Foundations of LLM Agents and State of the Art

Speaker

Josh Speagle, University of Toronto

Meeting Connection

Join the Lecture

The post AI/ML STIG Lecture Series, 14 Sept 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) announces the release of Amendment #1 to the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to solicit Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations for the Small Explorer (SMEX) opportunity under the Astrophysics Explorers Program on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). To find the full amended AO text and a copy of Amendment #1 visit https://nspires.nasaprs.com/, and select “Solicitations” at the top of the page, and on the next page in the search box, input the number “NNH26ZDA011O” or use the direct short URL https://go.nasa.gov/APSMEX26. In the event of any lapse in NASA operations, please visit NSPIRES for further information.

Changes within the AO text are noted by using bold for new text and strikethrough for deleted text. The proposal due date, September 9, 2026, remains unchanged. For a summary of the changes made to the AO, locate the Amendment #1 document on the right side of the AO landing page on NSPIRES. Additionally, the official Question and Answers (Q&A) document has been updated on the Science Office for Mission Assessments (SOMA) web site at https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX26/SMEX.

All new questions or comments about the Astrophysics SMEX 2026 AO shall be addressed via email to Dan Moses, APSMEX26 Lead Program Scientist, dan.moses@nasa.gov; Hannah Jang-Condell, APSMEX26 Deputy Program Scientist, hannah.jang-condell@nasa.gov; and Omar Torres, Lead Acquisition Manager for the 2026 Astrophysics SMEX AO, SOMA omar.torres@nasa.gov using subject line “APSMEX26” to be properly routed. The Q&A period for the SMEX 2026 AO ends 14 days before the proposal due date.

Any costs incurred in preparing a submission in response to this notice or the full APSMEX26 AO are solely the responsibility of the submitter.

The post AO Astrophysics Explorers Program 2026 SMEX Amended appeared first on NASA Science.

Spin Signatures in Horizon-Resolved Images of LLAGN

Speaker

Dr. Daniel Palumbo, Harvard University

Abstract

With the advent of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), near-horizon black hole imaging with sub-mm very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) is now routine for the two sources for which terrestrial VLBI is sufficient to resolve the black hole shadow: Messier 87* and Sagittarius A*. Since the first images of M87*, the theoretical analysis of these images has advanced a broad class of black hole spin tracers in horizon-resolving observations, all of which have complex interplay with the astrophysical conditions near the horizon. Meanwhile, space VLBI mission concepts such as the Black Hole Explorer aim to drastically improve the angular resolution available via sub-mm VLBI, resolving out the primary accretion disk image to isolate the strongly lensed “photon ring,” which more robustly exposes black hole mass, spin, and viewing inclination to distant observers. In this talk, I will detail the spin signatures in both of these angular resolution regimes, and how they work together to build a “robustness ladder” for spin measurement with which the spins of many more low-luminosity AGN will soon become accessible as sub-mm VLBI sensitivity, frequency coverage, angular resolution improves. The resulting local “spin census” will help fill in missing pieces of the history of accretion and merging in the broader AGN population.

Coupling Driven H2 Excitation in Seyferts: GATOS JWST/MRS

Speaker

Daniel Delaney, University of Alaska

Abstract 

We utilize James Webb Space Telescope/Mid Infrared Instrument (JWST/MIRI) Integral Field Unit observations from the Galaxy Activity, Torus and Outflow Survey to investigate the diverse range of ionized outflow rates of obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN) with similar bolometric luminosity and explore potential associations with AGN feedback. We explore spatial correlations between ionized emission potentially associated with fast shocks ([Fe II]5.34μm) and the excitation of H2. We further constrain our investigation to the inner 400 pc (the nuclear and circumnuclear regions r < 200 pc), and estimate the excitation temperature and column density of H2 assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium and using the S(1)–S(8) rotational H2 emission lines visible to JWST/MIRI spectroscopy. We report the molecular gas temperature of the deprojected 400 pc nuclear region to correlate with the ionized mass outflow rate. We also observe a stronger degree of spatial correlation between [Fe II]5.34μm emission and H2 gas temperature. We observe regions of enhanced [Fe II]5.34μm/[Ar II]6.99μm spatially coincident with the ionization cones of objects with higher ionized outflow rates and [Fe II]5.34μm/[Ar II]6.99μm in the deprojected 400 pc nuclear region to scale positively with both the ionized outflow rate and the estimated molecular gas temperature. We do not observe the estimated jet cavity power within the central 400 pc as strongly correlated with the ionized mass outflow rate or molecular gas temperature of the nuclear region. We take the preceding observations to suggest a higher degree of interaction between AGN outflows and the circumnuclear disk.

