Context
Solar System observations have played a major role in HST’s science program since its launch in 1990. Over the years, the proposal pressure for solar system observations has diminished in proportion to pressure from other disciplines. After consultation with the Space Telescope Users Committee, the Space Telescope Science Institute’s Director, Matt Mountain, has decided to constitute an advisory committee to explore the underlying reasons for the apparent decline in usage and to provide advice on future strategies for planetary science programs with HST. Committee members will be drawn from the planetary science community.
Charge
The Solar System Advisory Committee is charged with the following primary tasks:
- Review the evolution of HST usage by the planetary community and match against factors such as changes in the time allocation process and in instrument capabilities;
- Solicit input from the community on the role that HST can play in planetary science and on methods for increasing participation by the solar system community;
- Investigate potential mechanisms to coordinate HST observational programs with priorities among the planetary science community.
The committee will summarise their conclusions in a report to the Director.
Constituted
December 2013
Membership
Chair: Phil Nicholson (Cornell)
Members: Michelle Bannister (DAO), Mac Buie (SWRI), Bonnie Buratti (JPL), Jean-Luc Margot (UCLA), Stefanie Milam (GSFC), Glenn Orton (JPL)
Materials
Statistics for HST solar system proposals
Final report
Outcomes
OPAL, outer planet atmosphere legacy program, initiated with DD time
TAC re-structured to consider exo-planet and solar system proposals in separate panels from Cycle 24
