PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 30 (July 3, 2011) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Melissa Lane, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Soliciting Abstracts for GSA Planetary Geology Division-Sponsored Sessions 2. GSA-PGD G.K. Gilbert Session Honoring Dr. Steve Squyres 7. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P15. Laboratory Analysis of Extraterrestrial Dust Returned to Earth 3. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P23. Planetary Atmospheres and Their Evolution 5. AGU Fall 2011 Session: U02. Dawn Explores Vesta 4. Online Workshop on Lunar Swirls 6. Job Announcement: Planetary Scientist at Smithsonian Institution 8. Seeking Nominees for COSPAR Awards and Medals 9. The NASA Postdoctoral Program is now Accepting Applications for the November Cycle 10. [NASA] PDS Releases Cassini Data 11. [NASA] PDS and [ESA] PSA Release Rosetta Mission Data 12. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 13. [NASA] Small Bodies Assessment Group Meeting, August 25-26 14. 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 SOLICITING ABSTRACTS FOR GSA PLANETARY GEOLOGY DIVISION-SPONSORED SESSIONS 2011 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstract Submission Deadline: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 The 2011 Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America will be held October 9-12, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and will include special activities celebrating the 30th Aniversary of the Planetary Geology Division. We encourage you to submit an abstract to one of our sessions. The abstract submission deadline is Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The list of PGD-sponsored sessions and the abstract submission web page may be found at this URL: http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2011/sessions/topical.asp?CatID =Planetary+Geology&submit=Go We hope to see you in Minneapolis! Sincerely, David A. Williams 2011 Chair 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 GSA-PGD G.K. GILBERT SESSION HONORING DR. STEVE SQUYRES The Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America will hold its annual G.K. Gilbert Award Session at the GSA Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, October 9-12, 2011, as part of its 30th Anniversary Celebration. This year's honoree is Dr. Steve Squyres, Professor, Cornell University. We are soliciting abstracts for the Gilbert session from colleagues and former students/postdocs of Dr. Squyres. The G. K. Gilbert Award is presented annually by the Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America for outstanding contributions to the solution of fundamental problems in planetary geology in the broadest sense, which includes geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, geologic mapping, and remote sensing. Such contributions may consist either of a single outstanding publication or a series of publications that have had great influence in the field. The award is named for the pioneering geologist G. K. Gilbert. The topic of this year's Gilbert session is "Robotic Exploration of Planetary Surfaces". To submit an abstract please go to this website: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/top/index.epl and select: "213. Robotic Exploration of Planetary Surfaces: The G.K. Gilbert Award Session" You will be taken to the abstract submittal page. 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: P15. LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF EXTRATERRESTRIAL DUST RETURNED TO EARTH We are soliciting contributed submissions on the Genesis, Stardust, Hayabusa and OSIRIS-REx missions and related laboratory analysis of cosmic dust and the impact of sample return science on our understanding of the formation and evolution of planetary materials. Invited Speakers: Dr. Don Brownlee, Stardust Mission (PI) Dr. Donald S. Burnett, Genesis Mission (PI) Dr. Michael J. Drake, OSIRIS-REx Mission (PI) Dr. Tomoki Nakamura, Hayabusa Mission Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/ The Conveners: Philipp Heck, The Field Museum Scott Messenger, NASA Johnson Space Center Rhonda Stroud, Naval Research Laboratory 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P23. PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES AND THEIR EVOLUTION Sponsor: Planetary Sciences (P) Co-Sponsor(s): Atmospheric Sciences (A) Description: Understanding planetary atmospheres and their evolution is one of the most challenging topics in planetary sciences. The competing influences of planetary geology, geochemistry, climate, atmospheric chemistry, and biology (on the Earth) need to be weighed. While geochemical and geological data provide constraints for the Earth, data from planetary mission and astronomical observations are necessary for other planets. Extrasolar planets have heightened interest in planetary atmospheres, for it is by analysis of their atmospheres that we will assess the characteristics and habitability of these objects. This session welcomes both observational and theoretical studies relevant to planetary atmospheres and their evolution in and out of our solar system. http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/657 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: U02. DAWN EXPLORES VESTA NASA's Dawn spacecraft enters orbit around asteroid (4) Vesta in July, 2011. Vesta is a small terrestrial world with a basaltic surface that is the likely source of the common HED (howardite-eucrite-diogenite) class of meteorites. Science observations by Dawn will include a search for satellites, stereo mapping of the surface, multi- and hyperspectral imaging in visible to mid-infrared wavelengths, gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy, and radio science. This session will feature initial science results from Dawn. We also encourage other contributions related to basaltic asteroids, including meteorite studies and Earth-based telescopic observations, as well as comparative and analog studies of other differentiated bodies. Conveners: David Blewett, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Brett Denevi, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Carol Raymond, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Timothy Titus, US Geological Survey The dates of the AGU Fall meeting are December 5-9, 2011. The abstract deadline is Thursday, August 4. Submit abstracts via this link: http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/ 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 ONLINE WORKSHOP ON LUNAR SWIRLS September 7, 2011, 11:30am - 6pm EDT Swirls are among the most puzzling features on the surface of the Moon. Their bright, looping patterns are unlike anything seen in the solar system. The origin of the lunar swirls has been discussed for many years, but a universally accepted explanation for their formation remains elusive. Current space missions are returning new views of the lunar swirls, and these data have the potential to provide tremendous new insights into swirl formation. We are therefore hosting an informal, one-day, online workshop on lunar swirls using NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) remote communications tools. