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Present and upcoming NASA missions will be intensively observing a selected, partially overlapping set of stars for exoplanet studies. Key physical and chemical information about these stars and their systems is needed for planning observations and interpreting the results. A target star archive of such data would benefit a wide cross-section of the exoplanet community by enhancing the chances of mission success and improving the efficiency of mission observatories. It would also provide a common, accessible resource for scientific analysis based on standardized assumptions, while revealing gaps or deficiencies in existing knowledge of stellar properties necessary for exoplanetary system characterization., Comment: main report: 25 pages including 5 tables and 3 figures; supplemental Appendices A-H also included (total 63 pages) with compiled materials and individual task force reports

Ice giants are the only unexplored class of planet in our Solar System. Much that we currently know about these systems challenges our understanding of how planets, rings, satellites, and magnetospheres form and evolve. We assert that an ice giant Flagship mission with an atmospheric probe should be a priority for the decade 2023-2032.

Parker Solar Probe (PSP) aims at exploring the nascent solar wind close to the Sun. Meanwhile, PSP is also expected to encounter small objects like comets and asteroids. In this work, we survey the ephemerides to find a chance of recent encounter, and then model the interaction between released dusty plasmas and solar wind plasmas. On 2019 September 2, a comet-like object 322P/SOHO just passed its perihelion flying to a heliocentric distance of 0.12 au, and swept by PSP at a relative distance as close as 0.025 au. We present the dynamics of dust particles released from 322P, forming a curved dust tail. Along the PSP path in the simulated inner heliosphere, the states of plasma and magnetic field are sampled and illustrated, with the magnetic field sequences from simulation results being compared directly with the in-situ measurements from PSP. Through comparison, we suggest that 322P might be at a deficient activity level releasing limited dusty plasmas during its way to becoming a "rock comet". We also present images of solar wind streamers as recorded by WISPR, showing an indication of dust bombardment for the images superposed with messy trails. We observe from LASCO coronagraph that 322P was transiting from a dimming region to a relatively bright streamer during its perihelion passage, and simulate to confirm that 322P was flying from relatively faster to slower solar wind streams, modifying local plasma states of the streams.

We propose that the plasma physics community and funding agencies invest in an open source software ecosystem for plasma research and education., This community paper was submitted to the Plasma 2020 decadal review of plasma physics., {"references":["D. Muna et al. (2016), \"The Astropy Problem,\" arXiv:1610.03159","Astropy Collaboration et al. (2018), \"The Astropy Project: Building an Open-science Project and Status of the v2.0 Core Package,\" Astronomical Journal 156, 123, doi:10.3847/1538-3881/aabc4f","SunPy Community et al. (2015), \"SunPy – Python for solar physics,\" Computational Science and Discovery 8, 1, doi:10.1088/1749-4699/8/1/014009","A. Burrell et al. (2018), \"Snakes on a Spaceship – An Overview of Python in Heliophysics,\" Journal of Geophysical Research 123, 10384, doi:10.1029/2018JA025877","PlasmaPy Community et al. (2018), \"PlasmaPy: an open source community-developed Python package for plasma physics,\" Zenodo, doi:10.5281/zenodo.1238132","National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, \"Open Source Software Policy Options for NASA Earth and Space Sciences\" (National Academies Press, 2018).","S. Hettrick (2016), \"Research Software Sustainability: Report on a Knowledge Exchange Workshop.\"","Mark D. Wilkinson et al. (2016), \"The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship,\" Scientific Data 3, sdata201618, doi:10.1038/sdata.2016.18","Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, \"Software as an infrastructure,\" (2012).","G. Wilson et al. (2014), \"Best Practices for Scientific Computing,\" PLOS Biology 12, 1, doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.1001745","A. Scopatz and K. D. Huff, \"Effective Computation in Physics: Field Guide to Research with Python\" (O'Reilly Media, 2015).","B. K. Spears et al. (2018), \"Deep learning: A guide for practitioners in the physical sciences,\" Physics of Plasmas 25, 080901, doi:10.1063/1.5020791","D. R. Smith et al., \"Highlights from the community white paper 'Enhancing US fusion science with data- centric technologies',\" in APS DPP Meeting Abstracts (2018)."]}

