*** 2nd Announcement & Call for Papers *** The Fifth COMPTON Symposium on Gamma-Ray Astrophysics September 15-17, 1999 at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA HOSTED by the University of New Hampshire and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center This is the 2nd announcement and call for contributed papers for the 5th Compton Symposium on Gamma Ray Astronomy and Astrophysics. This announcement includes a preliminary scientific program, instructions for abstract submission, registration information, hotel information and travel information. TABLE OF CONTENTS ================= Important Dates Important Reminders Organizers Scientific Program Overview Abstract Preparation Instructions Registration Fees and Payment Methods Audio/Visual Equipment Symposium Proceedings Symposium Hotel Information Transportation Symposium Banquet Post-Conference Activities Local Information Local Weather Further Informaton Registration Form +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IMPORTANT DATES =============== July 1, 1999 Abstracts due for contributed papers July 25, 1999 Hotel registration deadline August 15, 1999 Early registration deadline September 1, 1999 Last day for registration refund minus $25 fee September 14, 1999 Teacher Workshop September 14, 1999 Registration and evening reception September 14, 1999 Last day for registration refund minus $50 fee September 15-17, 1999 Technical Symposium September 16, 1999 Symposium Banquet September 18, 1999 Post-Conference Excursion October 15, 1999 Proceedings Manuscript Deadline March, 2000 Proceedings Publication by AIP +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IMPORTANT REMINDERS =================== REMINDER: CONTACT HOTEL DIRECTLY FOR RESERVATIONS. Deadline for hotel reservations is July 25. After that date, the rooms will be on a space and rate available basis. REMINDER: PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY REGISTRATION. Registration must be by registration form, either by mail, fax or web site (form is attached). For security reasons, we are not accepting registration (and/or payment) by e-mail. Payment must accompany the form (bank transfers, primarily for foreign participants, are a necessary exception to this rule). REMINDER: CHECKS MUST BE MADE OUT TO "USRA". Checks made out otherwise are subject to return and registration will be delayed. All payments must be in U.S. Dollars. Please make sure attendee's name and "COMPTON SYMPOSIUM" are written on check. REMINDER: ONE AUTHOR IN ATTENDANCE. At least one author (not necessarily the first author) of each paper (oral or poster) must be a registered symposium attendee. REMINDER: ABSTRACTS MUST BE SUBMITTED USING THE LATEX TEMPLATE. Further information is provided below. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ORGANIZERS ========== Scientific Organizing Committee: J. Ryan, UNH, Chair M. Baring, GSFC M. Cherry, LSU E. Chupp, UNH G. Fishman, MSFC N. Gehrels, GSFC K. Hurley, UC Berkeley J. Kurfess, NRL P. Michelson, Stanford V. Schönfelder, MPE - Garching H. Völk, MPI - Heidelberg T. Weekes, SAO Local Organizing Committee: M. McConnell, UNH, Co-Chair C. Shrader, GRO-SSC & NASA/GSFC, Co-Chair R. Pendexter, UNH, Secretary S. Barnes, GRO-SSC & USRA C. Kustra, UNH E. Pentecost, USRA Sponsors: UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Universities Space Research Association New Hampshire Space Grant Consortium +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW =========================== The scientific program and format for the 5th Compton Symposium will generally follow the format for the previous Compton symposia. A mixture of invited talks, contributed papers, and poster presentations will cover the current status of observational and theoretical gamma ray astrophysics. Observational results from CGRO, and results from XTE, SAX, AXAF, ASCA, ROSAT, ground-based VHE gamma-ray and radio observatories, and other ground-based and space missions related to astrophysical sources with emission greater than 10 keV are solicited. A session devoted to the future gamma-ray astronomy missions (including INTEGRAL, GLAST and AGILE) is also planned. Invited talks will cover topics of current interest. The planned program currently includes the following topics for contributed sessions: * X-Ray Binaries * Pulsars * Supernovae / Novae * Nucleosynthesis * Active Galactic Nuclei * Galactic Diffuse Emissions * Cosmic Diffuse Background * Gamma-Ray Bursts * Solar Flares * Future Missions and Instrumentation Further details on the scientific program will be added to the symposium web site (http://wwwgro.unh.edu/compton5/) as they become available. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ABSTRACT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS ================================= Abstracts should be prepared using a Latex template available for download from the symposium web page (http://wwwgro.unh.edu/compton5/). Download the template file, 'c5_abstract_template.tex', and the style file, 'c5_abstract.sty'. The template is of the fill in the blanks variety and is self-explanatory. The style file is only required if you wish to print out a copy of your abstract using the template. Abstract text should be no more than 300 words. The completed LaTeX form must be submitted by e-mail to: compton5@unh.edu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ REGISTRATION, FEES AND PAYMENT METHODS ====================================== To register, use the registration form at the end of this circular (and return by fax or postal mail) or use the on-line registration form at: https://compton.usra.edu/addguest.html Unless a bank transfer is used (mainly by foreign participants), the registration fee must be included with the registration. For example, if registration is via fax, then a credit card must be used (Visa, MasterCard or American Express); if registration is via postal mail, then all forms of payment are possible (credit card, check or money order). For security reasons, we are not accepting registrations (and/or payments) via e-mail. In order to ease the burden on students attending the symposium, we are offering two optional student registrations - one with a copy of the proceedings and one without a copy of the proceedings. Early registration deadline is August 15. After August 15, ALL registrants will pay the late registration fee. Early Registration -- $240 US Early Student Registration (with proceedings) -- $225 US Early Student Registration (without proceedings) -- $125 US Late Registration (after August 15) -- $290 US Banquet Fee -- $50 US No registration will be considered complete until payment is received. Cancellation of a prepaid registration, minus a small processing fee, can be done any time up to the start of the meeting. For a full refund minus a $25 processing fee, cancellation must be received on or before September 1. After September 1, until the start of the meeting, the processing fee will be $50. After the start of the meeting NO REFUND will be available. ALL TRANSACTIONS MUST BE IN U.S. DOLLARS. Registration and banquet fees may be remitted in one of the following ways: Cash/Check/Money Order: Checks and money orders must be made out to "USRA". Please make sure attendee's name and "COMPTON SYMPOSIUM" are written on check. Cash should not be sent in the mail but will be accepted for on-site registration. Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express accepted. A valid card number and expiration date must be submitted for this payment to be processed. Include the name exactly as it appears on the card. Electronic Transfer of Funds (i.e. bank transfers; mainly for foreign participants): Payment should be made by money transfer to: Bank Name: Nations Bank Acct. No.: 003934012640 ABA/Routing No.: 052001633 Address: 730 15th St. NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20005 Telephone: 202-624-3783 Reference: Compton 5 Symposium Name of Registrant +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT ====================== The following audio/visual equipment will be provided to the symposium participants: overhead projector, slide projector, VCR/monitor. If you have special audio/visual equipment requirements, please let the meeting organizers know. There may be additional charges for special audio/visual requirements. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS ===================== Symposium proceedings will be published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP), the cost of which is included in the regular registration fee. (A reduced student registration fee is available without the proceedings.) Detailed instructions and formats will be distributed later. The due date for manuscripts to be included in the proceedings is October 15, 1999. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SYMPOSIUM HOTEL INFORMATION =========================== The Symposium will be held at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The hotel is situated in downstown Portsmouth, within a short walking distance of many restaurants and historic sites. Participants will be required to secure their own room reservations. Room blocks have been reserved until July 25, so please make your reservations by then. After that date, the rooms will be on a space and rate available basis. The following hotels will be available for conference participants: Sheraton Harborside Hotel Portsmouth: ------------------------------------ The Sheraton Harborside will serve as the conference location. A block of rooms have been reserved at a rate of $135 per night for single or double occupancy (plus 8% rooms and meals tax). Free parking is available. Reservations can be made by calling one of the Sheraton Inn worldwide reservation numbers. (In the US, the number is 1-800-325-3535. For other countries check the Sheraton Inn Web site at www.sheraton.com.) Reservations can also be made by calling