Seminar Connection

Zoom Registration (note this is a new registration link), you will receive connection details by email after registration: 

https://alaska.zoom.us/meeting/register/V1okit8uSk2ql97gegbdzg

The post AGN SIG Spotlight Series, 21 July 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

From Micro to Macro: Connecting the Physics of Galaxy Formation Across Scales

Speaker

Drummond Fielding, New York University

Abstract

Galaxy formation is controlled by the cycling of diffuse gas through the ISM, CGM, and larger-scale environment, but predictive models remain limited by unresolved microphysics. I will discuss how sub-pc processes—including cosmic-ray transport, magnetic reconnection, and turbulent mixing—regulate multiphase structure, energy and momentum transport, and the launching of galactic winds. I will then describe how simulations, analytic models, and new multi-scale numerical methods can connect these processes to kpc-scale feedback and Mpc-scale galaxy evolution. The aim is to build physically grounded models of gas cycling that can sharpen our interpretation of observations and move galaxy formation theory beyond phenomenological feedback prescriptions.

Seminar Connection

Join the Seminar

The post DGCE SIG Seminar, 23 July 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Title TBA

Speaker

TBA

Seminar Connection

Join the Seminar

The post HWO SIG Seminar, 12 August 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Speaker

Steven M. Crawford, NASA HQ

Details TBA

Seminar Connection

TBA

The post AI/ML STIG Lecture Series, 29 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Why and Where Do We Want to Put Telescopes on the Moon?

Speaker

Nivedita Mahesh, CU Boulder

Abstract

The Moon is emerging as a uniquely valuable platform for astrophysics, enabling observations that neither Earth nor free-flying spacecraft can support. This talk surveys the scientific motivation across four complementary regimes. At low radio frequencies, the radio-quiet lunar farside opens a window onto the cosmological Dark Ages and the magnetospheres of exoplanets. In the mid-band gravitational-wave regime, the Moon’s low seismic activity bridges the sensitivity gap between terrestrial and space-based detectors. At ultraviolet wavelengths, its natural vacuum and long coherence times allow high-resolution stellar imaging beyond what is possible on Earth. And in the far-infrared, the cold, stable conditions of permanently shadowed regions offer a naturally cryogenic, absorption-free site for probing star and planet formation and the obscured Universe.

For each regime, I will share updates from the mission concept leads on the efforts now developing within the Astrophysics from the Moon, Mars & Beyond (AMMB) Science Interest Group. Together, these cases point to a paradigm shift: astrophysics from the Moon is becoming not just desirable but necessary.

Seminar Connection

Join the Seminar

The post AMMB STIG Seminar, 1 July 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

2:00pm ET July 1st, 2026

Why and Where Do We Want to Put Telescopes on the Moon?

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/physics-of-the-cosmos/community/ammb-stig-seminar-1-july-2026

Speaker

Nivedita Mahesh | CU Boulder

Abstract

The Moon is emerging as a uniquely valuable platform for astrophysics, enabling observations that neither Earth nor free-flying spacecraft can support. This talk surveys the scientific motivation across four complementary regimes. At low radio frequencies, the radio-quiet lunar farside opens a window onto the cosmological Dark Ages and the magnetospheres of exoplanets. In the mid-band gravitational-wave regime, the Moon’s low seismic activity bridges the sensitivity gap between terrestrial and space-based detectors. At ultraviolet wavelengths, its natural vacuum and long coherence times allow high-resolution stellar imaging beyond what is possible on Earth. And in the far-infrared, the cold, stable conditions of permanently shadowed regions offer a naturally cryogenic, absorption-free site for probing star and planet formation and the obscured Universe.

