PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 2, Number 34 (July 13, 2008) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Nic Richmond Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Matt Balme Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. [NASA] DRAFT Standard PI-led Mission Announcement of Opportunity 2. [NASA] PDS Odyssey Data, Release 24 3. Cospar 2008 Awards 4. Cosmic Cataclysms and Life 5. IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 6. Astronomical Journal Seeks An Associate Scientific Editor 7. Post-Doctoral Research Position in the Netherlands 8. Assistant Research Physicist Position at University of California, Berkeley 9. Postdoctoral or Research Scientist Position at University of Nevada, Reno 10. Postdoctoral Position at JPL 11. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions o---------------------------------------------------------------------o 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 [NASA] DRAFT STANDARD PI-LED MISSION ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has issued a DRAFT Standard PI-led Mission Announcement of Opportunity (AO) to solicit community comments. The Draft Standard PI-led Mission AO is available in NSPIRES: http://nspires.nasaprs.com select "Solicitations", select "Open Solicitations". NASA welcomes comments and suggestions on this DRAFT Standard PI-led Mission AO, which will be available from July 10, 2008, through July 31, 2008. Comments are welcome on any topic, but are especially welcome where they identify policies, practices, or specific language that are unclear, ambiguous, nonoptimal, or unnecessary. Comments should be addressed to aosimplify@nasa.gov no later than July 31, 2008, in order to be most useful. Please include the phrase "AO COMMENT" (without quotes) in the subject line of any comment submitted. Questions or requests for further information may be addressed to Dr. Paul Hertz, Chief Scientist, Science Mission Directorate, NASA, Washington, DC 20546; Telephone: 202-358-0986; Email: paul.hertz@nasa.gov. 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 [NASA] PDS ODYSSEY DATA, RELEASE 24 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce a new delivery of Odyssey Data, Release 24, for the following instruments: THEMIS GRS SPICE . To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20080707.html 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3 COSPAR 2008 AWARDS Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Awards 2008 COSPAR Space Science Award for outstanding contributions to space science: George Gloeckler (USA), Ken Pounds (UK) COSPAR International Cooperation Medal for work that has contributed significantly to the promotion of international scientific cooperation: Marvin A. Geller (USA) COSPAR William Nordberg Medal for distinguished contributions to the application of space science in a field covered by COSPAR: Joe W. Waters (USA) COSPAR Distinguished Service Medal: Isaac Revah (France) Massey Award for outstanding contributions to the development of space research in which a leadership role is of particular importance: Giovanni G. Fazio (USA) Vikram Sarabhai Medal for outstanding contributions to space research in developing countries: Mangalathayil A. Abdu (Brazil) Jeoujang Jaw Award for pioneering contributions to promoting space research, establishing new space science research branches and founding new exploration programs: James L. Burch (USA) Zeldovich Medals conferred on young scientists for excellence and achievements: Kauzar Saleh Contell (UK/Spain) Jonathan J. Makela (USA) Olena Podladchikova (Belgium/Ukraine) Sergey A. Bogachev (Russia) Thomas Berger (Germany/Austria) Farzam Zoueshtiagh (France/Iran) Tim van Zoest (Germany) 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4 COSMIC CATACLYSMS AND LIFE 10 - 14 November 2008 ESRIN, Frascati, Italy Abstract submission deadline: 17 July 2008 Conference website: http://www.congrex.nl/08c16/ A number of cataclysms have occurred in the history of the universe and the Solar System. The Symposium will review those that had a critical influence on the evolution of habitable worlds and on the emergence and survival of life on Earth, and possibly elsewhere. [Editor Note: Full details about the programme and the invited speakers can be found from the above link] 5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5 IAG PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The July 'Image of the month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/jul08image.html This month's topic is on haematite concretions on Mars and dedos in loosely consolidated sediment in Australia. The images and information are a free educational resource provided to encourage the inclusion of planetary geomorphology topics in curriculum. They are also intended to stimulate collaboration between geomorphologists studying Earth landforms and those who focus primarily on other planetary surfaces. If you would like to contribute an image (Earth analogs are welcome) please contact mbourke@psi.edu Past images and captions are available at: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/index.html Mary Bourke Coordinator of the IAG Working Group on Planetary Geomorphology 6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6 ASTRONOMICAL JOURNAL SEEKS AN ASSOCIATE SCIENTIFIC EDITOR In response to community interest, The Astronomical Journal plans to add an Associate Editor with expertise in planetary science to its editorial team. We intend to make this appointment in the late summer of 2008 for a 2 year period, after which we will re-advertise the position with the newly developed details for a 3-year term. As this is a new position duties will include helping us develop the role of an Associate Editor in the operations and planning processes of the AJ, as well as handling the review of planetary science papers. The AJ Associate Editor will report to the Editor-in-Chief, should attend one annual AJ meeting and plan to spend 2-3 hours/week on editorial duties. We will provide modest compensation above expenses for this service. Expressions of interest or nominations should be emailed to Jay Gallagher, AJ Editor-in-Chief (aj@astro.wisc.edu) by the close of business on August 20, 2008. Candidates for this position will be discussed by Gallagher; Margaret Hanson, AJ Associate Editor-in-Chief, Mike A'Hearn, recent chair of the AAS Publications Board; and Chris Biemesderfer, AAS Publications Manager. A selection will be made by Gallagher in early September 2008. 