NASA’s Planetary Science Division and Astrophysics Division are partnering to extend Spitzer Space Telescope Operations.  After the successful completion of the five and a half year cryogenic mission, the Spitzer Space Telescope began its warm mission operation July 28, 2009. The observatory and the 3.6 and 4.5-micron channels on the IRAC instrument continue to operate superbly. The observing efficiency remains high (>80%). All available time on the observatory is devoted to General Observer (GO) science. The Cycle-11 Call for Proposal was issued July 31, 2014. In this cycle proposers are especially encouraged to consider compelling planetary science campaigns (long-term/multiple observations) that focus on the changing nature of solar system objects over time. Objects that are possible future mission targets as outlined in the most recent Planetary Decadal Survey are also encouraged.

Key Dates for the Spitzer Cycle-11 Call:
Large & Exploration Science Letters of Intent were due: August 28, 2014
Proposal Deadline: PDT 4:00pm, Wednesday, October 29, 2014

For information on “how to use Astro telescopes”, a side meeting at DPS is being led by Heidi Hammel and Kelly Fast. For information about agenda and location, please consult the DPS meeting website.