For each regime, I will share updates from the mission concept leads on the efforts now developing within the Astrophysics from the Moon, Mars & Beyond (AMMB) Science Interest Group. Together, these cases point to a paradigm shift: astrophysics from the Moon is becoming not just desirable but necessary.

The post AMMG STIG Seminar, July 1, 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

4:00pm ET June 25th, 2026

Cosmic Origins Science in the New Landscape of Space Astrophysics

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/dgce-sig-seminar-25-june-2026

Speaker

Swara Ravindranath | Deputy Chief Scientist of NASA’s Cosmic Origins Program (NASA GSFC)

Abstract

Cosmic Origins Science covers a broad range of topics that are fundamental to our understanding of the evolution of structure in the Universe and the physical processes that can explain the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets that we observe today. The various space telescopes that operate across the electromagnetic spectrum have been crucial to address some of the most fundamental questions related to our cosmic origins. The landscape of Space Astronomy is evolving fast with innovative technology, industry partnerships, and new commercial launch capabilities. In this talk, I will review the Cosmic Origins Program and discuss the new opportunities that offer strategic pathways for focused-science missions.

The post DGCE SIG Seminar, June 25, 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding workshop abstract submissions, as well as ASTRA Mission Concept submissions.

Ad ASTRA Workshop

The deadline for abstract submission for the Workshop has been extended to 1 July 2026.

Submit workshop abstracts via the workshop webpage. If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. Note while talks will be focused on science and technological capability themes, we encourage participants to present their mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

ASTRA Mission Concepts

The deadline for submitting ASTRA Mission Concept Documents has also been extended to 1 July 2026.

Mission Concept Document submissions should use this Word template [DOCX], and should be submitted using this submission portal [Google Form].

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

The post Ad ASTRA Workshop Deadline Extended appeared first on NASA Science.

https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/CAST-ASA-26-01

The most recent decadal survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics (released in late 2021) identified the most compelling science goals, presented a program of ground- and space-based activities for future investment, and recommended critical actions to support the foundations of the profession as well as the technologies and tools needed to carry out the science. At the request of NASA, NSF, and DOE, this midterm assessment reviews progress towards the priorities from the decadal survey.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies) shall convene an ad hoc committee to review the responses of NASA’s Astrophysics program, NSF’s Astronomy program, and DOE’s Cosmic Frontiers program (hereafter the Agencies’ programs) to previous National Academies advice, primarily the 2020 National Academies decadal survey, “Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s” (Astro2020). 

The committee’s review will include the following tasks:

• Scientific and Technical Landscape: Identify and evaluate the most significant scientific discoveries, technological advancements that could impact implementation, changes to the facilities landscape, and relevant programmatic changes in astronomy and astrophysics since the publication of Astro2020.

• Alignment with Decadal Priorities: Assess the extent to which the programs of the relevant agencies align with the strategies, goals, and priorities outlined in Astro2020 and other pertinent National Academies reports in the context of the Agencies’ current strategic priorities and budgets thus far allotted to them.

• Recommendations for Maximizing Scientific Return: Considering 1 – the advice provided since the publication of Astro2020 by any Federal Advisory Committees active at the time, 2 – the Agencies’ strategic plans, and 3 – the mid-decade contingencies described in the decadal survey, recommend actions that maximize the scientific return of the Agencies’ programs.

• Foundational and Enabling Activities: Evaluate progress and alignment with recommendations on foundational activities, including workforce development, technology maturation, and data infrastructure.

Consideration of International Partnerships and Cross-Agency Opportunities: Assess opportunities to advance the implementation of priorities outlined in Astro2020 that are presented by changes in international partnerships and cross-agency cooperative capabilities.

