Where: Arizona State University & Virtual Locations
Date: February 17th – 19th, 2016
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM MST
Agenda:http://nai.nasa.gov/calendar/www-upstairs-downstairs/#agenda

The chemistry and physics of planetary interiors shapes conditions at their surfaces in ways that profoundly affect habitability and our ability to detect life. The nature and extent of these interactions are not well understood even on Earth. For example, we debate the ways in which internal processes affected the emergence of an O2-rich surface environment on Earth, paving the way for complex life. As a result, we lack a guiding theory from which we can infer the likelihood that O2 will accumulate in the atmospheres of exoplanets with slightly different mass or composition from Earth. The implications for exoplanet habitability and life detection strategies have barely been considered.

The meeting will be organized around three playful, provocative “debates” centered on assertions that cut across multiple research areas. A fourth debate will provoke synthesis. Each debate will consist of a 20 minute “pro” presentation, a 20 minute “con” presentation, 20 minutes back-and-forth and audience discussion, followed by parallel breakout sessions to hone in on issues identified, and a final group discussion. Virtual participation will be possible for all activities, including breakout sessions. We don’t expect that the debates will be settled. That’s really not the point. Rather, the point is to foster discussions about the meanings of key terms and concepts, and illuminate the processes that are and are not understood to guide future research.

RSVP to help us better organize this upcoming workshop. No commitment necessary!

Details on remote participation are now available at the Upstairs Downstairs website. The meeting will use a combination of Adobe Connect for the main plenary and debate sessions, as well as web-based videoconferencing for breakout discussions. Easy to use, how-to guides will be posted soon.

Science Organizing Committee:
Ariel Anbar (Arizona State University) *Chair
Rory Barnes (University of Washington, VPL)
Steve Desch (Arizona State University)
Shawn Domagal-Goldman (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
Cin-Ty Lee (Rice University)
Tim Lyons (University of California, Riverside)
Victoria Meadows (University of Washington, VPL)
Christy Till (Arizona State University)