Space Weather Euro News -- SWEN
Vol. 14, Issue 02 (24 February 2010)
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HTML version at http://esa-spaceweather.net/spweather/SWEN/swen.html
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* SPACE WEATHER EURO NEWS - S*W*E*N
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1. European Space Weather Week #7, 15-19th November 2010, Brugge, Belgium
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From: Alexi Glover, Anna Belehaki and Ronald Van der Linden
We are pleased to announce that the Seventh European Space Weather Week will take place at Congress Centre Oud Sint-Jan in Brugge, Belgium between 15-19th November 2010.
Conference Website: http://sidc.oma.be/esww7
This meeting is being jointly organised by the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB), ESA, the SWWT and the COST ES0803 communities. The local organisation is done by the STCE of the ROB. This event will continue to build on the advances made during the first six European Space Weather Weeks held between 2004 and 2009. More information will be available online soon. In the meantime, for further information please contact Alexi Glover, Anna Belehaki or Ronald Van der Linden
Organising Committee:
A. Belehaki (Co-chair, NOA & COST ES0803) A. Glover (Co-chair, ESA) M. Hapgood (RAL/STFC) J.-P. Luntama (ESA SSA) R. Van der Linden (SIDC-STCE) P. Vanlommel (STCE) T. Dudok de Wit (CNRS/LPC2E, SOTERIA) B. Zolesi (INGV) M. Messerotti (INAF, COST ES0803) V. Zigman (COST ES0803) M. Meier (DLR) N. Crosby (BISA, SWWT Chair)
Local Organising Committee:
A. Van der Syppe
P. Van Lommel
R. Van der Linden
S. Raynal
& the SIDC/STCE-team
This meeting is supported by the European Space Agency, The Solar-Terrestrial Centre of Excellence, The EC COST Office, and the Belgian Science Policy Office.
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2. Call for papers for COSPAR 38th Scientific Assembly PRBEM1 session:
Radiation Belt Modelling for Applications
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From: Reiner Friedel
The organisers of the PRBEM1 session at the 38th Scientific Assembly of COSPAR to be held in Bremen, Germany on 18-25th July 2010, are pleased to invite you to attend and contribute to the following event:
PRBEM1: Radiation Belt Modelling for Applications
There have been significant advances in the area of Radiation Belt Modeling in recent years, thanks to renewed interest and progress in understanding the complex radiation belt dynamics, specifically of the trapped relativistic electron population. A range of new codes are now tackling the computationally challenging problem of multi-modal diffusion (simultaneous diffusion in energy, pitch angle and radial distance). However, physically complex models may not be suited for ongoing, real-time or predictive modeling applications, due to the lack of reliable boundary conditions or predictions thereof (wave distributions and power, plasma densities, gradients and composition, realistic electric and magnetic field models). Models useful for applications may need to rely on statistical and/or data assimilative methods. We encourage here presentations on the current state of radiation belt models for both physics based models and models based on combinations of physics, statistical methods and data assimilative methods.
Potential participants are welcome to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations covering the above topics.
Important dates:
19 February 2010: Abstract submission and Financial support application dead-line
19 April 2010: Acceptance messages sent to contact authors
1 May 2010: Early registration deadline
18-25 July 2010: COSPAR Scientific Assembly.
PRBEM1 Scientific Organizing Committee:
Reiner Friedel (LANL, USA)
Sebastien Bourdarie (ONERA/DESP, France)
Paul O'Brien (The Aerospace Corporation, USA)
Yoshizumi Miyoshi (Nagoya University, Japan)
Yuri Shprits (University of California Los Angeles, USA)
Web site:
http://www.cospar-assembly.org/
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3. JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral scientist in ionospheric tomography at the
Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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From: Olaf Amm
The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI, Helsinki, Finland) is seeking for a postdoctoral scientist in the area of ionospheric tomography, starting from June 1, 2010, lasting until December 31, 2013.