the hotel directly at 603-431-2300 (fax number is 603-431-7805). When making reservations, be sure to specify code COMPTON. Reservations must be accompanied by a check for the first night's lodging or guaranteed for late arrival with a valid American Express, Diner's Club, VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit card number. Checks received less than 30 days prior to the arrival date must also be accompanied by a credit card number. There is no charge for cancellations up to 24 hours prior to arrival. There will be a fee equal to the first night's lodging for cancellation after this deadline. The Hampton Inn of Portsmouth: ----------------------------- Additional rooms will also be available at the Hampton Inn, located about two miles from the conference site. During the conference, shuttle bus service will be provided between the Hampton Inn and the conference site. A block of rooms have been reserved at a rate of $105 per night (plus 8% rooms and meals tax). Free parking is available. Reservations can be made by calling the toll-free Hampton Inn line at 1-800-HAMPTON (1-800-426-7866) or by calling the hotel directly at 603-431-6111 (fax 603-431-6222). When making reservations, be sure to specify code C/SYM. Reservations can be canceled at any time up until 4 PM on the date of arrival. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ TRANSPORTATION ============== Portsmouth is accessible by air, bus, or automobile. There are 3 airports serving the Portsmouth area. The following airports are each within 60 miles of Portsmouth: Boston's Logan International Airport; Manchester Airport (Manchester, NH); Portland International Airport (Portland, ME). Given the close proximity of the conference hotel to the downtown Portsmouth area, car rental will not be necessary. For those not renting a car, bus/shuttle service is available from both the Boston and Manchester airports. * The Hampton Shuttle serves both Boston and Manchester and provides service direct to either the Sheraton or to the Hampton Inn. (Note that the Hampton Shuttle is not affiliated in any way with the Hampton Inn.) From Boston's Logan Airport, the cost is $35 one-way or $59 round-trip. From the Manchester airport, the cost is $42 one-way or $75 round-trip. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-883-6663 for schedule and reservations. * Southwick Airport Shuttle serves both Boston and Manchester provides service direct to either the Sheraton or to the Hampton Inn. Cost to both Boston and Manchester is $43 each way. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. Call 1-888-942-5044 for schedule and reservations. * C&J Bus Service serves Boston only and provides regularly scheduled bus service from Logan Airport to the Pease International Tradeport (formerly Pease Air Force Base), located just a few miles from the conference site. Fares are $17 one-way or $30 round-trip. Reservations are not needed. The Hampton Inn will provide free shuttle service from Pease to the Hampton Inn. For those staying at the Sheraton, taxi services are available. By car, both the Sheraton and the Hampton Inn are most easily accessible from Exit 7 off of Route 95, the main north-south route through the New Hampshire Seacoast. The Portsmouth Sheraton Harborside is about one mile EAST of Route 95. (The Sheraton will be right in front of you as you approach a fork in the road. Turn right at the fork to reach the hotel entrance.) The Hampton Inn is about one mile WEST of Route 95. (Access to the Hampton Inn is straightforward, but poorly marked. About one mile from Route 95, there will be a traffic light with Circuit City on the left and BJ's Wholesale Club on the right. At that light, turn left onto Durgin Lane. The hotel is at the end of that road, adjacent to the Home Depot.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SYMPOSIUM BANQUET ================= A conference banquet is being organized for Thursday evening, September 16. The banquet will take place at the Seacost Science Center, located on the coast at Odiorne State Park, just south of Portsmouth. In addition to offering scenic vistas of the New Hampshire Seacoast, the Seacoast Science Center offers several exhibits illustrating the nature and history of the local seacoast. The menu will feature a traditional New England clambake, with lobster and steamed clams. Both chicken and vegetarian menus will also be offered. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ POST-CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES ========================== Should there be sufficient interest, there will be two activities organized for the Saturday following the conference (September 18). Attendees should indicate their interest in either activity on the registration form. In each case, any costs are separate from the registration fees. 1) Whale Watch -------------- Whale watch excursion boats of the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. dock directly across the street from the Sheraton. September is prime time for whale watching in New England. Individuals are free to partake of one of the numerous whale watch excursions on their own. However, should there be sufficient interest, a group rate or even a dedicated group excursion may be arranged. 