7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7 POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION IN THE NETHERLANDS Position title: Post-doctoral research position in the area of instrument development for direct detection of extra-solar planets Institution: NWO - ASTRON in the Netherlands Brief description of the job: The position is available within the project SPHERE, the 2e generation VLT instrument aimed at the direct detection of extra-solar planets. The Netherlands (ASTRON, Universities of Amsterdam and Utrecht and NOVA) and Switzerland (ETH Zurich) lead the development and construction of the SPHERE-ZIMPOL subsystem, a high-precision imaging polarimeter. ZIMPOL is optimized to study the formation, evolution and structure of extra-solar planetary systems. The available position will primarily be in the areas of the integration, testing and calibration of the instrument. The researcher will also have the opportunity to contribute to the data analysis, interpretation and modeling including first light observations and commissioning. Fifty percent of the time is free for research. The position is available starting from October 15, 2008 as a full-time temporary appointment for two years, with the possible extension of a third year. URL link: http://www.astron.nl/astron/jobs/ASTRON_Postdoctoral_Researcher.pdf 8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8 ASSISTANT RESEARCH PHYSICIST POSITION AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY The Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, is seeking to fill a position at the level of Assistant Research Physicist, specifically in the area of Mars space physics and geophysics, with equal emphasis on data analysis, modeling and instrument development. Topics of interest are the Mars-solar wind interaction, the patchy night-side ionosphere, the effects of solar energetic particle events and solar storms on the atmosphere, atmospheric loss and resulting climate evolution, and the dynamic thermosphere and the effects of dust storms thereon. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or Planetary Science and at least two years of postdoctoral experience in some of these areas, with a proven track record of publication in the Mars community. Strong analytical and programming skills are required for both data analysis and modeling. Familiarity with IDL and hardware experience would be preferable. Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research interests, and contact details for at least three references to Ms. Daniele Meilhan, Space Sciences Laboratory, 7 Gauss Way, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720. Applications must be received by 9/1/08. AAE/EOE. 9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9 POSTDOCTORAL OR RESEARCH SCIENTIST POSITION AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO The University of Nevada Reno, Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering invites applications for a Postdoctoral or Research Scientist Position in Airborne and Satellite Imaging Spectroscopy. The ideal candidate will be strongly multi-disciplinary combining elements of terrestrial and planetary data calibration and analysis, experience with laboratory and/or field based validation of space and airborne image and spectral data sets. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Desired qualifications include demonstrated experience in using Mars Exploration Rover, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, or AVIRIS, HyMAP, SEBASS and similar airborne imaging and spectral data sets. The candidate will be expected to pursue an active program of externally funded research in collaboration with other faculty within UNR and the Nevada System of Higher Education. Applications must be submitted on line at: http://jobs.unr.edu/ by searching under Faculty jobs/ Post Doctorate, or by keyword or search # 70468. Preference will be given to applications received before August 15, 2008. For further information please contact, Wendy Calvin, Search Chair, (775) 784-1785, wcalvin@unr.edu. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AT JPL The California Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Scholars Program at JPL invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in Martian atmospheric properties and dynamics. The research will involve analysis and modeling of data collected by the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) instrument on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft. MCS is an advanced limb-sounding infrared radiometer that collects data in one visible and 8 infrared channels, to characterize Mars atmospheric temperature and composition with unprecedented vertical resolution. MCS has been collecting data at Mars since 24 September 2006. The successful candidate will work with retrieved profiles of temperature, pressure, and ice and aerosols abundance to study the distribution and properties of Martian clouds and dust and Martian atmospheric dynamics. A Ph.D. in planetary atmospheric sciences or related fields is required. Experience in the analysis of Martian atmospheric data and processes is highly desirable. The positions are open immediately. Applicants should submit a CV and the names of three references to: Dr. David M. Kass Jet Propulsion Laboratory, M/S 169-237 4800 Oak Grove Dr. Pasadena, CA 91109 FAX : 818-393-4619 Email: dkass@jpl.nasa.gov Additional information was published in the June 17, June 24, and July 1 (2008) issues of EOS. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html March 23-27, 2009 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC 2009) http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009/ Houston, TX [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop that you think your colleagues should be aware of, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.] *********************************************************************** * * The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. * Current and back issues are available at * * http://planetarynews.org * * To subscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_subscribe.html * * To unsubscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_unsubscribe.html * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor at psi.edu. * Announcements and other messages should be brief with links to URLs * for extended information, including detailed descriptions for job * announcements. 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