The work comprises the analysis of data from a dense network of GPS receivers and from beacon receivers in Scandinavia, using tomographic inversion techniques, and the interpretation of the results in terms of ionospheric and magnetospheric physics. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of a new, multi-frequency tomographic inversion scheme that is particularly optimized for the analysis of high-density data sets from mesoscale receiver networks. Further, a contribution to the three-dimensional modeling of the ionosphere is expected.
Candidates must hold a PhD in the area of physics, mathematics, or geosciences, and should recognize themselves in as many as possible (but not necessarily all) points of the following profile:
- good or at least basic knowledge of ionospheric and magnetospheric physics
- good knowledge of mathematics (particularly inversion techniques)
- good abilities in programming and handling of large data sets
- experience in tomography (not necessarily ionospheric tomography)
- ability to work and publish independently
Applications for the position need to be submitted not later than March 31, 2010, addressed to kirjaamo@fmi.fi and cc: Olaf.Amm@fmi.fi, including a CV, list of publications and a short statement of scientific interests.
For further information, please contact Olaf Amm, tel. +358919294689 or Olaf.Amm@fmi.fi.
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4. International Advanced School on Space Weather Modelling and Applications.
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From: Anna Belehaki
From 18 to 29 October 2010 an international advanced school on Space Weather modelling and applications will be held at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP, Trieste, Italy; http://www.ictp.it/). Organised jointly by ICTP, the EC COST Action ES0803 "Developing Products and Services for Space Weather in Europe", and the EC FP7 Project SOTERIA "SOLar-TERrestrial Investigations and Archives", the school will be co-directed by A. Belehaki (NOA, GR), M. Messerotti (INAF, IT), G. Lapenta (UNI Leuven, BE), and S. Radicella (ICTP, IT).
PURPOSE AND NATURE
Space Weather is the physical and phenomenological state of natural space environments. The associated discipline aims, through observation, monitoring, analysis and modelling, at understanding and predicting the state of the Sun, the interplanetary and planetary environments, and the solar and non-solar driven perturbations that affect them; and also at forecasting and nowcasting the possible impacts on biological and technological systems.
In Europe the science and applications relevant to Space Weather have been promoted by the European Space Agency (ESA) and this, in turn, triggered various cooperation initiatives like e.g. the EC COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology; http://www.cost.esf.org) Action 724 “Developing the Scientific Basis for Monitoring, Modelling and Predicting Space Weather”, ended in 2007, and the new EC COST Action ES0803 “Developing Products and Services for Space Weather in Europe” (http://www.costes0803.noa.gr/beta/ ; Domain: Earth System Science and Environmental Management; Involvement: 21 COST countries and various associated institutes from non-COST countries like e.g. Russia), that will end in 2012. Similarly, the ever increasing interest in Space Weather led to the EC FP7 Project SOTERIA (SOLar-TERrestrial Investigations and Archives; http://soteria-space.eu/ ; Domain: Space Science; Involvement: 16 centres from 11 EU countries and collaborating ones like Switzerland, Croatia and Russia), aimed at Space Weather data and model development and distribution, that will end in 2011.
This school is a follow-up to the co-sponsored "International Advanced School on Space Weather" organized in 2006 (smr1749; http://cdsagenda5.ictp.trieste.it/full_display.php?ida=a05201), co-organized by ICTP, EC COST Action 724, USNSWP (United States National Space Weather Program), SCOSTEP/CAWSES (Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics/Climate and Weather of the Sun-Earth System), INAF (Italian National Institute for Astrophysics), INFN (Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics).
Whereas the former school has been devoted to providing the scientific basis for monitoring, modelling and predicting Space Weather, this school is aimed at providing the scientific knowledge but with special attention to the applied aspects of Space Weather, i.e., to the monitoring and modelling resources based on advanced data handling for Space Weather.
The school will be organized as morning sessions, focused on the theory propaedeutic to the applications, and afternoon sessions, where the applications will be taught via practicals with the direct participation of the attendees.
The main topics are respectively:
a. Space Weather Drivers and the Relevant Physical Environments
b. Space Weather Impacts on Technological Systems and Humans
c. Space Weather Monitoring and Data Handling
d. Space Weather Modelling Techniques.