The review should not revisit or alter the scientific priorities or mission recommendations provided in the decadal survey and related National Academies reports but may assess progress in implementation of the recommended science and activities portfolio and on other potential activities in preparation for the next decadal survey.

The post Review of Progress Toward the Decadal Survey appeared first on NASA Science.

Nominate yourself or a colleague to join the leadership council of the NASA AI/ML Science and Technology Interest Group (STIG). We welcome early-career researchers (graduate students, postdocs, and early-career scientists) broadly interested in AI and astronomy. Duties are light: suggesting speakers and helping run remote seminars by sending reminders and introducing the speaker.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5ccFmCWEw-fDmkjlldeUvSK81f6M_2DauycSif3GN3rw9tw/viewform

As we begin planning the next iteration of the NASA Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Science and Technology Interest Group (AI/ML STIG) seminar series, we are expanding our leadership council and would love your help. We are writing to invite you to nominate yourself or a colleague to join.

We are especially looking for early-career researchers, including graduate students, postdocs, and early-career scientists, who are broadly interested in the intersection of AI and astronomy. You do not need to be an expert across the whole field; curiosity and a willingness to help the community learn matter most.

The organizational duties are light. Council members help suggest speakers and run the remote seminars, which mainly means sending email reminders and introducing the speaker. It is a great way to meet people across the field and to help shape a series that reaches the NASA community and beyond.

Two themes will anchor next year’s series:

1. Agentic AI for Astrophysics. How LLM agents and multi-agent systems can accelerate astronomical research, from literature and data analysis to simulation and discovery workflows.
2. AI and Astronomy in the US: Initiatives, Funding, and Broader Impacts. The wider landscape of AI in astronomy, including national initiatives, funding opportunities, AI pedagogy, the ethics and philosophy of AI in science, and ways AI can support NASA priorities such as ASTRA.

Please use this Google form to nominate yourself or someone else by the end of next week (extended to 27 June 2026).

The post AI/ML STIG Leadership Council Nominations Are Open! appeared first on NASA Science.

10:00am – 11:30am PT

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members this serves as a reminder for those attending AAS248. This session is in-person only.

AAS248 Block Schedule: https://submissions.mirasmart.com/AAS248/Itinerary/EventDetail.aspx?evt=70

Summary

NASA’s astrophysics fleet of observatories push the limits of human vision and understanding, exploring the most profound questions of our existence while driving innovations that transform the extraordinary into the everyday and reinforce U.S. leadership in space. This special session, organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division, will provide insight into the ASTRA Initiative, share initial findings from the May 2026 Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop, and will discuss plans for the September 2026 Astrophysics community science (Ad ASTRA) workshop. Talks will be followed by a panel to address questions from the community.

Time	Session	Location
10:00am ‑ 11:30am	Special Session: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics and the ASTRA Initiative	Pasadena Convention Center ‑  Ballroom G

ASTRA Initiative Special Session

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:10am	Introduction from the NASA Astrophysics Division Director	Shawn Domagal‑Goldman, NASA HQ
10:10am ‑ 10:25am	The ASTRA Initiative: Overview & Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin, NASA HQ
10:25am ‑ 10:40am	Innovation for Astrophysics Workshop: Initial Findings	Kendra Short, JPL
10:40am ‑ 10:55am	Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop	Peter Kurczynski, NASA/GSFC
10:55am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Francesca Civano, NASA/GSFC

Wishing you the best,

Dr Ron Gamble
Cosmic Origins Support Scientist, NASA GSFC

Dr Bernard Kelly
PhysCOS Support Scientist, NASA GSFC

The post TODAY: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics & the ASTRA Initiative, 18 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
1:00pm – 2:30pm

For Cosmic Origins at AAS, please visit the link below. 

