PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 34 (July 31, 2011) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Melissa Lane Co-Editors: Susan Benecchi, Mark V. Sykes Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. AGU Fall 2011 Session: NG18. Turbulence in Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 2. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P22. Phyllosilicate Formation on Mars - Connecting Experimental and Theoretical Studies with Planetary Observations 3. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P30. Preparing for the Science of Mars Sample Return 4. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P31. Saturn - New Discoveries from the Cassini Orbiter and Earth-Based Observatories 5. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P32. Science Enabled by the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) - Progress and Future Directions 6. AGU Fall AGU Session: P34. Using the Earth as a Guide to Extraterrestrial Planetary Surfaces 7. NASA] Astrobiology Institute Proposal Notice 8. Postdoctoral Researchers in Lunar Science (LPI) 9. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials (LPI) 10. NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships 11. Exploring Mars Habitability Conference: Abstract Book and Presentations Now Available 12. [NASA] Due Date Delayed For Astrobiology: Exobiology and Evolutionary Biology (EXOB) Program 13. [NASA] Small Bodies Assessment Group Fifth Meeting Registration Now Open 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 AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: NG18. TURBULENCE IN GEOPHYSICAL AND ASTROPHYSICAL FLUID DYNAMICS Many of the approaches taken to solve problems in atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, mantle convection, dynamo processes, and plasma flows are complementary. In this session, we aim to bring together the theoretical, numerical, and experimental work on fundamental fluid dynamics from these different fields to promote interaction across the spectrum of geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics. In particular, we focus on strongly nonlinear dynamics such as: rapidly rotating turbulence; MHD turbulence and magnetic field generation; atmospheric circulation and jets; heat transfer and mixing in thermal turbulence; double diffusive systems; and experimental and numerical methods of turbulence research. Invited speakers: Celine Guervilly (UCSC) Predrag Cvitanovic (Georgia Tech) Stephan Stellmach (Muenster) Ian Grooms (Courant Institute) Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/ Conveners: Eric King (Berkeley) Annalisa Bracco (Georgia Tech) Jonathan Aurnou (UCLA) 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 Description: 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? Abstract submission deadline: August 4, 2011 Submit abstracts at: http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/ 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: P30. PREPARING FOR THE SCIENCE OF MARS SAMPLE RETURN We welcome submissions from a range of disciplines with a friendly reminder that submissions are due August 4, 2011. Returned samples may unlock wide-ranging questions about the geology, surface processes, and habitability of Mars that cannot be answered by study of meteorites or current mission data. The 2013-2022 NRC Decadal Survey has thus named its #1 Flagship priority as MAX-C, the first of a three-mission, multi-decadal effort to return samples from Mars. Continued support by the scientific community will be critical to the campaign's success. This session will highlight the large-scale implications of existing datasets with an eye toward what may be learned when samples are returned. Topics will span planetary science including high- and low-T geochemistry, igneous and sedimentary petrology, mineral spectroscopy, and astrobiology. Invited speakers: Phil Christensen (Arizona State University) Scott McLennan (SUNY Stony Brook) Lars Borg (Lawrence Livermore National Lab) Conveners: Mariek Schmidt, Justin Filiberto, James Day, and Charles Budney Co-Sponsor: Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology 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: P31. SATURN - NEW DISCOVERIES FROM THE CASSINI ORBITER AND EARTH-BASED OBSERVATORIES Dear Colleagues, You are welcome to participate in and submit an abstract to the session P31 "Saturn: New Discoveries from the Cassini Orbiter and Earth-Based Observatories". Description: Recent observations from the Cassini orbiter and Earth- based observatories have revealed new insights into a variety of phenomena on Saturn, including aurorae, storms and lightning, zonal winds, and deep-seated meteorological systems such as equatorial plumes, annular clouds, and the perplexing train of cloud clearings known as the "String of Pearls". In late 2010, an unusually large storm erupted, the first northern storm observed since 1905. Observed for months by both Cassini and Earth-based observatories, this system is yielding compositional, dynamical, and chemical insights into the workings of storms in the Jovian planets. This session highlights such new Saturn discoveries from Earth and by Cassini. The deadline for abstracts is August 4. Invited Speakers: Bill Kurth (University of Iowa) Agustin Sanchez-Lavega (Universidad del Pais Vasco) Brigette Hesman (GSFC) Henkrik Melin (University of Leicester) Conveners: Kevin Baines, University of Wisconsin-Madison, blueskies4321@yahoo.com Andy Ingersoll, California Institute of Technology, api@gps.caletech.edu 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: P32. SCIENCE ENABLED BY THE NASA LUNAR SCIENCE INSTITUTE (NLSI) - PROGRESS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS We are soliciting contributed submissions on all aspects of lunar science, including, but not limited to, research enabled by the NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI). The past three years have witnessed a renaissance in lunar science, demonstrated by five major lunar missions, the establishment of NLSI and a growing NextGen community. We seek presentations on topics ranging from geology/geochemistry, impact cratering, lunar formation and solar system dynamics, space plasma/exosphere and surface interactions, volatile characterization as well as the unique astronomy enabled by the radio-quiet far side of the Moon. Invited Speakers: Dr. Carle Pieters, Brown University Dr. Bill Farrell, NASA GSFC Dr. Bill Bottke, Southwest Research Institute Dr. Maria Zuber, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011 http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/666 The Conveners: Dr. Yvonne Pendleton, Director, NASA Lunar Science Institute Dr. David Morrison, Senior Scientist, NASA Lunar Science Institute Dr. Mihaly Horanyi, Professor, University of Colorado 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 FALL AGU SESSION: P34. USING THE EARTH AS A GUIDE TO EXTRATERRESTRIAL PLANETARY SURFACES We hope you will consider submitting an abstract to session P34: Using the Earth as a Guide to Extraterrestrial Planetary Surfaces at the AGU Fall Meeting 2011. This session will focus on work that examines planetary surface processes and properties through the use of terrestrial analogs. Of particular interest will be projects that include terrestrial field observations that directly aid in the interpretation of planetary data sets. The session will encompass a wide range of topics that are expected to include both morphological and compositional studies, including both ground-based and orbital data sets; however, all studies will be unified by a strong basis in terrestrial geology. The goal of this session is to encourage workers to utilize terrestrial geological techniques to directly inform interpretations of extraterrestrial features, using site-specific examples. Further details on this session are available at: http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/668 Conveners: Craig Hardgrove, Stony Brook University Nina Lanza, University of New Mexico The meeting is December 5-9, 2011 in San Francisco. The abstract deadline is August 4, 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 [NASA] ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE PROPOSAL NOTICE No later than late October, the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) intends to release a Cooperative Agreement Notice (NNH1JZDA016C) soliciting team-based proposals for membership in the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). Proposals will be due not less than 90 days after release of the solicitation and no earlier than January 31, 2012. NAI awards for the upcoming CAN (Cycle-6) are made for 5 years at an approximate annual funding level of $1.0 - 1.5M/year/team. Teams typically comprise researchers and science educators at a number of geographically dispersed institutions, with a single Principal Investigator who is responsible for the quality and direction of the entire proposed investigation and for the use of all awarded funds. For reference, the Cycle 5 CAN is available on the NASA research opportunities homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ Choose "Solicitations" then "Past Solicitations" then "NASA Astrobiology Institute - Cycle 5 NNH08ZDA002C". There are four teams whose 5-year awards are expiring in conjunction with the Cycle 6 competition. NASA anticipates selecting 4-5 teams through the Cycle 6 competition to replace these teams. Teams with expiring awards are eligible to propose for a new 5-year award. Questions about the Cycle 6 CAN may be addressed to: Dr. Mary Voytek, mary.voytek-1@nasa.gov 202-358-1577. Questions about the NASA Astrobiology Institute may be addressed to: Dr. Carl Pilcher, carl.b.pilcher@nasa.gov 650-604-0022. [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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS IN LUNAR SCIENCE (LPI) The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) invites applications for lunar science and exploration postdoctoral fellowships. Opportunities include: Lunar Surface Geology and Remote Sensing - Using new LRO data; integrating it with existing lunar data to evaluate processes associated with impact cratering and/or planetary differentiation. Experience with orbital remote sensing methods, photometry of lunar materials, and photogeology of lunar or lunar-like terrains preferred. Experimental and/or Analytical Petrology and Geochemistry - Using Apollo and lunar meteorite samples (or synthetic analogues) to evaluate processes associated with impact cratering and/or planetary differentiation. Experience with electron and ion microprobes, and/or LA-ICPMS techniques preferred. Modeling of Impact Cratering