The HST-TESS Advisory Committee invites input from the astronomical community on the use of HST for follow-up observations of TESS exoplanet discoveries, including HST preparatory and supporting observations for JWST follow-up of TESS-discovered planets. The committee is soliciting input via multiple channels to ensure that all interested members of the community are heard.
In this document the HST-TESS Advisory Committee invites input from the astronomical community via White Paper submissions. White Papers are solicited from all members of the astronomical community. Authors of White Papers are asked to provide input on how HST can capitalize on discoveries made by TESS and all related aspects.
The community is encouraged to submit well-argued White Papers focusing on a single particularly important topic or theme (a small number of very closely related topics). Input on all opportunities, concerns, and challenges relevant to the committee's charter are welcome.
Example topics for white papers
1) Description of a category of HST follow-up observations of TESS-identified targets that cannot be currently efficiently proposed or scheduled, followed by a recommended programmatic change in HST proposal review or scheduling procedures.
2) Need for supplementary data or models to vet TESS planet candidates for HST follow-up beyond the currently established process.
3) Description of a lacking critical resource required to maximize the science yield of HST follow-up studies of TESS exoplanet candidates.
Other possible topics of interest for White Papers include: relative scientific priority of different exoplanet types, relative importance of follow-up studies as a function of planet type and type of observation, the amount of telescope time and level of resources required for follow-up programs, the optimal procedure for target vetting for HST observations, the suitability of the present time allocation process, and the use and applicability of target-of-opportunity and time-critical proposals.
White paper authorship
The HST-TESS Advisory Committee's primary focus is identifying important opportunities, needs, and concerns. Therefore, the Committee will initially review the submitted White Papers without their cover page (i.e., without knowledge of the authors). The committee will consider the authors and team expertise only in its second review of the White Papers. The goal of this two-step process is to identify important submissions regardless of the size and identity of the submitting teams, while also gauging the community's view on important topics.
White paper format
White papers must be 3 pages or shorter (excluding cover page and references), will use 1 inch margins and standard 12 pt fonts. The community is strongly encouraged to use the white paper templates downloadable from the committee's website. The community is encouraged to summarize ideas clearly and concisely. The cover page should include the title, list of authors (with affiliations), and complete contact information for the lead author(s).
Deadline for white papers
The window for responses to the Call for White Papers is July 3, 2019.
White paper submission process
White papers must be submitted in PDF format by emailing the files to hsttess@stsci.edu .
