PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 29 (June 26, 2011) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Susan Benecchi Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Melissa Lane Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P06. Evolution and Exploration of Asteroids 2. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P22. Phyllosilicate Formation on Mars - Connecting Experimental and Theoretical Studies with Planetary Observations 3. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P20. Nanocrystalline Materials on Earth and Mars 4. Geological Society of America: T215. Terrestrial Analogs in Solar System Studies 5. [NASA] Solar Electric Propulsion Demonstration Mission Concept Studies 6. [NASA] PDS Releases More Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Data 7. [NASA] Release of a Solicitation for SOFIA Second Generation Instrument Investigations 8. Application Deadline for the NASA Postdoctoral Program 9. In the Footsteps of Galileo: A Hands-on Workshop on Astronomy for Teachers in Grades 3-12 (and Those Who Work with Them) 10. 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P06. EVOLUTION AND EXPLORATION OF ASTEROIDS We would like to invite all interested researchers to submit an abstract to this session due on August 4 2011. Our knowledge of the formation and evolution of large main-belt asteroids is expanding rapidly from mission data, ground-based observations, and analysis of meteorites. The Rosetta flyby of asteroid (21) Lutetia raised tantalizing questions about its internal structure and its composition. The arrival of the Dawn mission around (4) Vesta, scheduled for July 2011, and the future exploration of (1) Ceres are promising future milestones. AO on ground-based telescopes allow to map the surface properties of large asteroids and also to determine their average densities if they have satellites. We invite all submissions concerning the formation and evolution of asteroids, related analysis of meteorites and differentiation modeling. More information as well as the abstract submission tool can be found at the website: http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/ session-search/640 We encourage you to pass this message to any interested colleagues and students. Conveners: Franck Marchis (fmarchis@seti.org), Ben Weiss (bpweiss@mit.edu), Linda Elkins-Tanton (ltelkins@mit.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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P22. PHYLLOSILICATE FORMATION ON MARS - CONNECTING EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL STUDIES WITH PLANETARY OBSERVATIONS Signatures of phyllosilicates have been detected on Mars using orbital remote sensing. The Opportunity rover is traversing toward and the upcoming Mars Science Laboratory mission will explore sites containing such materials. Interpreting orbital and rover observations of these deposits requires understanding phyllosilicate composition, occurrence, and formation. This session brings together experts in detection of phyllosilicates and in experimental and theoretical studies of phyllosilicate formation and stability. What are the physiochemical controls on phyllosilicate formation, stability, and mineral associations and what constraints are provided by planetary measurements? We seek to bring together scientists working on fundamental studies of phyllosilicate formation, stability, and occurrence with those investigating the presence of such phases on Mars. The abstract submission window is open until August 4, 2011. Feel free to contact us with any questions. Sponsor: Planetary Sciences (P). Co-Sponsors: Biogeosciences (B), Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EP), Mineral and Rock Physics (MR), Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology (V) Best regards, Bethany Ehlmann (Inst. d'Astrophysique Spatiale, bethany.ehlmann@ias.u-psud.fr) Jeff Catalano (Washington University in St. Louis, catalano@levee.wustl.edu) 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P20. NANOCRYSTALLINE MATERIALS ON EARTH AND MARS Poorly crystalline phases such as allophane, imogolite, and ferrihydrite are of great interest in terrestrial soil science studies, and recent investigations suggest they may be present on Mars. These materials, which are precursor phases to more crystalline clay minerals and (oxyhydr)oxides, form by near-surface weathering processes and thus help constrain past geochemical environments. The purpose of this session is to survey the structure, chemistry, and analysis of nanocrystalline oxides and aluminosilicates, the chemical and climatic environments under which they form, and their identification and relevance on planetary surfaces, particularly with reference to the upcoming Mars Science Laboratory mission. Convener(s): Leslie Baker, University of Idaho Michael Kraft, Arizona State University Elizabeth Rampe, Arizona State University Mark Salvatore, Brown University Conference dates: 5-9 December, 2011 Abstract deadline: 4 August 2011 Session information: http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/654 Conference information: http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/ Abstract submissions: http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/ 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 GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: T215. TERRESTRIAL ANALOGS IN SOLAR SYSTEM STUDIES Dear colleagues: The annual meeting of the Geological Society of America will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from 9-12 October 2011. Please consider submitting an abstract to session T215: Terrestrial Analogs in Solar System Studies This session focuses on terrestrial analog studies with application to understanding other solar-system bodies, their geological histories, the processes operating on them, and the potential for habitable environments. Co-sponsored by: GSA Planetary Geology Division; GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geophysics Division; GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division; GSA Sedimentary Geology Division; GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Geobiology & Geomicrobiology Division; GSA Limnogeology Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division Confirmed invited speakers include: Jack Mustard (Brown Univ.) Devon Burr (Univ. of Tennessee Knoxville) The abstract deadline for the meeting is 26 July. Abstracts can be submitted online at: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/cfp.epl We look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Planetary Geology Division. For a list of activities, see our website at: http://rock.geosociety.org/pgd/ Regards, Simon Kattenhorn (University