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss recent advances in the study of lunar swirls, and how the swirls can be used to better understand various solar system processes. There will be invited and submitted talks, as well as time for informal discussions. Participation in this workshop will require only an internet connection, and it will be available to interested scientists from around the world. To submit an abstract or to register, please visit our website: http://sites.google.com/site/lunarswirls/ Abstract deadline is August 1, 2011. Registration deadline is September 1, 2011. 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 JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: PLANETARY SCIENTIST AT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) is seeking two staff Research Scientists in the field of Earth and planetary sciences. Applicants should be capable of contributing to ongoing CEPS work in: planetary geology and geophysics investigations using a range of in situ and remote sensing data; active planetary missions as members of science and instrument teams; new technique or instrument development for research investigations; terrestrial field and remote sensing studies addressing the nature of processes common to planetary solid surfaces; and development of museum exhibits and educational programs related to the Center's areas of expertise. For more information on CEPS, see: http://www.nasm.edu/ceps For complete vacancy announcement see: http:/usajobs.gov key word: geologist; location: Washington, DC. This is a GS 11/12/13, Federal Civil Service position. Salary range $62,467 - $115,742 based on experience. Applications must be received on-line by July 27, 2011. Announcement number 11A-RM-296970-DEU-NASM. EEO- minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 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 SEEKING NOMINEES FOR COSPAR AWARDS AND MEDALS COSPAR, the Committee on Space Research of the International Council for Science, is seeking candidates to be nominated for COSPAR awards and medals, which recognize the outstanding achievements of space scientists throughout the world. The awards will be presented at the 39th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, to be held in Mysore, India, on 14-22 July, 2012. Details concerning the awards, together with instructions and nomination forms, can be found at: http://cosparhq.cnes.fr/Awards/awards.htm Completed nominations forms must reach the COSPAR Secretariat in Paris no later than 30 November, 2011. Questions can be addressed to David H. Smith, executive secretary of the U.S. National Committee for COSPAR, at dhsmith@nas.edu. 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 THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE NOVEMBER CYCLE The next deadline to apply for a NASA Postdoctoral Program fellowship is November 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 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. 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 Send questions to nasapostdoc@orau.org 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 [NASA] PDS RESEASES CASSINI DATA The Planetary Data System (PDS) announces the availability of the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS), Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) and Radar Data Release #26. This release includes ISS volumes coiss_2064 and coiss_2065, VIMS volume covims_0043, and Radar volumes CORADR_0220, CORADR_0221 and CORADR_0222. In addition, the index files for ISS volumes coiss_2058 - coiss_2063 have been updated to correct values for several longitude-based keywords. This data can be found on the PDS Imaging Node website at: http://img.pds.nasa.gov/ The PDS Imaging Node now includes all Cassini ISS, VIMS and Radar data captured through 2010-08-31. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 [NASA] PDS AND [ESA] PSA RELEASE ROSETTA MISSION DATA The NASA Planetary Data System and ESA Planetary Science Archive are pleased to announce release of the data of the Asteroid 2867 Steins flyby ROSETTA mission. The delivery includes raw and calibrated data from the following instruments: Alice, MIRO, OSIRIS, RPC_MAG, Rosina. Also, the data from earlier stages of the mission were released for GIADA and Radio Science. The data are available through the PDS Small Bodies Node and PSA website. To see and download the data as well as mission and instrument information, go to: http://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/missions/rosetta/ or http://www.rssd.esa.int/PSA 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The June 'image of the month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/jul11Image.html This Month's topic is on "Tufa mounds on Earth and Mars" Images and caption contributed by Dr. Rogelio Linares (1) and Dr. Alexis Rodriguez (2) (1) Department of Geology- GATA, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2) Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA 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 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 [NASA] SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP MEETING, AUGUST 25-26 The 5th NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group Meeting will be held in Pasadena at the Westin Hotel, August 25-26. A registration site will be posted this month at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings/ Because of the relevance of small bodies to human exploration and the President's commitment to sending a crewed mission to a near-Earth object, SBAG is in the process of being co-chartered by both NASA's Science Mission and Exploration Science Mission Directorates. One of the topics to be discussed will be the synergies among small bodies, Mars, and the Moon in human exploration. SBAG will be following on the heels of the 2nd International Primitive Bodies Exploration Working Group meeting (http://ipewg.caltech.edu/), which will discuss potential areas of international collaboration in coming years. 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html September 7, 2011 Onine Workshop on Lunar Swirls http://sites.google.com/site/lunarswirls/ March 15-18, 2012 Earth and Space Conference http://content.asce.org/conferences/earthspace2012/index.html Pasadena, CA November 12-16, 2012 Eclipse on the Coral Sea: Cycle 24 Ascending http://moca.monash.edu/eclipse/ Palm Cove, Australia [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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