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-at-aas-248-june-2026

Splinter Session: NASA’s Big Science, Small Missions

Agenda

Organizers: Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC), Emily Witt (JHU)

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:05am	Welcome	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC)
10:05am ‑ 10:15am	FORTIS Sounding Rocket	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:15am ‑ 10:25am	BlackCAT CubeSat	Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University)
10:25am ‑ 10:35am	SunRISE CubeSat Constellation	Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan)
10:35am ‑ 10:45am	SPHEREx Medium Explorer Mission	Roberta Paladini (IPAC/Caltech)
10:45am ‑ 10:55am	Landolt Pioneer Mission	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:05am	Non-Traditional Path to Missions	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:05am ‑ 11:10am	BREAK
11:10am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC, moderator) Panelists: Drew Miles (Caltech), Pablo Saz Parkinson (NASA HQ), Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan), Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University), David Ardila (JPL)

The post TODAY! NASA’s Big Science, Small Missions appeared first on NASA Science.

Speaker

Bogdan Pastrav (Institute of Space Science)

Seminar Connection

Please visit the P-CAST webpage https://prima.ipac.caltech.edu/page/p-cast for a link to join and to see all of our upcoming speakers!

The post IR STIG PRIMA Seminar, 22 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Our Spotlight Series highlights recent advances in AGN science, with a strong emphasis on participation from early-career researchers, and includes plenty of time for community discussion following the presentations. 

Central Shocks and Metal-Enriched Outflows: A New View of AGN Feedback

Speaker

Peixin Zhu (Harvard University)

Abstract

The growth of galaxies and their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is tightly linked. However, the exact impact of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) feedback on the host galaxy is still uncertain, with different observations suggesting AGNs enhance, suppress, or do not affect the host galaxy star formation rate. Resolving these controversies requires proper treatment of shocks, which are known to exist with AGN-driven outflow and yet are difficult to distinguish from AGN emission. In my talk, I will present a new theoretical three-dimensional diagram built for integral-field spectroscopy that cleanly separates star formation, AGN, and shock-dominated spaxels. Furthermore, these separation results can be combined with theoretical diagnostics to map the spatial distribution of gas-phase metallicity, ionization parameter, and gas pressure within these galaxies. After applying this new technique to 8 nearby Seyfert galaxies, we reveal that AGN and star formation coexist in the galaxy center, and fast shocks are present at the base of AGN outflows in some galaxies. We also find that outflowing gas is systematically metal-enhanced relative to adjacent star-forming rings. I will discuss how these results refine the picture of AGN feedback and the implications for nuclear enrichment and gas transport.

Investigating AGN Feeding and Feedback Through Circumnuclear Gas Kinematics in NGC 3079 and NGC 1068

Speaker

Dr. Ming-Yi Lin (University of Toledo)

Abstract

Studying gas kinematics in the circumnuclear regions (< 100 pc) of nearby AGNs on spatial scales of <10 pc provides insights into gas transport toward the supermassive black hole (SMBH) and the impact of AGN feedback in both radiative and kinetic forms. The kinematics of cold molecular gas are observed with radio interferometers (ALMA and NOEMA), while the warm molecular gas in the near-IR are studied using adaptive optics (AO)-assisted integral field spectrographs (IFS; Keck/OSIRIS). In this talk, I will use NGC 1068 and NGC 3079, two nearby Compton-thick AGNs, as pilot targets to discuss two distinct types of molecular outflows located at distances of ~40 pc from the SMBH: a cooling-efficient, momentum-driven outflow and a cooling-inefficient, energy-driven outflow. I will also present the discrepancy between Bondi accretion prescriptions and observationally constrained mass accretion rates.

Seminar Connection

Zoom Registration, you will receive connection details by email after registration: https://zoom.us/j/97689874465?pwd=XZNUqr19oopa1LfD7hgln1aQ2vbnT2.1

The post AGN SIG Spotlight Series, 23 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Monday, June 15th, 10:00am -11:30am PT

This is your reminder to join the Cosmic Origins community members as they present their science and talk about relevant topics of interest across the astrophysics landscape!

For Cosmic Origins at AAS, please visit the link below. 

