From gpoole at swin.edu.au Tue Apr 14 12:02:49 2020 From: gpoole at swin.edu.au (Gregory Poole) Date: Tue, 14 Apr 2020 02:02:49 +0000 Subject: [ASA] Reminder and Update: Call for Expressions of Interest - ADACS Merit Allocation Program, 2020B Semester In-Reply-To: <5fbf652a-9df0-4266-a722-3c12a8512436@Spark> References: <5fbf652a-9df0-4266-a722-3c12a8512436@Spark> Message-ID: This is a reminder that the deadline for Expressions of Interest for the 2020B semester of the ADACS Merit Allocation Program (see call below) is this Friday, 17th April. We have an important update as well: In addition to the regular allocation of ADACS resources towards software support projects, this round will also have some weeks available from Gravitational Wave Data Centre (GWDC) staff that will be dedicated to gravitational wave related projects. Thus there will be an increased pool of time available overall, presenting a significantly enhanced opportunity for proposal success this semester. Astronomy Data and Computing Services (ADACS) Merit Allocation Program Call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) - 2020B Semester EoI Deadline: Friday 17th April, 2020 @ 8pm AEDT Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the ADACS Merit Allocation Program. The Astronomy Data and Computing Services (ADACS) Merit Allocation Program is changing considerably this semester. There are now three types of support available (note that while we continue to have calls for 2 semesters per year - semester A starting in January & semester B starting in July - not all support is available every semester): 1) Training Support In A and B semesters, members of the Australian astronomy community are invited to apply for personalised / bespoke face-to-face or online ADACS training. Enquiries regarding the Training Support Program should be sent to Rebecca Lange (rebecca.lange at curtin.edu.au). 2) Long-Term Support In B semesters (such as this), members of the Australian astronomy community are invited to apply for Long Term Support (launched in the 2019B semester and previously called Embedded Support). Projects that can demonstrate the benefit of having an ADACS technical staff member join their team for between 0.5 - 1.0 FTE effort for a duration of 12 months are encouraged to apply. The aim of this program is to add long term value to existing investments and to assist in the optimisation of existing workflows, software and processes. Enquiries regarding the Long-Term Program should be sent to adacs at pawsey.org.au . 3) Software Support Otherwise, the process for applying for software support in A and B semesters is largely unchanged from before with one exception: training can now be incorporated into these projects as well. For new capabilities developed through an ADACS Software Support Project, examples of appropriate training include: * proper use of new tools/optimisations, etc. in HPC environments; * Training in the use of technologies leveraged in the development cycle of the project (e.g. to enable science teams to conduct ongoing support, add further features, etc.) Inquiries regarding the Software Support Program can be directed to Gregory Poole (gpoole at swin.edu.au) or Jarrod Hurley (jhurley at swin.edu.au). How does the program work? The allocation of all resources will be based on impact and scientific merit, with the final evaluation performed by the Astronomy Data and Computing Services Time Allocation Committee (see https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/0aBbC71R2NTym49Xc8IULt?domain=astronomyaustralia.org.au). To ensure effective and program-appropriate proposals, there will be a three stage application process: 1. In the first instance all researchers are asked to submit an expression of interest (EoI). We strongly encourage both successful and unsuccessful applicants from previous rounds to consider reapplying. 2. An ADACS staff member will then be in touch to organise a formative discussion with the ADACS technical team. This will be processed immediately upon receipt on a first-come-first-served basis and we welcome submissions any time from now until the deadline. 3. Following discussions with the ADACS technical staff, applicants will then be able to make a formal support application that will be assessed by the ADACS TAC. The final application deadline will be ~4 weeks from the EoI deadline (details of this process will be provided during the EoI process). When considering applications for this process, please consider that all ADACS development will be open-source and as such, made publicly available. In addition, all training will be kept inclusive, open and available to the broader community. Note that all applicants must participate in the EoI process in order for a final submission to be accepted. EoI submissions EoI submissions should be informative but not more than one page and should provide a concise description of the intended project and its goals. The EoI should provide sufficient information to form a basis of subsequent technical discussions with ADACS technical staff. Important areas to consider during the EoI process include: * feasibility of the project; * scope and limitations (i.e. what exactly will be