PARTICIPATION
Scientists and students from all countries that are members of the United Nations, UNESCO or IAEA may attend the School. Although the main purpose of the ICTP is to help researchers from developing nations through a programme of training activities within a framework of international cooperation, students and postdoctoral scientists from developed countries are also welcome to attend. As the School will be conducted in English, participants must have a good working knowledge of that language.
As a rule, travel and subsistence expenses of the participants are borne by the home institution. However, limited funds are available for some participants (not more than 45 years of age) from, and working in, developing countries, to be selected by the organizers. Such financial support is available only for those who attend the entire activity. Every effort should be made by candidates to secure support for their fare (or at least half fare) from their home country. There is no registration fee to attend the School.
The Application Form and Brief Technical Questionnaire will be posted on the ICTP WWW server:
http://cdsagenda5.ictp.trieste.it/full_display.php?smr=0&ida=a09174
E-mail: smr2171@ictp.it
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5. Solar Interplanetary Electron Hazard Modelling
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From: David Rodgers
A contract has been signed between ESA and cosine Science & Computing B.V. (Netherlands) in collaboration with Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey (UK) on 29 January 2010 for the modelling of interplanetary electron populations associated with hazardous effects on spacecraft. The main objective is to develop model(s) of high energy electrons in interplanetary space, with the emphasis on internal charging effects and instrument interference in near-Earth interplanetary space, including the L2 position chosen by several Cosmic Vision candidate missions. The planned duration of the activity is 12 months. For further information, please contact David Rodgers.
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6. JAXA International Top Young Fellowship in FY2010
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From: Kozo Fujii, Chair of JAXA International Top Young Fellowship Committee, ISAS/JAXA Tadayuki Takahashi, Vice Chair, ISAS/JAXA
The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) offers scientists and engineers in aerospace an opportunity to conduct research into the scientific and technical aspects of space. Examples of possible research topics include:
- Structure and origin of the universe
- Formation of the earth and solar system
- Utilization of the space environment for microgravity experiments
- Engineering and technology development for the exploitation of space
(Please refer to the ISAS Website for more details) http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/index.shtml
The JAXA International Top Young Fellowship (ITYF) was established as a prestigious new fellowship program in 2009. The ITYF is designed to attract outstanding, highly motivated, young researchers in any of the space science fields covered by ISAS/JAXA to work in Japan for 3 (extendable to 5) years. The excellent remuneration package (see below) includes research budget and travel support so that the Fellow can extend their international profile, as well as developing collaborations within Japan.
1. Duration of the Fellowship and the commencement of the research activity
Duration of the research period is basically three (3) years. The contract shall be
renewed every fiscal year. The period can be extended up-to five (5) years through the
review by the ITYF Committee if desired. Commencement of the research activity is negotiable:
sometime during Japanese FY2010 (April 2010 to March 2011)
2. Terms of the Fellowship
- Salary: The monthly salary is 790,000 Japanese Yen (equivalent to an annual salary of
$100,000 US dollars at a typical exchange rate of 94.80JPY / dollar). Tax is included.
- $25,000 US dollars of the research budget is prepared as travel and research funds.
- Place of appointment: JAXA Sagamihara Campus (ISAS)
- Lodging: House allowance in accordance with the JAXA’s provisions will be provided.
- Social and other insurances will be fully provided.
3. Eligibility
Applicant must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent doctoral level degree) and postdoctoral
experience for maximum of 8 years
4. Documents to be submitted
A set of the following documents is to be submitted via email to international_fellowship@jaxa.jp (PDF format preferred):
- Applicant’s curriculum vitae - Outline of applicant’s previous research , and future research plan - List of research achievements, including published papers and other publications, etc. - Applicant’s three(3) major research papers - Three(3) letters of reference
(The letters of reference must be sent by email directly from your referees' accounts at international_fellowship@jaxa.jp. Please inform us of names of your referees in your email message when you send the application documents.)
Application documents can be sent to the address below by registered mail or international courier service. If so, please state “Application documents for JAXA International Top Young Fellowship” in red ink on the front of the envelope. Application documents will not be returned.