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-at-aas-248-june-2026

Special Session: Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Highlights from Cosmic Origins Science Interest Groups (SIGs) and Science Analysis Groups (SAGs).

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:20am – 10:30am	Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of HWO	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:30am – 10:40am	Investigating the NIR Discovery Space of the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates from the Red Limit Science Analysis Group	Kyle Cooke (University of Louisville)
10:40am – 10:50am	Opening the OVI Window to Reveal the Diffuse Cosmic Ecosystem with HWO	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:00am -11:10am	HWO Science Interest Group: Keeping the Community Connected to HWO	Jessie Christiansen (Caltech/IPAC)

The post TODAY COR at AAS 248 | Everything but Exoplanets appeared first on NASA Science.

Special Session: Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Monday, June 15th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

Highlights from Cosmic Origins Science Interest Groups (SIGs) and Science Analysis Groups (SAGs).

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:20am ‑ 10:30am	Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of HWO	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:30am ‑ 10:40am	Investigating the NIR Discovery Space of the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates from the Red Limit Science Analysis Group	Kyle Cooke (University of Louisville)
10:40am ‑ 10:50am	Opening the OVI Window to Reveal the Diffuse Cosmic Ecosystem with HWO	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:00am ‑ 11:10am	HWO Science Interest Group: Keeping the Community Connected to HWO	Jessie Christiansen (Caltech/IPAC)

Agenda

Organizers: Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC), Emily Witt (JHU)

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:05am	Welcome	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC)
10:05am ‑ 10:15am	FORTIS Sounding Rocket	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:15am ‑ 10:25am	BlackCAT CubeSat	Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University)
10:25am ‑ 10:35am	SunRISE CubeSat Constellation	Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan)
10:35am ‑ 10:45am	SPHEREx Medium Explorer Mission	Roberta Paladini (IPAC/Caltech)
10:45am ‑ 10:55am	Landolt Pioneer Mission	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:05am	Non-Traditional Path to Missions	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:05am ‑ 11:10am	BREAK
11:10am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC, moderator) Panelists: Drew Miles (Caltech), Pablo Saz Parkinson (NASA HQ), Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan), Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University), David Ardila (JPL)

Special Session: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics and the ASTRA Initiative

Thursday, June 18th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

No remote participation is available for this special session.

Agenda

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:10am	Introduction from the NASA Astrophysics Division Director	Shawn Domagal‑Goldman (NASA HQ)
10:10am ‑ 10:25am	The ASTRA Initiative: Overview& Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin (NASA HQ)
10:25am ‑ 10:40am	Innovation for Astrophysics Workshop: Initial Findings	Kendra Short (JPL)
10:40am ‑ 10:55am	Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Francesca Civano (NASA/GSFC)

ASTRA Office Hours at Cosmic Origins Exhibit Booth

(June 15 – 17, 2026) at 9am PT

Stop by the AAS / Cosmic Origins Exhibit booth during these times to ask questions about the ASTRA initiative, the September Ad ASTRA workshop, and developing new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 am PT (Peter Kurczynski)

Best regards,
Swara Ravindranath

The post Join Us at the 248th AAS Meeting, June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Due by July 7th, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

The Habitable Worlds Observatory Technology Maturation Project Office and Columbus Technologies are excited to invite you to participate in a Detector System Development Study focused on developing critical detector technologies for the Habitable Worlds Observatory. This request for proposals seeks information from qualified organizations capable of supporting detector technology maturation studies to advance candidate technologies toward Technology Readiness Level 5. Specifically, we are seeking responses to address one or more of the following detectors categories: photon-counting detectors for visible and near-infrared coronagraph applications, far-ultraviolet detectors, and large-format detectors for near-ultraviolet and visible applications. Details regarding the call for proposals, eligibility, required deliverables, and study phases are available at the Columbus Technologies website here: https://columbususa.com/opportunities/hwo-detector-rfp/ 

Respondents located at Government agencies including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or NASA Centers (e.g., Goddard Space Flight Center, Ames Research Center, etc.) should submit their responses directly to Daniel Kelly (daniel.p.kelly@nasa.gov).