The processes that transform gas and dust in circumstellar disks into diverse exoplanets remain poorly understood. One key pathway is to study exoplanets as they form in their young ($\sim$few~Myr) natal disks. Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) such as GMT, TMT, or ELT, can be used to establish the initial chemical conditions, locations, and timescales of planet formation, via (1)~measuring the physical and chemical conditions in protoplanetary disks using infrared spectroscopy and (2)~studying planet-disk interactions using imaging and spectro-astrometry. Our current knowledge is based on a limited sample of targets, representing the brightest, most extreme cases, and thus almost certainly represents an incomplete understanding. ELTs will play a transformational role in this arena, thanks to the high spatial and spectral resolution data they will deliver. We recommend a key science program to conduct a volume-limited survey of high-resolution spectroscopy and high-contrast imaging of the nearest protoplanetary disks that would result in an unbiased, holistic picture of planet formation as it occurs., Comment: Science white paper submitted to the Astro2020 Decadal Survey

The field of astronomy has arrived at a turning point in terms of size and complexity of both datasets and scientific collaboration. Commensurately, algorithms and statistical models have begun to adapt --- e.g., via the onset of artificial intelligence --- which itself presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. This white paper aims to offer guidance and ideas for how we can evolve our technical and collaborative frameworks to promote efficient algorithmic development and take advantage of opportunities for scientific discovery in the petabyte era. We discuss challenges for discovery in large and complex data sets; challenges and requirements for the next stage of development of statistical methodologies and algorithmic tool sets; how we might change our paradigms of collaboration and education; and the ethical implications of scientists' contributions to widely applicable algorithms and computational modeling. We start with six distinct recommendations that are supported by the commentary following them. This white paper is related to a larger corpus of effort that has taken place within and around the Petabytes to Science Workshops (https://petabytestoscience.github.io/)., Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1905.05116

Provided that sufficient resources are deployed, we can look forward to an extraordinary future in which we will characterize potentially habitable planets. Until now, we have had to base interpretations of observations on habitability hypotheses that have remained untested. To test these theories observationally, we propose a statistical comparative planetology approach to questions of planetary habitability. The key objective of this approach will be to make quick and cheap measurements of critical planetary characteristics on a large sample of exoplanets, exploiting statistical marginalization to answer broad habitability questions. This relaxes the requirement of obtaining multiple types of data for a given planet, as it allows us to test a given hypothesis from only one type of measurement using the power of an ensemble. This approach contrasts with a "systems science" approach, where a few planets would be extensively studied with many types of measurements. A systems science approach is associated with a number of difficulties which may limit overall scientific return, including: the limited spectral coverage and noise of instruments, the diversity of exoplanets, and the extensive list of potential false negatives and false positives. A statistical approach could also be complementary to a systems science framework by providing context to interpret extensive measurements on planets of particular interest. We strongly recommend future missions with a focus on exoplanet characterization, and with the capability to study large numbers of planets in a homogenous way, rather than exclusively small, intense studies directed at a small sample of planets., Comment: White paper submitted in response to the solicitation of feedback for the "2020 Decadal Survey" by the National Academy of Sciences