of Idaho) Session Convener and First Vice-Chair, Planetary Geology Division 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 [NASA] SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION DEMONSTRATION MISSION CONCEPT STUDIES NASA has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeking proposals for mission concept studies of a solar electric propulsion system demonstration to test and validate key capabilities and technologies for future exploration missions. This Solar Electric Propulsion Demonstration Mission Concept Studies announcement (NNC11ZMA017K) is open to all non-government United States institutions, academia, industry and nonprofit organizations. NASA anticipates making multiple firm-fixed-priced awards with a total value up to $2 million. NOIs due: July 5 Proposals due: August 4 Responses must be submitted electronically via the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com Every organization that intends to submit a proposal in response to this BAA must be registered with NSPIRES, and such registration must identify the authorized organizational representative(s) who will submit the electronic proposal. NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is managing the broad agency announcement for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and relevant technology activities for the Office of the Chief Technologist. [Edited for length.] 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 [NASA] PDS RELEASES MORE LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER DATA The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Release 6 for the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) experiment. This release contains 1132 EDR and 1094 RDR data products with all images acquired from December 15, 2010 through March 14, 2011. Data volume for this release is approximately 211 GB. The released data can be found on the PDS Imaging Node website at: http://img.pds.nasa.gov/volumes/lro.html#LRO Data search and access tools are available thru the Imaging Node's Planetary Image Atlas, at: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/ In addition, the above data may be accessed: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20110615.shtml To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-Release.html 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 [NASA] RELEASE OF A SOLICITATION FOR SOFIA SECOND GENERATION INSTRUMENT INVESTIGATIONS NNH08ZDA009O-SOFIA2G Release Date: July 8, 2011 Pre-proposal Teleconference: August 4, 2011 NOIs Due: August 15, 2011 Proposals Due: October 7, 2011 This Program Element Appendix is a call for science investigations that include the development, delivery, and use of second generation instruments for the SOFIA observatory. SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, consists of a German-built 2.7-meter (2.5-meter useable aperture) telescope mounted in a Boeing 747-SP aircraft supplied and modified by NASA. Flying at altitudes up to 45,000-feet, SOFIA observes from above more than 99 percent of Earth's atmospheric water vapor, thereby opening windows to the universe not available from the ground. SOFIA offers international science teams up to 1000 cloud-free, high-altitude science observing hours per year during its two decade design lifetime. Additional information on SOFIA may be found at: http://www.sofia.usra.edu/ The full text of the AO and all appendices are available at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select "Solicitations" then "Open Solicitations" then "NNH08ZDA009O") A pre-proposal teleconference will be held; details will be posted at: http://soma.larc.nasa.gov/SOFIA/ Direct questions: Dr. Paul Hertz 202-358-0986 paul.hertz@nasa.gov (subject line to read "SOFIA Instrument AO"). [Edited for length.] 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 APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM The next deadline to apply for a NASA Postdoctoral Program fellowship is July 1, 2011. These competitive one- to three-year fellowship appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. U. S. citizens and foreign nationals who hold Lawful Permanent Resident status or who are eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply. An H-1B Visa status is not acceptable because the NPP is not an employment program. Stipend rates for Postdoctoral Fellows start at $50,000 per year, with small supplements added for high cost-of-living areas. Funds are available for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit. Fellows also receive $8,000 per appointment year to support travel to conferences, meetings, and other activities that directly support their research projects. Applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For further information about this opportunity and to apply online, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions regarding this opportunity may be submitted by e-mail to nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GALILEO: A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP ON ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS IN GRADES 3-12 (AND THOSE WHO WORK WITH THEM) Part of the 122nd Annual Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31, 2011, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Tremont Plaza Hotel, 222 St. Paul Pl., Baltimore, Maryland. See: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2011mtg/gttp.html Registration: $95 for both days (includes Galileoscope telescope kit and the new Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0 DVD) Registration is limited and will be accepted in the order received. A limited number of scholarships are available; see: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2011mtg/scholarship.html No background in astronomy is required; both new and veteran teachers will learn new ideas and techniques from the workshop. We particularly encourage those who are new to astronomy or science teaching to work with our mentor teachers to gain confidence. Other, shorter workshops for teachers will also be offered Aug. 1-3 at the meeting and are described on the web page: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2011mtg/gttp.html [Edited for length.] 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html March 15-17, 2012 2nd International Lunar Superconductor Applications Workshop http://lsa2012.com Houston, TX [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which your colleagues should be aware, 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, or * send a request to pen_editor at psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor at psi.edu * * 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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