JAXA International Top Young Fellowship Committee
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Sagamihara-shi, Kanagawa 229-8510, JAPAN
5. Number of positions
A few
6. Application deadline
April 20, 2010. All applications must be received by the closing date.
7. Selection of Fellowships
Submitted documents will be reviewed by the JAXA International Top Young Fellowship
Committee. Selected candidates are invited for a seminar presentation at ISAS/JAXA in
Japan.
8. General inquiries
E-mail: international_fellowship@jaxa.jp
JAXA International Top Young Fellowship Committee
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
9. Miscellaneous
All documents should be in English language.
10. Use of personal information
The personal information provided to JAXA will be used and handled only for the purpose
of selecting the JAXA International Top Young Fellow. JAXA will discard all personal
information of unsuccessful candidates after the selection.
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7. Contractor position on spacecraft-plasma interactions at ESA/ESTEC
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From: David Rodgers
ESA's Space Environments and Effects Section (TEC-EES) has initiated a request to recruit an engineer to support space environment and effects modelling. The priority function will be to support ESA mission development through analysis of spacecraft-plasma interactions. This will principally involve performing complex geometric simulations using SPIS (Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software). Simpler methods (e.g. analytical methods), and “heritage” tools will also be used.
Potential candidates are encouraged to look for job announcements from, or to make direct contact with, any of the companies that supply contractors to ESA via "frame-contracts".
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8. Invitation to join 2010 Space Weather Education and Outreach Events
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From: Norma Crosby
Dear Colleagues,
During the the 6th European Space Weather Week meeting in Brugge the "European Sun Festival", planned for summer 2010, was announced at the COST Management Committee meeting as well as at the SWWT Plenary. The original idea was that this event include solar industry, sociologists, astronomers, artists, etc. in Europe as well as outside Europe. Organising such a big event in such a short time has unfortunately proved impossible, and as a result the Sun Festival as a whole is currently postponed. However, due to the enthusiasm to this original event from the space / solar / astronomy communities we have decided to go ahead with a couple of smaller education / outreach events based on two items:
1.) "I love my Sun"
This is based on Yurdanur Tulunay's proposed COST ES0803 WG3 Action for "SG3.4 General public outreach to the non-specialist". The initial idea was to have autistic and non-autistic children draw pictures of the Sun before and after hearing a lecture about the Sun. In the current proposal this will be extended to any type of class. The drawings will be displayed at the upcoming ESWW7.
A webpage with relevant information will be set up during the next weeks with more information about how you can contribute. If you are interested in participating in this activity can you please let us know [ytulunay@ae.metu.edu.tr, norma.crosby@oma.be].
2.) "Total Solar Eclipse of 2010 July 11"
This is the same day as the "FIFA 2010 World Cup" final in South Africa. Therefore it would be a unique opportunity to promote the solar eclipse by placing a picture of it in the corner of the TV screen while people are watching the soccer game. This of course is easier said than done, so with this email we are asking the community if anybody happens to know somebody working in the FIFA world.
If yes, can you please let us know so that we can investigate the solar eclipse promotion opportunity [jean.lilensten@obs.ujf-grenoble.fr, Jean-Pierre.Lebreton@esa.int].
We hope that you find the above solar education / outreach events of interest!
Best regards,
Norma Crosby, Jean Lilensten, Yurdanur Tulunay, Jean-Pierre Lebreton
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9. Some ESA Tender Actions from ESA-EMITS
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| AO6260 |
CO-VI - SPACE SURVEILLANCE PRECURSOR SERVICES (From 21/12/2009 to 05/03/2010, Act.Ref.: 09.118.06) |
| AO6346 |
RADIATION TOLERANT ANALOGUE / MIXED SIGNAL TECHNOLOGY SURVEY AND TEST VEHICLE DESIGN (From 18/12/2009 to 05/03/2010, Act.Ref.: 09.1QC.02) |
For a complete list of ESA Tender Actions, see: http://emits.esa.int
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Note: This newsletter is an initiative of the ESA Space Environments and Effects Analysis
Section ( http://space-env.esa.int) and is intended to
provide a forum for information
posting news of interest to the Space Weather community in Europe.
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