PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 3, Number 54 (November 1, 2009) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Nic Richmond Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Melissa Lane Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. SBAG Community Poll Results: Primitive Bodies Decadal Priorities 2. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 3. Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Mapping 4. Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Petrology 5. Planetary Geophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 6. Postdoctoral Fellow in Lunar Surface Geology 7. Faculty Position in Planetary Atmospheres 8. Faculty Position in Extrasolar Planet Studies 9. Faculty Position in Planetary Surface Processes 10. 2nd NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group Meeting - Update 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 SBAG COMMUNITY POLL RESULTS: PRIMITIVE BODIES DECADAL PRIORITIES Thankyou to everyone who participated in the online poll to rank mission and other priorities across those identified in the SBAG-organized community white papers. The results have been submitted to the Primitive Bodies Decadal Panel for its consideration and are posted at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/decadal/sbag/ Mark V. Sykes Chair, Small Bodies Assessment Group sykes@psi.edu 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The November 'Image of the month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/nov09image.html This month's topic is "Evidence of glacial processes in Mamers Valles, Mars" Contributed by Daniela Tirsch 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 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN PLANETARY MAPPING The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), a division of the Universities Space Research Association invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary science. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Paul Schenk, investigating the topography of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io using stereo and shape-from-shading techniques (although experience in these tools is not required). A variety of landforms will be mapped, including volcanoes and mountains, as well as regional and global scale shape deviations. The candidate will also be expected to develop their own research projects using these data. For further information, please visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpi/positions.shtml or applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu by October 30, 2009. Review of candidates will begin October 31, 2009, with a hiring decision, as soon as possible thereafter. The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN PLANETARY PETROLOGY The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), a division of the Universities Space Research Association, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the petrology of planetary materials. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Allan Treiman in NASA-funded research focusing on volatiles in magmas and on aqueous alteration of igneous rocks; target materials include Martian meteorites, lunar samples, and terrestrial analogs. These efforts will start with analyses by optical microscopy and electron microprobe; other instruments are available as needed at nearby Johnson Space Center (experimental petrology laboratories, LA-ICPMS), or can be arranged with external collaborators (e.g., SIMS). The candidate will be encouraged to design and conduct her/his own research in planetary science, propose for external funding, participate in grant review panels and analysis groups, and become involved with spacecraft missions. For further information, please visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpi/positions.shtml Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 PLANETARY GEOPHYSICS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas, invites applicants to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary geophysics. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Walter Kiefer on a NASA-funded project studying the nature of mantle convection on Mars and its effects on the thermal evolution and volcanic history of the planet. The candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct research in planetary geophysics of his or her own choosing. The position requires a Ph.D. in Planetary Science or Geophysics and experience in computer programming and numerical modeling methods, particularly finite elements. Experience with parallel computing in a Linux environment will be an asset. Further information on current research and facilities at the LPI can be found on our website at http://www.lpi.usra.edu The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN LUNAR SURFACE GEOLOGY The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) invites applications for a lunar science and exploration postdoctoral fellowship. We are seeking a motivated individual who wants to integrate existing lunar data (e.g., Apollo landing site geology, Lunar Orbiter images) with new data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. Expertise in orbital image analysis and planetary geology concepts, particularly impact cratering processes, are desirable. Research activities will involve the highest science priorities identified by the NRC's (2007) Scientific Context for Exploration of the Moon and will likely interface with landing site assessments for NASA's Constellation Program. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, although encouraged to take advantage of the tremendous lunar-related expertise in the Houston area. The successful candidate will be a member of the new LPI-JSC Center for Lunar Science and Exploration http://www.lpi.usra.edu/nlsi/ which is one of the core teams within the NASA Lunar Science Institute. For further information, please visit http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpi/positions.shtml The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 FACULTY POSITION IN PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES The School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University seeks new faculty who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of planetary atmospheres. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Atmospheres of all planetary bodies are of interest, including those of Mars, Titan, gas giants, and hot Jupiter-like planets in extrasolar systems. Areas of interest include: atmospheric dynamics at global, regional, or mesoscales, atmospheric state, composition, origin and evolution, and surface-atmosphere interactions. These studies could be focused on numerical modeling, observations, data analysis, instrument design and development, or some combination of these approaches. Successful applicants will be expected to interact with the current and future SESE directions, including planetary surface processes and dynamics, astrobiology, climatology, and/or the formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant's research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to: Kip Hodges Director School of Earth and Space Exploration and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred. 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 FACULTY POSITION IN EXTRASOLAR PLANET STUDIES The School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University seeks faculty who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of the nature, formation, and evolution of extrasolar planets. Both observational and theoretical studies are of interest. Specific research areas might include but are not limited to: spectroscopy of planets and their host stars, novel techniques used to search for and characterize exoplanets, planetary interior models, and planetary dynamics. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant's research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to: Kip Hodges Director School of Earth and Space Exploration and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred. 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 FACULTY POSITION IN PLANETARY SURFACE PROCESSES The School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University seeks faculty who wish to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary studies of planetary surface processes. A demonstrated track record in research, teaching and grantsmanship is preferred. Specifically, we seek applicants with interests in how the surfaces of rocky and ice-rich objects are shaped by processes including tectonics, volcanism, impact cratering, and sedimentary processes. Such studies would benefit from new perspectives in planetary geomorphology, geochemistry, volcanology, hydrology, and/or structural geology, using planetary remote sensing, modeling, terrestrial analog investigations, or some combination of these approaches. Applications should include: 1) a cover letter that includes a description of the applicant's research and teaching interests, 2) a current CV, and 3) the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Inquiries and applications must be addressed to: Kip Hodges Director School of Earth and Space Exploration and submitted electronically to sesenewfac@asu.edu. Submissions in pdf format are preferred. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 2ND NASA SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP MEETING - UPDATE The second meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group will be held in Boulder, Colorado at the Millenium Harvest House http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboulder/index.html Group code: 1109SBAGCO. If you plan on attending, please RSVP via the SBAG meeting website at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag Draft Agenda: NASA HQ Report Mission Updates Roadmap for the Future of Small Bodies Exploration - Scope/Development Plan - Science Issues - Population Identification and Characterization - In-Situ Study - Sample Returns - Human Exploration Day 1 will run from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Day will run from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Sessions will identify needed areas of programmatic investment and technology development. Human Exploration reflects interest by the Augustine committee in small bodies replacing the Moon as targets for crewed missions. Updated agendas will be posted at the SBAG meeting website above. For any questions, contact: Mark V. Sykes SBAG Chair sykes@psi.edu Michael S. Kelley NASA HQ michael.s.kelley@nasa.gov 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 September 6-10, 2010 Advances in Plasma Astrophysics http://plasma.oact.inaf.it/ Giardini Naxos, Italy [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. Go to the PEN website for submission directions. ************************************************************************