part of this project?; what will not?); * expected outputs and outcomes; * approach to be used; * visual summary (process map) for Long-term and general Software Support projects; * constraints and dependencies (including resources needed to support the project); * implementation and ongoing requirements (post ADACS support period). The format of EoI submissions should be as follows: * Please submit as a pdf document * Please state which of the three support programs you are expressing interest in: ?Training Support?, ?Long-Term Support? or ?Software Support? * Please include the following sections: * Project Background * A one-paragraph description of the scientific background to the project * Project Goals * Give a description - as you understand it - of the work that you are seeking ADACS to perform * Resource Requirements * Will your project have external dependencies? * Will you require computing or storage access? If so, how will you secure it? * Text must be black type using a highly legible 12pt font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and single column on white A4 size paper with at least 0.5 cm margins on all sides. The deadline for EoI submissions is the 17th April, 2020 @ 8pm AEDT. EoI applications should be submitted via email to TAC at adacs.org.au. Enquiries regarding the ADACS Merit Allocation Program overall - including the EoI process - should be directed to Gregory Poole (gpoole at swin.edu.au) or Jarrod Hurley (jhurley at swin.edu.au). About ADACS ADACS is a collaboration between Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, and Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. It is funded under the Astronomy National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Program via Astronomy Australia Ltd (AAL). ADACS provides astronomy-focused training, support and expertise to allow the Australian astronomy community to maximise the scientific return from its investments in data and computing infrastructure. ADACS provides support to tools/platforms covering the full range of scales by providing scientific computing and software development as a service. A diversely qualified team will participate in the program with expertise covering a variety of areas including (but not limited to): system analysis and design, scientific computing, high-performance computing, data science, web development, large-scale scientific databases, cloud computing and scientific visualisation. Please visit https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/sfbXC81V0PTQjDx5u1su1Z?domain=adacs.org.au to learn more about ADACS and the ADACS Merit Allocation Program. Gregory B. Poole Astronomy Data Science Coordinator Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology [photograph] I respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri People and their Elders past and present who are the traditional custodians of the land on which Swinburne?s Australian campuses are located. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 6B554A9A60064B7DB8D49502DEC73767.png Type: image/png Size: 7842 bytes Desc: 6B554A9A60064B7DB8D49502DEC73767.png URL: From jesse.vandesande at sydney.edu.au Wed Apr 15 11:36:47 2020 From: jesse.vandesande at sydney.edu.au (Jesse Van de Sande) Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 01:36:47 +0000 Subject: [ASA] Conference Announcement: "Linking the Galactic and Extragalactic" Message-ID: <403537C4-F23C-415F-B718-4FAB1A35E9F7@sydney.edu.au> Dear Colleagues, It is our pleasure to announce that abstract submission is now open for the conference "Linking the Galactic and Extragalactic: stellar dynamics and stellar populations of the Milky Way and its siblings? to be held in Wollongong (NSW, Australia), November 30 - December 4, 2020. The deadline for contributed talk and poster abstracts is the 1st of June, 2020. Further details can be found at the conference website: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/aVk3CQnMBZf9lWOMTxMaR1?domain=extragalactic-milkyways.org Rationale: Our Milky Way is by far the best? studied galaxy in the Universe, and it has long been regarded as a benchmark for understanding disk galaxies. We have made major leaps in our understanding of the Galaxy in the last few years, enabled by Gaia, APOGEE, GALAH, and LAMOST. However, the Milky Way is only one galaxy, and trying to understand the complex processes of galaxy formation and evolution from a single object is extremely challenging. In this conference we aim to link Galactic and Extragalactic research, both of which bring unique perspectives to understanding how disk galaxies formed. The recent wealth of detailed Milky Way measurements from GALAH, APOGEE, LAMOST, and Gaia, combined with results from spatially resolved spectroscopic surveys such as SAMI, MaNGA, CALIFA, and with VLT?