Note: Responses are due by July 7, 2026.

The post HWO Detector System Development Study Request for Proposals appeared first on NASA Science.

Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members-

As we prepare for our Ad ASTRA Community Science workshop, we are writing to share important updates regarding the agenda structure and instructions for abstract submissions. 

The Community Science (Ad ASTRA) Workshop is organized by the NASA Astrophysics Division to engage the community in identifying future large, strategic astrophysics missions. Structured over three thematic days—Science, Capabilities and Implementation, and Community Discussion—the workshop provides a comprehensive framework to connect scientific priorities with technological readiness and mission implementation. Across all three days, plenaries, panels, breakout sessions, and poster contributions are designed to maximize community interactions and discussion. The outcomes of the workshop will help NASA prioritize mission concepts and shape a balanced, forward-looking astrophysics portfolio that is consistent with the Astro2020 recommendations and existing and future science gaps.

To best serve the community and facilitate meaningful collaboration, we are splitting the mission concept presentations into two distinct focuses: Science on Day 1, and Capabilities and Implementation on Day 2. We are relying on you—the concept teams and the broader community—to submit abstracts for both days. We are also offering the option to present mission concepts as posters, and will offer the opportunity to present as posters any abstracts for which there is insufficient room in the parallel sessions.

Please review the detailed agenda structure and submission guidelines below:

Day 1: Science Focus

• Science Questions: Day 1 will focus on open science priorities and questions from strategic documents (Astro 2020 Decadal Survey, Enduring Quests – Daring Visions from 2014) and more recent science questions that the mission concepts submitted to ASTRA will address. 
• Abstract Submission: Presentations for Day 1 are not restricted to mission concept team members. We strongly encourage other scientists in the community to submit abstracts presenting important science questions and to use this opportunity to connect with concept teams.
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by science themes (Compact Objects and Energetic Phenomena, Cosmology, Galaxies, Exoplanets & Astrobiology, Stars and Stellar Populations). Moderators will present a summary of the panel discussions at the end of Day 1.

Day 2: Mission Concepts – Capabilities and Implementation

• Focus: Day 2 is focused on implementation, capabilities, and technologies (software and hardware) relevant to the ASTRA submitted mission concepts. A summary of the Innovation for Astrophysics Missions Workshop (May 2026) will inform discussions regarding industry and other capabilities and opportunities that may be leveraged. 
• Breakout Sessions: These sessions will be organized by capability groups, which will be determined once the submitted mission concept documents are reviewed.
• Format & Goals: Breakout sessions will feature a mix of presentations and flexible discussion. The goal is for teams with concepts at varying maturity levels to collaborate, find commonalities, and strengthen their respective capability groups.
• Abstract Submission Note: Teams may submit multiple abstracts for these sessions if their concept spans different capabilities (e.g., requiring both UV and X-ray technologies).

Day 3 & Workshop Outcome

A primary goal of this workshop is to refine a draft “science-to-capabilities” matrix, which will be built using inputs from your submitted ASTRA mission concept documents. During the Day 1 and 2 breakout sessions, moderators will capture key discussion points to present during end-of-day summary panels. On Day 3 of the workshop, we will hold a plenary discussion to recap the week and collaboratively revise the “science-to-capabilities” matrix. Together as a community, we will add, refine, and prioritize science questions, mapping them to mission concepts. 

Key Upcoming Dates:

• 24 June 2026: Abstract submission deadline (link). If you have already submitted an abstract and would like to modify it based on the guidelines above, please delete your previous contribution and send another submission. 
• 26 June 2026: Mission Concept Document submission deadline (template, submission portal)
• 10 July 2026: Contributed abstracts selected for talks and posters 

We look forward to your abstract submissions and to a highly collaborative and productive workshop! 

Best regards,

The Ad ASTRA Workshop Organizing Committee

The post Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop Updates  appeared first on NASA Science.