2) The Compton Open ------------------- For those who may wish to enjoy a day of golf with your colleagues, here is your chance. Should there be sufficient interest, a round of golf will be organized at one of the local courses. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LOCAL INFORMATION ================= Portsmouth, N.H., a city of 23,000, sits near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, a short, wide river that divides New Hampshire and Maine. It is the principle town of the seacoast region of New Hampshire. Billed as the "smallest seacoast in America", the New Hampshire coastline is only 18 miles long, but the region encompasses 25 towns between Maine and Massachusetts. It is a region rich in history and culture. Settled in 1623, Portsmouth itself lays claim to being the nation's third-oldest city. It served as a focal point on the Eastern seaboard until the late 1800s when rail travel did in the shipping industry. John Paul Jones' ship The Ranger was built in Portsmouth, and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (which lies across the river in Maine) was established in 1800 as the country's first Naval shipyard. Many historic homes have been preserved, and there are several notable museums in the Portsmouth area, including the Strawbery Banke Museum and the American Independence Museum. The geographic location, historic past and cultural strength of the area regularly lands it on various "best places to live" lists. The region is noted for its many restaurants, attractions and shopping opportunities, which include outlet malls in North Hampton and in Kittery, Maine, as well as major malls in Newington, New Hampshire. (Shopping within the state of New Hampshire is tax-free.) There is much to do in and around Portsmouth. We encourage attendees to extend their stay and take advantage of the many available activities. We have arranged to make conference rates available for a limited number of hotel rooms before and after the conference. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LOCAL WEATHER ============= Portsmouth weather for September: Average daytime high: 70 degs F Average evening low: 52 degs F Average monthly precipitation: 3.4 in. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FURTHER INFORMATION =================== Additional information regarding both the conference and places of interest in the Portsmouth area is available through the conference web site: WWW: HTTP://WWWGRO.UNH.EDU/COMPTON5/ Additional information can also be obtained from the conference secretary: Ms. Robbin Pendexter, Conference Secretary Space Science Center Morse Hall University of New Hampshire Durham, NH 03824 Phone: 603-862-1061 Fax: 603-862-4685 E-mail: compton5@unh.edu +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 5th COMPTON SYMPOSIUM Portsmouth, NH September 15-17, 1999 REGISTRATION FORM REMINDER: Your registration fee MUST accompany this registration form (with the exception of a bank transfer). If you are using mail, you may send a check, money order, or include credit card information. If you are using FAX you must include a credit card number and expiration date. Your registration cannot be processed without the fee. Submit to: Mail: Elizabeth Pentecost Division of Astronomy and Space Physics NRL and USNO Programs 300 D Street, SW Suite 801 Washington, DC 20024 FAX: 202-479-2613 First Name:___________________________________ Informal Name for Badge:______________________ Last Name:____________________________________ Affiliation for Name Tag:_____________________ Institution:__________________________________ (if different from Name Tag Affiliation) Address:______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ Address:______________________________________ City:_______________________ State:___________ Zip Code:__________ Country:__________________ Phone:________________ Fax:___________________ E-mail address:_______________________________ Payment Information ------------------- Check (Enclosed): _______ Money Order (Enclosed): _______ Bank Transfer: _______ Credit Card: _______ Mastercard____ Visa____ American Express____ Card Number: ________________________________ Expiration Date: ____________________________ Name on Card: ________________________________ Registration: Early Registration $240.00 ________ Early Student w/Proc $225.00 ________ Early Student w/o Proc $125.00 ________ Late - After Aug 15 $290.00 ________ Banquet: ______ tickets @ $50/ea. ________ ______ Lobster ______ Chicken ______ Vegetarian Total Fees: ________ Post-Conference Activity (please indicate number - for planning purposes only) : Whale Watch ________ Compton Open ________