Several of NASA missions (TESS, JWST, WFIRST, etc.) and mission concepts (LUVOIR, HabEx, and OST) emphasize the exploration and characterization of exoplanets, and the study of the interstellar medium. We anticipate that a much broader set of chemical environments exists on exoplanets, necessitating data from a correspondingly broader set of chemical reactions. Similarly, the conditions that exist in astrophysical environments are very different from those traditionally probed in laboratory chemical kinetics studies. These are areas where quantum mechanical theory, applied to important reactions via well-validated chemical kinetics models, can fill a critical knowledge gap. Quantum chemical calculations are also introduced to study interior of planets, photochemical escape, and many critical chemical pathways (e.g. prebiotic environments, contaminations, etc.) After years of development of the relevant quantum chemical theories and significant advances in computational power, quantum chemical simulations have currently matured enough to describe real systems with an accuracy that competes with experiments. These approaches, therefore, have become the best possible alternative in many circumstances where performing experiments is too difficult, too expensive, or too dangerous, or simply not possible. In this white paper, several existing quantum chemical studies supporting exoplanetary science, planetary astronomy, and astrophysics are described, and the potential positive impacts of improved models associated with scientific goals of missions are addressed. In the end, a few recommendations from the scientific community to strengthen related research efforts at NASA are provided.

It is now recognized that energetic stellar photon and particle radiation evaporates and erodes planetary atmospheres and controls upper atmospheric chemistry. Key exoplanet host stars will be too faint at X-ray wavelengths for accurate characterization using existing generation and future slated X-ray telescopes. Observation of stellar coronal mass ejections and winds are also beyond current instrumentation. In line with theCommittee on an Exoplanet Science Strategy recognition that holistic observational approaches are needed, we point out here that a full understanding of exoplanet atmospheres, their evolution and determination of habitability requires a powerful high-resolution X-ray imaging and spectroscopic observatory. This is the only capability that can: (1) characterize by proxy the crucial, difficult to observe, EUV stellar flux, its history and its variations for planet hosting stars; (2) observe the stellar wind; (3) detect the subtle Doppler signatures of coronal mass ejections., Comment: Astro2020 Decadal Survey Science White Paper

We are now on a clear trajectory for improvements in exoplanet observations that will revolutionize our ability to characterize their atmospheric structure, composition, and circulation, from gas giants to rocky planets. However, exoplanet atmospheric models capable of interpreting the upcoming observations are often limited by insufficiencies in the laboratory and theoretical data that serve as critical inputs to atmospheric physical and chemical tools. Here we provide an up-to-date and condensed description of areas where laboratory and/or ab initio investigations could fill critical gaps in our ability to model exoplanet atmospheric opacities, clouds, and chemistry, building off a larger 2016 white paper, and endorsed by the NAS Exoplanet Science Strategy report. Now is the ideal time for progress in these areas, but this progress requires better access to, understanding of, and training in the production of spectroscopic data as well as a better insight into chemical reaction kinetics both thermal and radiation-induced at a broad range of temperatures. Given that most published efforts have emphasized relatively Earth-like conditions, we can expect significant and enlightening discoveries as emphasis moves to the exotic atmospheres of exoplanets., Comment: Submitted as an Astro2020 Science White Paper

The geophysics of extrasolar planets is a scientific topic often regarded as standing largely beyond the reach of near-term observations. This reality in no way diminishes the central role of geophysical phenomena in shaping planetary outcomes, from formation, to thermal and chemical evolution, to numerous issues of surface and near-surface habitability. We emphasize that for a balanced understanding of extrasolar planets, it is important to look beyond the natural biases of current observing tools, and actively seek unique pathways to understand exoplanet interiors as best as possible during the long interim prior to a time when internal components are more directly accessible. Such pathways include but are not limited to: (a) enhanced theoretical and numerical modeling, (b) laboratory research on critical material properties, (c) measurement of geophysical properties by indirect inference from imprints left on atmospheric and orbital properties, and (d) the purpose-driven use of Solar System object exploration expressly for its value in comparative planetology toward exoplanet-analogs. Breaking down barriers that envision local Solar System exploration, including the study of Earth's own deep interior, as separate from and in financial competition with extrasolar planet research, may greatly improve the rate of needed scientific progress for exoplanet geophysics. As the number of known rocky and icy exoplanets grows in the years ahead, we expect demand for expertise in 'exogeoscience' will expand at a commensurately intense pace. We highlight key topics, including: how water oceans below ice shells may dominate the total habitability of our galaxy by volume, how free-floating nomad planets may often attain habitable subsurface oceans supported by radionuclide decay, and how deep interiors may critically interact with atmospheric mass loss via dynamo-driven magnetic fields., Comment: A white paper submitted in response to the National Academy of Sciences 2018 Exoplanet Science Strategy solicitation, from the NASA Nexus for Exoplanetary System Science (NExSS). 6 pages, 0 figures