Processes - Using hydrocodes and relevant analytical techniques to evaluate different cratering processes on the Moon, to model specific crater or basin-forming events, and potentially guide future exploration scenarios. The successful candidate will be a member of the new LPI-JSC Center for Lunar Science and Exploration (http://www.lpi.usra.edu/nlsi/), one of the core teams within the NASA Lunar Science Institute. Further information, including submission requirements are found at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu Questions regarding science involved in the position, contact Dr. David Kring (kring@lpi.usra.edu). The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 RESEARCHER: PETROLOGY OF PLANETARY MATERIALS (LPI) 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 www.lpi.usra.edu. The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program is accepting fellowship applications for the November 1, 2011 deadline. These competitive one- to three-year appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, 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 moderate supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Funds are available for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit, and health insurance is available through the program. 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 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 EXPLORING MARS HABITABILITY CONFERENCE: ABSTRACT BOOK AND PRESENTATIONS NOW AVAILABLE The abstract book and conference presentations from the "Exploring Mars Habitability" Conference held June 13-15, 2011, in Lisbon, Portugal are now available at: http://exploration.esa.int/mars-habitability-2011 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 [NASA] DUE DATE DELAYED FOR ASTROBIOLOGY: EXOBIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (EXOB) PROGRAM To better synchronize the EXOB evaluation and selection cycle with the Federal budget process, the EXOB Notice of Intent and proposal due dates have changed. To achieve this, the Exobiology proposal due date will be moved to the June time frame. To minimize the impact of this move, it will be done in two steps. The first step is to move the due date for ROSES 2011 (this solicitation) to early March. NASA's ROSES-2012 call will not include a solicitation for Exobiology proposals. EXOB solicitations will resume in ROSES-2013, with a proposal due date of June 2013. The due date for Notices of Intents has been changed to Friday, January 6, 2012. The due date for proposals has been changed to Friday, March 2, 2012. Tables 2 and 3 of the Summary of Solicitation for this NRA have been updated to reflect this change. On or about July 28, 2011, this Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2011" (NNH11ZDA001N) will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select "Solicitations" then "Open Solicitations" then "NNH11ZDA001N"). You can now track amendments, clarifications and corrections to ROSES and subscribe to an RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ roses-2011 Questions concerning EXO may be addressed to: Michael New NASA Headquarters (202) 358-1766 HQ-EXO@mail.nasa.gov [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 [NASA] SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP FIFTH MEETING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN SBAG 5 will be held August 25-26, 2011, at the Westin Pasadena Hotel in Pasadena, CA. Registration for the meeting is now open at: https://www.cvent.com/events/5th-meeting-of-the-nasa-small-bodies -assessment-group/registration-47d7c1cecd5841878eb6ca7b07554dfc.aspx There is no registration fee. Information on hotel accommodations and directions are available at: http://www.cvent.com/events/5th-meeting-of-the-nasa-small-bodies -assessment-group/event-summary-47d7c1cecd5841878eb6ca7b07554dfc.aspx The meeting agenda will be posted at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/ Topics to be discussed include: - Approval of the Small Bodies Exploration Roadmap. - Where do we need to invest next? - Funding status of Planetary Research and Analysis programs relevant to small bodies. - Co-chartering of SBAG by SMD and ESMD - status, expectations and the merger of ESMD and SOMD. - Synergies among Small Bodies, the Moon, and Mars in science and human exploration. SBAG 5 will follow the 2nd Meeting of the International Primitive Bodies Exploration Working Group, also being held in Pasadena (go to http://ipewg.caltech.edu/, registration is $190). 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 October 14-16, 2011 Heavenly Discourses - Myth, Astronomy and Culture http://heavenlydiscourses.org/ Bristol, United Kingdom November 23-25, 2011 Canadian Space Society Annual Space Summit http://www.css.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=427& Itemid=57 Calgary, Canada February 1-3, 2012 Workshop on the Early Solar System Bombardment II http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/bombardment2012/ Houston, TX June 16-17, 2012 (Short Course); June 18-22, 2012 (Workshop) 9th International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW-9) http://www.planetaryprobe.eu/ Toulouse, France [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, 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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