PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 32 (July 17, 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. Passing of Tom Gehrels (1925-2011) 2. AGU Fall 2011 Session: NG05. Extreme Space Weather 3. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P02. Accretion and Differentiation of Terrestrial Planets - Experiments and Modeling 4. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P03. Active Mars Surface Processes and the Role of Volatiles 5. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P12. Hydrothermal Mars - Analogs and Observations 6. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P19. Mercury - The View from Orbit 7. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P35. Using Topography to Investigate the Evolution of Solar System Bodies 8. AGU Fall 2011 Session: SA06. Ionospheres of Unmagnetized Planets - Venus, Mars, and Titan 9. AGU Fall 2011 Session: V11. Inferring Processes from Volcanic Deposits in the Solar System 10. GSA Session: T212. Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and Planets - Remote, Field, and Lab Studies 11. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials 12. ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science 13. The NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships 14. Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Geophysics 15. PhD Position on Martian Alluvial Fans at Utrecht University, the Netherlands 16. Planetary Protection Research Program Submission 17. SPICE Training Announcement 18. 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 PASSING OF TOM GEHRELS (1925-2011) Planetary science suffered another loss this week with the passing of Tom Gehrels, 86, a long-time professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. He pioneered the study of wavelength dependence of polarization of stars and planets and was the principal investigator for the Pioneer 10 and 11 Imaging Photopolarimeters. He studied asteroids for much of his career and founded the Spacewatch Project at Kitt Peak. He also founded the highly respected Space Science Series. He will be greatly missed. Momorials are posted at: http://www.uanews.org/node/40649 http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/faculty/memoriam/gehrels.php http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/125432648.html 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: NG05. EXTREME SPACE WEATHER We invite our planetary science colleagues to consider submitting an abstract. This session will focus on solar, interplanetary, *planetary*, astrophysical, magnetospheric, ionospheric and atmospheric phenomena that can be directly observed, simulated in advanced models, inferred from paleo-data (such as ice cores, rocks, and meteorites) and observed from a multitude of stars like the Sun. The extremes of interest include events like the 1859 Carrington event, as well as the recent deep extended solar minimum. What are the worst cases that we should prepare for in terms of geomagnetic storms, energetic-particle populations, or solar irradiance changes? Should we care about experiencing a modern-day Maunder Minimum? What are the implications for planets and exoplanets, both in the present epoch and in the past? Predictions for the next solar cycle are welcome. Questions can be directed to any of the session organizers: Bruce Tsurutani (bruce.tsurutani@jpl.nasa.gov), Karel Schrijver, Lika Guhathakurta, Walter Gonzalez, Tony Mannucci, Gibor Basri, Dave Brain (david.brain@lasp.colorado.edu) Co-sponsors: Planetary Sciences, Space Physics and Aeronomy 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: P02. ACCRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF TERRESTRIAL PLANETS - EXPERIMENTS AND MODELING The two major events in terrestrial planet formation are accretion and differentiation. These processes are best studied through analog experiments and theoretical modeling. Experimental approaches include exploring melt and fluids phase equilibria, major and trace element partitioning coefficients, isotopic data and physical differentiation processes. Computational approaches include models of impact processes, core formation, magma ocean evolution and mantle convection. We invite contributions that advance our understanding of terrestrial planet formation or that highlight new concepts for future investigations. Contributions emphasizing a lab-modeling multidisciplinary approach are particularly welcome. Invited Speakers: - Maria Schonbachler, University of Manchester, UK - Laura Schaefer, Washington University, USA - James Van Orman, Case Western University, USA - Nicolas Dauphas, University of Chicago, USA Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/ Conveners: Anne Pommier, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Allan Treiman, Lunar and Planetary Institute 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: P03. ACTIVE MARS SURFACE PROCESSES AND THE ROLE OF VOLATILES One of the most important recent revelations about Mars is the number, diversity, and breadth of scale of surface processes that are currently active. The realization that Mars is a geologically and geochemically dynamic planet derives from recent observations and ongoing, multi-year spacecraft monitoring at high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. The roles of volatiles H2O and CO2 are central to much of this activity, yet are far from understood. Surface activity of interest to the session may involve redistribution of volatiles themselves, the direct or indirect influence by volatiles, geochemical volatile-surface interaction, or very little apparent direct involvement of volatiles. Examples include, but are certainly not limited to: Ground ice processes; transient or recurring features or events, e.g., slope markings, south polar CO2-frost fans, spiders, etc., north polar avalanches, dust devils; geomorphic features such as dunes, other aeolian features, and gullies, especially whose activity may involve or be mediated by volatiles; polar residual cap evolution; seasonal patterns of ice and frost distribution; surface & near-surface geochemical interactions and weathering processes; change monitoring of geomorphic, spectral, and ephemeral features. Conveners: P. Russell, C. Dundas, M. Mellon, S. Cull 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: P12. HYDROTHERMAL MARS - ANALOGS AND OBSERVATIONS We seek to bring together scientists working on observational and theoretical studies of hydrothermal activity, both on Earth and Mars. If you are working on a related project, please consider submitting for this session. Session Description: Description: Evidence for the presence of volatiles in the martian past, coupled with a history of volcanic and impact activity, indicate that hydrothermal activity likely occurred on Mars. Recent spectroscopic detection of minerals consistent with high-temperature alteration suggest hydrothermal origins. We wish to combine terrestrial analog studies, laboratory, and modeling experiments to address remote sensing observations of potential hydrothermal products on Mars. Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/646 Sponsor: Planetary Sciences (P) Co-Sponsor(s): Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EP), Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology (V) Organizers: E. Noe Dobrea J. Michalski [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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P19. MERCURY - THE VIEW FROM ORBIT Conveners: Sean C. Solomon Brian J. Anderson Ralph L. McNutt, Jr. Louise M. Prockter After three successful flybys of Mercury, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft began orbiting the innermost planet in March of this year. The orbital phase of the mission is enabling the first global perspective on Mercury's geology, surface composition, topography, gravity, and internal magnetic field and the first continuous observations of the planet's exosphere, magnetosphere, and solar-wind interaction. This session will highlight the latest results on Mercury from MESSENGER measurements obtained during the initial eight months of orbital operations. The conveners also welcome contributed papers on complementary ground-based observations, laboratory measurements, and theoretical developments relevant to planetary processes at Mercury. 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P35. USING TOPOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE THE EVOLUTION OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES We invite abstracts to the session "Using Topography to Investigate the Evolution of Solar System Bodies" for the Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco, December 5-9, 2011. We seek to bring together scientists who use topographic measurements as part of their efforts to better understand the evolution of planets, asteroid and comets. Description: Spacecraft data have enabled the surface topography of many solar system bodies to be determined. These data provide insight into near-surface processes and properties that exist over the visible history of a body, on global and local scales. We invite abstracts on any topic in which topography plays a role. These may describe theoretical investigations, laboratory studies or data analysis of any body in the solar system and can include (but are not limited to): topographic measurements that are indicative of the types of surface terrain or environments present; processes that create or erase/erode surface topography at any scale; and subsurface processes that are expressed by surface topography. Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/669 Conveners: Olivier Barnouin Louise Prockter Wes Patterson 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: SA06. IONOSPHERES OF UNMAGNETIZED PLANETS - VENUS, MARS, AND TITAN Dear Colleagues, We kindly invite you to submit an abstract to the session SA06: Ionospheres of Unmagnetized Planets: Venus, Mars and Titan at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco (5-9 December). Abstracts are due August 4. Atmospheric dynamics, solar photons, energetic particles and induced and intrinsic magnetic fields combine in myriad ways to create planetary ionospheres. Venus has a dense dayside ionosphere and mysterious ionospheric 'holes' on the night side. Locally intense remnant crustal magnetic fields alter Mars' otherwise Venus-like ionosphere to create a plasma laboratory unique in the solar system. Titan is bombarded by solar photons and Kronian energetic electrons, creating a dynamic ionosphere and rich hydrocarbon chemistry. In all cases, these ionospheres are the reservoirs for atmospheric escape. Related contributions are sought covering recent advances or reviews of observations, numerical modeling or relevant laboratory experiments. More information on the session can be found at: http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/744 Abstract submission: http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/ We encourage you to share this message with your colleagues. Sincerely, Robert Lillis rlillis@ssl.berkeley.edu Paul Withers withers@bu.edu Matthew Fillingim matt@ssl.berkeley.edu Guillaume Gronoff Guillaume.P.Gronoff@nasa.gov Cyril Simon Wedlund Cyril.Simon@aeronomie.be 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: V11. INFERRING PROCESSES FROM VOLCANIC DEPOSITS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Colleagues, We would like to draw your attention and encourage your contributions to the Fall 2011 AGU session: V11. Inferring Processes From Volcanic Deposits in the Solar System This session will bring together physical volcanologists from the planetary and terrestrial geology communities and explore the current understanding of explosive and effusive volcanology. Topics may include field and remote-sensing investigations of volcanic deposits that aim to further our understanding of formation or degradation processes (e.g. pyroclastic deposit emplacement, lava flow inflation, deposit erosion). Bringing planetary, terrestrial, explosive and effusive volcanologist together will help to address current problems in the field and identify gaps in our current understanding of volcanic processes. This session is sponsored by: Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology together with Planetary Sciences. Please do not hesitate to contact the conveners (below) if you have any questions. Conveners: Patrick Whelley University at Buffalo, USA pwhelley@buffalo.edu Brittany Brand University of Washington, USA bbrand@u.washington.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 GSA SESSION: T212. IMPACT CRATERING ON THE EARTH, MOON, AND PLANETS - REMOTE, FIELD, AND LAB STUDIES The impact cratering community is invited to submit an abstract to the following session at the 2011 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting (October 9-12, 2011, Minneapolis, MN): Topical Session T212. Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and Planets: Remote, Field, and Lab Studies Conveners: Christian Koeberl (Univ. Vienna/NHM, Austria), Jeffrey Plescia (APL-Johns Hopkins Univ. USA) This session solicits contributions on any aspect of impact crater studies (terrestrial and planetary), including recent observations of lunar craters that constrain geologic aspects of craters and provide information on the modeling of impacts. To submit an abstract to this session: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/top/papers/index.cgi?sessionid=28353 Abstracts Deadline: 26 July 2011 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER: PETROLOGY OF PLANETARY MATERIALS The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), part 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 efforts, focusing on planetary crusts and magmas, and their volatiles constituents; target materials include lunar highlands rocks, Martian meteorites, and terrestrial analogs. These efforts focus on planetary samples, starting with analyses by optical microscopy and electron microprobe; other instruments are available at nearby Johnson Space Center or with external collaborators. The candidate will be encouraged to design and conduct their own research in planetary science, propose for external funding, participate in grant review panels and analysis groups, and become involved with spacecraft missions. The successful candidate will have a recent Ph.D. in petrology or geochemistry; experience with planetary materials is helpful, but not required. The position would be for two years, with possible extension to a third year. Review of candidates will begin on November 15, 2011, with a hiring decision as soon as possible thereafter. Further information can be found on our website: http://www.lpi.usra.edu The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 ESA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN SPACE SCIENCE The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year. The aim of these fellowships is to provide young scientists, holding a PhD or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing space science research in fields related to the ESA Science and Robotic Exploration Programmes. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain. Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in the fall of 2012. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of receiving their degree before starting the fellowship. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2011. More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme, as well as the application form can be found at: http://www.rssd.esa.int/fellowship Questions: Contact Dr. Guido De Marchi, at fellowship@rssd.esa.int [Edited for length.] 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM FELLOWSHIPS 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 Questions regarding this opportunity may be submitted by e-mail to nasapostdoc@orau.org 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY GEOPHYSICS The broad area of interest is interiors and evolution of satellites (mostly, but not exclusively, in the outer solar system). A strong background in geophysics or a similar quantitative field is required. The position is initially for two years, with possibility of extension. Applications will be considered until the post is filled; initial starting date is nominally 1st Jan 2012, but this is negotiable. For questions or more information, contact Francis Nimmo (fnimmo@es.ucsc.edu) at the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz. 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PHD POSITION ON MARTIAN ALLUVIAL FANS AT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY, THE NETHERLANDS The Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, offers a PhD position < Sorting out formative mechanism and time scales of Martian and Terrestrial alluvial fans from particle size sorting > in a vibrant group as part of the department of Physical Geography in cooperation with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin and the geography department at Durham University, UK. The candidate is expected to process airborne and remote sensing data of Mars and Earth, perform morphodynamic experiments in the laboratory, conduct fieldwork on Svalbard, Norway, publish in international peer-reviewed journals, write a (paper) PhD thesis within the project duration of four years and assist some teaching. Polar Bear protection course is included. Highly motivated candidates with an MSc degree in applied physics, physical geography, hydrology, civil engineering, planetary geology or a related field are encouraged to apply. The candidate is offered a fixed-term four year appointment as PhD researcher with one year probation. The gross monthly salary increases from EURO 2,042 in year 1 to EURO 2,612 in year 4. Additional information: http://www.geo.uu.nl/fg/mkleinhans 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 PLANETARY PROTECTION RESEARCH PROGRAM SUBMISSION Deadline: September 2, 2011. Of particular interest are the following areas: * Limits of life in laboratory simulations of planetary environments, particularly studies of the distribution and dynamics of organisms in conditions present on Mars (including gullies and ice-rich environments) or within a subsurface ocean as may be present on icy satellites - potentially in the presence of a heat source brought from Earth; * Modeling of planetary environmental conditions and transport processes that could affect transport of spacecraft-associated contaminants to locations in which Earth organisms might thrive, for example Mars Special Regions or the subsurface of icy bodies such as Europa and other outer planet satellites; * Development of modern molecular analytical methods to rapidly detect, classify, and/or enumerate the spectrum of Earth microbes carried by spacecraft. Of particular interest are methods capable of identifying microbes with high potential for surviving spacecraft flight or planetary environmental conditions (e.g., anaerobes, psychrophiles, radiation-resistant organisms); * Technologies, and procedures for sterilization compatible with spacecraft materials and assemblies. Questions concerning the Planetary Protection Program may be addressed to either Dr. Catharine A. Conley; Cassie.Conley@nasa.gov OR to Dr. Michael K. Reddy, (202) 358-7221; michael.k.reddy@nasa.gov 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 SPICE TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT The Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) will conduct a SPICE observation geometry training class on September 13-15, 2011 in Monrovia, California. SPICE is described at: http://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/spiceconcept.html The class is free and open to all professionals and students involved in solar system exploration, including foreign nationals and members of the commercial community. Further information about the class and the class registration form are found at: http://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/announcement_SPICE-2011 Registration is due by August 12, 2011. 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS January 23-27, 2012 Planets around Stellar Remnants http://www.mpia-hd.mpg.de/PLANETS2012/index.html Arecibo, Puerto Rico Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html [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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