Dear colleagues,

Have you got ideas about how to make high energy astrophysics analysis software better? Now’s your chance.

In June 2024, following the 2024 external review of the Astrophysics Archives, NASA directed HEASARC to develop a plan to support the science community with software analysis tools for Chandra and Fermi data that HEASARC will maintain after the missions close out. This may include developing a new structure for analysis software to perform common tasks for X-ray missions and (potentially in a separate structure) for gamma-ray and particle astrophysics missions.

HEASARC is directed to work with the Chandra and Fermi missions, and with the PhysCOS Chief Scientists and the PhysCOS program office, to understand the needs of current and future X-ray, gamma-ray, and particle astrophysics missions, and to present a preliminary version of the plan to the Astrophysics Division.

To implement this directive, HEASARC has established a Steering Committee tasked to form a volunteer community-led Working Group.

The Executive Committee is requesting nominations for community members to join the High Energy Astrophysics Software Futures (HEASwF) Working Group. The Working Group charter and mandate can be found here. Please submit your nomination and interest using this Google form by December 31st, 2024.

Thank you for your interest,

The Steering Committee (in alphabetical order):
Francesca Civano (PhysCOS – NASA GSFC),
Janet Evans (CXC – SAO),
Don Horner (Fermi – NASA GSFC),
Andy Ptak (HEASARC – NASA GSFC),
Alex Rustle (Cosmic ray / Fermi – NASA GSFC)
Colleen Wilson-Hodge (Gamma-ray / Fermi – NASA MSFC)