NASA’s Physics of the Cosmos Program, in collaboration with the Physics of the Cosmos Program Analysis Group Executive Committee, is pleased to announce the Third Early Career Workshop. Participants will benefit from engaging interactive sessions covering essential topics including grant opportunities, navigating data archives, and effective strategies for career advancement.
22-24 September 2026 1:00pm-4:00pm ET / 10:00am-1:00pm PT
Community
Physics of the Cosmos
Type
Workshop
Physics of the Cosmos
Inspiring the Next Generation of Astrophysicists
The workshop will be held on September 22 – 24, 2026, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM Eastern Time and will be fully virtual.
This workshop aims to provide early career scientists with valuable insights into the groundbreaking research conducted within the Physics of the Cosmos Program, demonstrate essential tools and resources available to them, and address their questions and concerns.
Physics of the Cosmos Third Early Career Workshop Poster
This third workshop will discuss three topics—Science, Missions, and Career Development— and will also showcase the importance of collaborations.
This workshop is tailored for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists looking to enhance their professional trajectory in astrophysics.
Workshop Schedule
The workshop will include a tutorial on the NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) Science Explorer (SciX), talks on upcoming missions including the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) and the Ultraviolet Explorer (UVEX), updates on NASA programs for students and postdocs, a CV writing mini-workshop, presentations by your fellow early career researchers on exciting science and technology development projects, and much more!
The full program will be coming soon.
Downloads
Physics of the Cosmos Third Early Career Workshop Poster
Announcement of Opportunity Astrophysics Explorers Program 2026 Small Explorer (SMEX) Amended Text Released
10 August 2026
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.
NASA Science
NSPIRES
NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System
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:
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.
Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna: a Sub-Hertz GW Detector on the Moon
Speaker
Volker Quetschke, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Abstract
The moon offers unique opportunities and challenges to realize interferometric gravitational wave detectors that are sensitive over a range of frequencies that are currently not covered. Compared with Earth-based detectors, the moon’s reduced gravity and lower seismic activity allow us to shift the sensitivity to lower frequencies.
An update on the Laser Interferometer Lunar Antenna (LILA) project—a next generation gravitational-wave detector on the surface of the Moon—will be presented. The LILA detector will have unique access to sub-Hertz frequencies of gravitational waves. This frequency range of waves cannot be measured by any ongoing or upcoming experiment on the Earth or in space, thus fundamentally changing the landscape of multi-messenger astrophysics that otherwise cannot be achieved. LILA will provide early warnings prior to mergers of black holes and neutron stars. Measurements in the deci-Hertz regime can vastly improve measurements of the Hubble constant, the equation of state of neutron stars, and tests of General Relativity. Furthermore, LILA will uniquely observe phenomena like white dwarf mergers as Type Ia supernovae progenitors, tidal disruption around intermediate mass black holes, and novel dark matter probes.
A preliminary design for the LILA project and the planned future development stages will be shown: the LILA Autonomous Interferometry Technology Demonstration (LILA-AITD), the Initial LILA (iLILA) strainmeter and the full, operational LILA Observatory.
1 July 2026 2:00pm -3:00pm ET 11:00am – 12:00 pm PT
Community
Physics of the Cosmos
Type
Seminar
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.
Constraints on Dynamical Dark Energy from the Full Dark Energy Survey
Speaker
Sujeong Lee, Ohio University
Abstract
The nature of dark energy remains one of the central open questions in cosmology, and recent analyses have reported a weak but intriguing preference for an evolving equation of state. I will present constraints on the w0-wa parameterization from the full six-year Dark Energy Survey (DES) dataset, combining growth and geometric probes — supernovae, BAO, and weak lensing and galaxy clustering (3x2pt) — within a single survey. The DES-only combination yields the tightest such constraints using multiple probes from any single survey, and adding external CMB and DESI BAO data gives a 3.0-sigma deviation from a cosmological constant, with the best-fit always favoring w0 > -1, wa < 0. Because DES relies on different probes and systematics than DESI, this provides an independent cross-check on the recent hints for dynamical dark energy. I will discuss how to interpret these results, and what they imply for Stage IV surveys. This work realizes the multi-probe dark energy program envisioned at the inception of DES.
1 July 2026 2:00pm -3:00pm ET 11:00am – 12:00 pm PT
community
Cosmic Origins
Type
Seminar
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.
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.
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.
Ad ASTRA Workshop Abstract and Mission Concept Deadline Extended to 1 July 2026
23 June 2026
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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).
Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members this serves as a reminder for those attending AAS248. This session is in-person only.
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.
Dear Astrophysics Strategic Technology & Research Accelerator (ASTRA) community members this serves as a reminder for those attending AAS248. This session is in-person only.
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.
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