-MUSE, make this the ideal time to link Galactic and extragalactic research. Crucial in this discussion are the recent results from large cosmological and Milky Way zoom in simulations that show that the Galaxy might not be the ideal template for understanding disk formation as previously thought. The four key topics for the meeting will be the stellar dynamics and populations of the Milky Way and the stellar dynamics and populations of extragalactic galaxies, and an extra topic dedicated to comparing the different disciplines. COVID-19: The Organising Committee are continuing to monitor COVID-19 and how it may impact on the Conference. At this stage, we are working under the assumption that the travel situation will have mostly returned to normal by the end of November 2020. If travel restrictions remain until the end of this year, we have a set of contingency plans, such as holding a virtual conference, or postponing the meeting to a later date. Should such plans become necessary abstracts submitted now will receive full consideration for the new conference format. Registration payment will open at a later date to provide maximum flexibility for participants with respect to the broader international situation. We will provide childcare support to maximise participation of those with carer responsibilities and seek to accommodate those with other specific needs to enable their full participation in the meeting. We would appreciate if you can circulate this widely among your colleagues. Best regards, Nic Scott and Jesse van de Sande (on behalf of the SOC) --------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Jesse van de Sande | ARC DECRA Fellow The University of Sydney Faculty of Science, School of Physics, Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA) Rm 328 | +61 2 2862 74223 | School of Physics A28 The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006 | AUSTRALIA jesse.vandesande at sydney.edu.au | http://physics.usyd.edu.au/~sande CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. Please think of our environment and only print this email if necessary. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: extragalactic_milkyways_conference_poster.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 943970 bytes Desc: extragalactic_milkyways_conference_poster.pdf URL: From kirsten.gottschalk at uwa.edu.au Wed Apr 15 12:37:12 2020 From: kirsten.gottschalk at uwa.edu.au (Kirsten Gottschalk) Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2020 02:37:12 +0000 Subject: [ASA] IAU 'Telescopes for All' initiative - free telescopes for underserved communities. Message-ID: <70C1F64E-8494-4B4E-B61E-6645038B389C@uwa.edu.au> Hi Everyone, I?m acting as the IAU National Outreach Contact (NOC) for Australia at the moment. The IAU have a program aimed at providing telescopes to underserved communities around the world. If you know of a group that would benefit from a free telescope, please feel free to put them in touch as I would be happy to support applications from Australia for the program. More details available at https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/2HisCROND2uQRPRXT9Z_Ft?domain=iau.org The deadline for applications has been extended to June 1st, 2020. I can be contacted at kirsten.gottschalk at icrar.org with any questions or applications. All the best, Kirsten Kirsten Gottschalk Astronomy Ambassador Acting Communications, Education and Outreach Manager Ph: +61 8 6488 7771 Mobile: +61 438 361 876 [https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/2SHSCVARKgCX5j58uzjMD7?domain=s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com] www.icrar.org | Subscribe to our eNewsletter | ICRAR on Twitter | ICRAR on Facebook I work part time and am in office and available from 8-4 Monday-Thursday. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From simon.otoole at mq.edu.au Fri Apr 17 09:35:33 2020 From: simon.otoole at mq.edu.au (Simon O'Toole) Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2020 23:35:33 +0000 Subject: [ASA] Job at Macquarie: Casual Astronomical Specialist Research Software Engineer Message-ID: <8F5EB3C8-B427-4BC0-A27C-B4A5141A6522@mq.edu.au> ? Hi everyone, Data Central is hiring! We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Python, different types of databases and astronomical data. This is a casual role for around 5 days per week and up to 6 months. Deadline is 17:00 AEST Wednesday 22 April, 2020. Reporting to the Senior Systems Research Engineer (Simon O'Toole), you will provide IT and software engineering support for instrument and technology projects. You will work in the small AAO-MQ Data Central team as a software engineer. Data Central is an astronomical eResearch platform and data archive that facilitates cutting-edge science. It provides web-based tools and archive functionality for scientists to explore, collaborate and make new discoveries. See here for more information: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/CG38Clx1NjiknBZLTGr9pN?domain=jobs.mq.edu.au Thanks, Simon Job opportunities - Working at Macquarie Employment opportunities at Macquarie University. Faculty of Arts. Press the 'Space' key to toggle the Faculty of Arts navigation Faculty of Arts. Press the 'Space' or 'Enter' key to toggle the Faculty of Arts navigation jobs.mq.edu.au [Data Central] Simon O'Toole ? Deputy Head of Research Data & Software ? Head of Data & IT datacentral.org.au ? Australian Astronomical Optics, Macquarie University ? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From daniel.zucker at mq.edu.au Fri Apr 17 12:12:39 2020 From: daniel.zucker at mq.edu.au (Daniel Zucker) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:12:39 +1000 Subject: [ASA] ASA Centralised Listing of Astronomy Presentations and Seminars Message-ID: <3ADB1352-9100-4695-961C-354FA3AEFB90@mq.edu.au> Dear All, In the current challenging environment many - if not most - seminars, colloquia, talks and workshops are being streamed online via Zoom and other platforms. While this is a major disruption to the traditional ways of presenting science, it also provides an opportunity to reach audiences from other institutions and other parts of the country who might otherwise not have been able to participate in these activities. In order to facilitate this broader exchange of knowledge and ideas, the ASA is launching a centralised listing of Australian astronomy presentations and seminars: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/pAAdCJyBrGfyXVrjSV7yrH?domain=asa.astronomy.org.au Our aim is to include both talks aimed at professional astronomers and those intended for a broader audience. If your institution is hosting a live or recorded presentation that would be of interest to astronomers or to the general public, please enter the relevant information on the Google Form linked to on the above page. Best regards, ? Daniel Zucker Daniel Zucker Associate Professor Macquarie University daniel.zucker at mq.edu.au +61 (02) 9850 4442 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From caroline.foster at sydney.edu.au Fri Apr 17 15:21:28 2020 From: caroline.foster at sydney.edu.au (Caroline Foster) Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2020 05:21:28 +0000 Subject: [ASA] Impact of COVID19 shutdown on ESO P105 successful proposals and upcoming Users Committee Meeting (29-30 April) References: Message-ID: Good afternoon everyone, Please forward this email to all interested parties. I email you all as the Australian ESO Users Committee representative. I forward below an email from ESO regarding the treatment of successful P105 proposals. ESO has decided that observations lost during P105 would not be compensated even for A-ranked programs. Successful P105 PIs are asked to resubmit their proposal with the mention that they were successful in P105 (see details in the email below). This does not apply to large programs, which will be carried over. Given that the UC poll has already closed, I am keen to hear your thoughts on this decision, or indeed any aspect of your ESO user experience by private email. The ESO Users Committee meeting is coming up on 29-30 April, so please do send me any concerns so I may best represent your views at this year?s meeting. Clear skies! Best, Caroline -- Dr Caroline Foster ASTRO3D Fellow & ESO Users Committee Representative Pronouns: she/her/hers The University of Sydney Faculty of Science, Sydney Institute for Astrophysics 360B, A28 | The University of Sydney | NSW | +61 286 276 411 | +61 430 453 532 caroline.foster at sydney.edu.au | www.carofoster.com Usual office days: Monday and Friday (@USyd), Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (until 2:30pm) INSPIRED ? the Campaign to support the University of Sydney sydney.edu.au/inspired CRICOS 00026A This email plus any attachments to it are confidential. Any unauthorised use is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and any attachments. Please think of our environment and only print this email if necessary. Begin forwarded message: From: ESO Electronic Newsletter > Subject: Advice Regarding the Resubmission of Period 105 Proposals Date: 16 April 2020 at 7:23:32 pm AEST To: "esoenews at eso.org" > Message to ESO users with time allocated in Period 105 Science operations ceased at all ESO observatories in the week following 22 March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the shutdown is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. As a result, approved Period 105 programmes are being significantly affected. At this point in time, no robust predictions can be made regarding exactly when operations will resume, but ESO is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to issue updates when appropriate. Although in accordance with current policies some Period 105 A-ranked Service Mode runs may be carried over into Periods 106-107, observing time lost in Period 105 will not be compensated. If the constraints of your Period 105 programme (e.g. target coordinates and/or time constraints) allow, you may wish to resubmit your accepted Period 105 proposal(s) before the Period 106 deadline of 23 April 2020 Please note that all proposals will be considered on an equal basis. However, in order to help ESO to identify and track resubmissions internally, please enter ?Resubmission of accepted P105 proposal.? in the Special Remarks field in the p1 proposal submission system. Please e-mail opo at eso.org if you have any further questions about resubmitting your accepted Period 105 programme. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ESO ? European Southern Observatory Karl-Schwarzschild-Stra?e 2, 85748 Garching bei M?nchen, Germany +49 89 320060 https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/gSV9CmO5glu6ZBDySQdwyu?domain=eso.org --------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: