February Events in Astronomical Science Policy
Ashlee Wilkins
Welcome to the February 2019 monthly event roundup of the AAS Policy Blog, in which we share a list of events that fall under the umbrella of astronomical science — i.e., astrophysics, planetary science, and/or heliophysics — policy. Events might be congressional hearings, advisory committee meetings, Capitol Hill briefings, policy fora, think tank symposia, networking opportunities, and/or public lectures. Most events occur here in Washington, DC, are open to the public, and/or will be live streamed. Some may require advanced registration for in-person attendance (either for security or capacity reasons), and we try to note that in the listing. If an event is on this calendar, someone from the AAS Public Policy team will likely be in attendance, so come say hello!
Other relevant policy event calendars:
- Space Policy Online Event Calendar, for all things space, including civil, commercial, and defense
- American Institute of Physics FYI This Week, for recaps and events happening in physical sciences policy
Sometimes events are announced on timescales shorter than one month; we will update this post whenever we have something new to add. Please email us if you have a correction or an event that you think should be included in this roundup.
Beyond the events highlighted below, there are some other notable deadlines/important happenings coming up this month:
- Next Shutdown Threat: The longest federal government shutdown ended via another stopgap spending bill ("continuing resolution," or CR) that enabled agencies like NASA and NSF to re-open and begin work on the backlog of activities, but the bill keeps the doors open only through 15 February. A full-year spending bill or another CR must be passed and signed into law by then, or the agencies will shut down again.
- Astro2020 Deadlines: Due to the federal shutdown, the Astro2020 committee/panel nomination deadline has been extended to 5 February, and the science white paper deadline has been extended to 11 March. These are expected to be final deadlines, even if the federal government shuts down again.
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting: The 2019 AAAS meeting will take place in Washington, DC, 14−17 February.
- Application Deadline for AAAS CASE Workshop: Students (upper-level undergraduates and graduate students) interested — but not necessarily experienced in — science policy should apply for AAS sponsorship to attend the AAAS CASE workshop by 8 February through this form.
February 2019 Events
All times Eastern (ET) unless otherwise noted.
Note that many of these events may be impacted, or even canceled, if the federal government shuts down again after 15 February.
Aerospace 101
House Aerospace Caucus
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
6 February (Wednesday)
11:30 am − 1:00 pm
2325 Rayburn House Office Building
What's Next for Open Data in the United States?
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
7 February (Thursday)
1:00 pm − 2:30 pm
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
1101 K Street NW, Suite 610A
NASA Science Mission Directorate Virtual Community Town Hall
7 February (Thursday)
2:00 pm − 3:00 pm
Associate Administrator Thomas Zurbuchen has announced a virtual SMD community town hall for updates on activities related to the shutdown and return to normal operations. Details on how to view and submit questions to come.
NASA Astrophysics Virtual Town Hall (Rescheduled from AAS 233)
12 February (Tuesday)
12:00 pm − 1:00 pm
NSF Astronomical Sciences Virtual Town Hall (Rescheduled from AAS 233)
15 February (Friday)
12:00 pm − 1:00 pm
National Science Board
National Science Foundation
12−13 February (Tuesday−Wednesday)
NSF HQ
Alexandria, VA
Science Policy Shindig
Engineers and Scientists Engaging in Policy (ESEP)
16 February (Saturday)
8:30 pm − 11:00 pm
The Black Squirrel
2427 18th Street NW
Details and information on other ESEP events and happy hours in other cities
Lava Worlds to Living Worlds: How a NASA Mission Sparked the Search for Life Beyond the Solar System
John N. Bahcall Lecture, Delivered by Natalie Batalha
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
20 February (Wednesday)
8:00 pm
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (AAAC)
NSF, NASA, and DOE SC
25−26 February (Monday−Tuesday)
NSF HQ
Rescheduled from January dates due to the federal government shutdown.
Details, agenda, and webcast
Review of Progress Toward Implementing the Decadal Survey, Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
Committee Meeting 1
Space Studies Board
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
25−27 February (Monday−Wednesday)
Keck Center
Rescheduled from January dates due to the federal government shutdown.
Details, agenda, and webcast