickets to a welcome reception (on Monday 6th), the conference dinner and ceilidh (Wednesday 8th), and a whisky tasting event (on Thursday 9th). If you wish to bring an accompanying person (e.g., spouse or partner), then there is an additional conference fee of GBP 70.00 to attend the above events. Registration closes on 18th June 2004. Abstract submission for either a contributed talk or poster is via the online submission form on the website. Please note that a MAXIMUM of two contributions per delegate only will be considered. The closing date for abstract submission is 14th May 2004. ACCOMMODATION Superior en-suite accommodation is available in New Hall owned by the University of St Andrews from Sunday 5th September till the morning of Friday 10th September. This accommodation is listed as a 3 Star hotel and is 2-3 minute walk from the Physics and Mathematics buildings where the workshop is taking place. It is also a 5-10 minute walk from the centre of town. Also, rooms have been reserved in the Scores Hotel (3 star) and the Rusacks Hotel (4 star), both within a few minutes walk of the Mathematics and Physics buildings. All of these can be booked through the workshop website. If you wish to book alternate accommodation yourself, there are many local hotels and guest houses within a 10-15 minute walk from the Mathematics and Physics Buildings and a list of possible places has been compiled by the LOC. St Andrews is a popular tourist town so please book your accommodation early. NOTE: SOHO 15 will finish on Thursday 9th at 5pm and will be followed by a whisky tasting event. Due to the location of St Andrews and the extra time required for transport connections, we are recommending that delegates book accommodation for the Thursday evening and thus plan to leave on Friday 10th September 2004. Unfortunately it is not possible to book accommodation in New Hall on the night of Friday 10th; this is due to Leuchars Air Show which takes place on Saturday 11th September 2004 and that accommodation is already taken. IMPORTANT DEADLINES 1st February 2004 : Registration and abstract submission open 30th April 2004 : Closing date for accommodation at Scores and Rusacks hotels 14th May 2004 : Closing date for abstract submission 28th May 2004 : Scientific programme finalised 18th June 2004 : Closing date for registration and accommodation in New Hall 28th June 2004 : Closing date for payment of workshop registration and accommodation 6th September 2004 : SOHO 15 starts 9th September 2004 : SOHO 15 ends (5pm) All details about the workshop can be found at http://wwww.soho15.org . We are looking forward to seeing you in St. Andrews in September 2004. Robert W. Walsh (rwwalsh@uclan.ac.uk) Jack Ireland (ireland@cdso8.nascom.nasa.gov) Local Organising Committee (office@soho15.org) Connecting our Dynamic Sun to the Heliosphere and Geospace Vanessa George, vanessa.george@lasp.colorado.edu 3 Feb 2004 "Connecting our Dynamic Sun to the Heliosphere and Geospace" March 23-26, 2004 * Boulder, Colorado Abstracts Due: Feb. 13 Pre-Registration Due: Feb. 27 We cordially invite you to attend this Living With a Star Science Workshop . The meeting will be devoted to the scientific topics that connect the Sun's variability to the effects on Earth and near-Earth space. Topics will include : * Introducing SDO and Working Groups to the LWS Community * Solar Drivers of the Sun-Earth Connection * Geospace Responses to Variable Solar Outputs * Magnetic Field Topology and Solar Atmospheric Dynamics * Sub-Photospheric Phenomena Associated with Solar Activity * Coupling the Transient Events Through the Heliosphere to Geospace For information, visit ? http://lasp.colorado.edu/sdo/meetings/ TIGER 2004 Symposium at COSPAR W. Kent Tobiska, ktobiska@spacenvironment.net 2 Feb 2004 2nd Announcement of the 5th Thermospheric/Ionospheric Geospheric Research (TIGER) Symposium to be held at the 35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly SUBJECT: Long-term measurement of solar EUV/UV fluxes for thermospheric/ ionospheric modelling and for space weather investigations We are pleased to inform you that the web page (http://www.copernicus.org /COSPAR/COSPAR.html) for the 35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Paris is now open and accepting electronic submission of abstracts. Please note the dates of the Assembly, 18-25 July 2004, in your agenda and that the *** abstract deadline is 15 February 2004. *** More details you will find on the web pages. For example within "3.Details of the Scientific Program" "Scientific Commission C" "C1.2 Thermospheric-Ionospheric-Geospheric (TIGER )Symposium" public links: information, organisation, lodging , transportation, registration... The topics and subtopics of the scientific program of the symposium are: 1.0 Measurement of solar EUV/UV radiation 1.1 Results from recent missions 1.2 XUV monitoring missions 1.3 Intercomparison of EUV/UV measurements 1.4 EUV/UV data base 1.5 Are there solar XUV precursers to space weather activities? 2.0 EUV/UV space intrumentation and its calibration 2.1 Calibration standards 2.2 Common use of calibration equipment/procedures 2.3 Effects causing efficiency changes in EUV/UV instruments 3.0 Modelling of solar EUV/UV radiation 3.1 Empirical modelling of the solar EUV/UV irradiance 3.2 Physical modelling of solar EUV/UV emissions 3.3 Intercomparison of results from EUV/UV models 3.4 Definition and needs of/for solar EUV/UV indices 3.5 Is the use of the MgII index an improvement over the F10.7 index? 3.6 ISO solar irradiance standard 3.7 Can a XUV Space Weather index be derived? 4.0 Modelling of the thermosphere/ionosphere 4.1 General circulation modelling 4.2 Semi-empirical modelling 4.3 Photochemical and airglow modelling Main Scientific Organizer: Gerhard Schmidtke gerhard.schmidtke@ipm.fhg.de Deputy Organizer: W. Kent Tobiska ktobiska@spacenvironment.net Scientific Organizing Committee: Topic 1: Tom Woods Tom.Woods@lasp.colorado.edu Topic 2: Gerhard Schmidtke gerhard.schmidtke@ipm.fhg.de Topic 3: Kent Tobiska ktobiska@spacenvironment.net Topic 4: Stan Solomon stans@ucar.edu Sincerely, the TIGER organizing team Editor's Notes ----------------------------------------------------------- Revised submission instructions Neal Hurlburt, editor@spd.aas.org 1 Oct 2003 Updated October 1, 2003. SolarNews is normally distributed on the first and fifteenth of each month . The SPD Web site can be found at http://spd.aas.org. The HTML version of SolarNews is at http://gong.nso.edu/SolarNews. It contains in-line hyperlinks to all the Web sites and e-mail addresses mentioned in this issue. Plain text back issues can be retrieved via anonymous FTP to ftp://spd.aas.org /SolarNews. 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