16 May 2025
The Habitable Worlds Observatory is a NASA flagship mission concept that would find Earth-like exoplanets and transform general astrophysics. Would you be interested in helping NASA form a Science Interest Group in support of this mission concept?
This group will function as a point of connection between NASA and the astrophysics community. We invite interested scientists to apply to lead this Science Interest Group.
The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) Technology Maturation Project and its upcoming Community Science and Instrument Team (CSIT) intends to establish a working relationship with the broader astronomical community through the three astrophysics Program Analysis Groups (Cosmic Origins, Exoplanet Exploration and Physics of the Cosmos). The coordinating body for this relationship is intended to be a new Science Interest Group that will serve as a single point of contact with all three Program Analysis Groups and the HWO Technology Maturation Project.
The NASA Astrophysics Program Offices are seeking self-nominations from interested community members to serve on the steering committee of the new SIG. The activities of the SIG can include completing a Terms of Reference (i.e., a SIG Charter), organizing a virtual seminar series where both community members and HWO Project representatives are presenting, advocating for community-driven analyses, and organizing face-to-face meetings. A leadership council consisting of approximately three to six members, representing the three NASA Astrophysics Program Analysis Groups, is envisioned.
The anticipated time commitment for this position would be expected to be about five hours per month, after an initial set-up period.
You can apply by filling out the Google form, see here. Applications will close June 6, 2025.