This whitepaper discusses the diversity of exoplanets that could be detected by future observations, so that comparative exoplanetology can be performed in the upcoming era of large space-based flagship missions. The primary focus will be on characterizing Earth-like worlds around Sun-like stars. However, we will also be able to characterize companion planets in the system simultaneously. This will not only provide a contextual picture with regards to our Solar system, but also presents a unique opportunity to observe size dependent planetary atmospheres at different orbital distances. We propose a preliminary scheme based on chemical behavior of gases and condensates in a planet's atmosphere that classifies them with respect to planetary radius and incident stellar flux., Comment: A white paper submitted to the National Academy of Sciences Exoplanet Science Strategy

The Origins Space Telescope (OST) is one of four mission concepts currently being studied by NASA in preparation for the Astrophysics 2020 Decadal Survey. With active cooling (~4 K), OST will be sensitive in mid- to far-IR wavelengths, using imaging and spectroscopy to probe the furthest reaches of our galaxies, trace the path of water through star and planet formation, and place thermochemical constraints on the atmospheres of exoplanets ranging in size from Jupiter to Earth. This contribution to the Exoplanet Science Strategy committee discusses the significant advancements that the OST Mid-Infrared Imager, Spectrometer, and Coronagraph (MISC) instrument can make in studying cool planetary atmospheres. We particularly focus on the atmospheres of transiting rocky planets in the habitable zones of mid-to-late M stars. We discuss how OST thermal infrared observations can significantly enhance our understanding of the temperature structure and molecular abundances of biologically interesting gases on these worlds, including O3, CH4, H2O, and CO2., Comment: White paper submitted to The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Exoplanet Science Strategy Committee

Pseudoheating of ions in the presence of Alfv��n waves is studied. We show that this process can be explained by $E\times B$ drift. The analytic solution obtained in this paper are quantitatively in accordance with previous results. Our simulation results show that the Maxwellian distribution is broadened during the pseudoheating; however, the shape of the broadening distribution function depends on the number of wave modes (i.e., a wave spectrum or a monochromatic dispersionless wave) and the initial thermal speed of ions ($v_{p}$). It is of particular interests to find that the Maxwellian shape is more likely to maintain during the pseudoheating under a wave spectrum compared with a monochromatic wave. It significantly improves our understanding of heating processes in interplanetary space where Alfv��nic turbulences exist pervasively. Compared with a monochromatic Alfv��n wave, $E\times B$ drift produces more energetic particles in a broad spectrum of Alfv��n waves, especially when the Alfv��nic turbulence with phase coherent wave modes is given. Such particles may escape from the region of interaction with the Alfv��n waves and can contribute to fast particle population in astrophysical and space plasmas., Physics of Plasmas, in press; Physics of Plasmas, 2013

In the solar atmosphere, the chromospheric and coronal plasmas are much hotter than the visible photosphere. The heating of the solar atmosphere, including the partially ionized chromosphere and corona, remains largely unknown. In this paper we demonstrate that the ions can be substantially heated by Alfv��n waves with very low frequencies in partially ionized low beta plasmas. This differs from other Alfv��n wave related heating mechanisms such as ion-neutral collisional damping of Alfv��n waves and heating described by previous work on resonant Alfv��n wave heating. In this paper, we find that the non-resonant Alfv��n wave heating is less efficient in partially ionized plasmas than when there are no ion-neutral collisions, and the heating efficiency depends on the ratio of the ion-neutral collision frequency to the ion gyrofrequency., Published as Letters