PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 35 (August 7, 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. [NASA] SBAG 5 Agenda and Hotel Block Extension 2. ASCE Earth and Space 2012 Conference 3. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter 4. Planetary Science Slides and Illustrations 5. VEXAG Meeting #9 and Venus Science Conference 6. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials 7. Postdoctoral Researchers in Lunar Science 8. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 9. Childcare Grants for EPSC-DPS 2011 10. [NASA] Official Response to Planetary Science Decadal Survey 11. Candidate Nominations for Review Board 12. 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 [NASA] SBAG 5 AGENDA AND HOTEL BLOCK EXTENSION The 5th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group will be held August 25-26, 2011 at the Westin Pasadena in Pasadena, California. A draft agenda has been temporarily posted at: http://www.psi.edu/~sykes/sbag/sbag5_agenda.pdf to be posted Monday at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/ The room block at the Westing Pasadena has been extended to Friday, August 12. Use group code "NASA SBAG" to receive the group rate and substantial savings. Go to the URL just above to register for the hotel as well as the meeting. There is no registration fee. Topics include: - Discussion and Approval of 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. - Expanding the Lunar Science Institute to include NEOs and Mars satellites in an Exploration Science Institute 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 ASCE EARTH AND SPACE 2012 CONFERENCE Contributed abstracts are being solicited for the ASCE Earth and Space 2012 Conference for a session entitled "In-Situ Instrumentation and Sensors," in Symposium 2: Exploration and Utilization of Extraterrestrial Bodies. The meeting will be held in Pasadena, California, April 15-18, 2012. The submission website is open for abstracts and can be found at: http://content.asce.org/conferences/earthspace2012/ Abstracts Due: August 16, 2011 Author Acceptance/Rejection Notification: September 15, 2011 Final Papers Deadline: November 15, 2011 We welcome your participation. For questions, please contact session chairs, Luther Beegle, JPL, 818-642-8913, Luther.W.Beegle@jpl.nasa.gov Jessica Gaskin, MSFC, 256-961-7818, Jessica.Gaskin@nasa.gov 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Dear Members of the Mars Community, On behalf of Dave Des Marais, the MEPAG Chair, Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Charles Budney of the Mars Program Science Office, please find the August 2011 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Regards, Joyce Pulliam 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 PLANETARY SCIENCE SLIDES AND ILLUSTRATIONS Are you looking for some great slides or illustrations to use in your classes this term? The Planetary Science Research Discoveries website has sets of Powerpoint slides. These are summaries of PSRD articles covering the origin of solar systems and the processes by which planets, moons, and small bodies form and evolve. The slides are annotated with captions and notes, and are linked to PSRD articles that provide the full context, additional graphics, and references. Web link: http://www.psrd.hawaii.edu/Archive/Archive-PSRDpresents.html The Cosmochemistry Illustrated website offers Powerpoint slides with planetary examples to enrich any geochemistry, petrology, and introductory geology course. References and background are given in the notes pages. Web link: http://www.higp.hawaii.edu/cosmoeye/ 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 VEXAG MEETING #9 AND VENUS SCIENCE CONFERENCE Hazy Center, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Near Dulles Airport Tuesday, August 30, through Thursday, September 1, 2011 The next 1.5-day VEXAG meeting will be held Aug. 30-31 at the Hazy Center, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, near Dulles airport. A key goal of this meeting is to update the top science questions, goals, objectives, and investigations in response to the 2011 Decadal Survey Report. Another goal is to define a new exploration theme that can support the selection of Venus missions in the coming decade. The current goals/objectives/investigations document and proposed science questions are available on the VEXAG website. All parties interested in the future of Venus exploration are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. Additionally, a new student focus group is being formed and student travel support is available. A Venus science meeting will be held August 31-September 1. Abstracts are due August 10, 2011. Meeting details are available on the VEXAG website: www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag 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 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: www.lpi.usra.edu 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS IN LUNAR SCIENCE 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: 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. 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 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program welcomes applications for the November cycle. 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 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 CHILDCARE GRANTS FOR EPSC-DPS 2011 The DPS is providing childcare grants of up to $250 per family for members that are presenting at the meeting. Parents are responsible for making arrangements for childcare. Acceptable uses for childcare funds include: funding extra childcare at home, paying for care at the meeting, and paying travel expenses for dependents or caregivers. To apply for a childcare grant please send the following to: Rachel Mastrapa, Rachel.M.Mastrapa@nasa.gov The deadline is September 1, 2011. Name: E-mail: Institution: Career Status: (Student, Post-Doc, Permanent, or Other) Abstract Title: Statement of Need: (A brief description including number of children, and how the funds would be used) 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] OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO PLANETARY SCIENCE DECADAL SURVEY NASA's point-by-point response to the recommendations contained in "Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022" is now available at: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/CurrentProjects/ssb_052412 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS FOR REVIEW BOARD The Space Studies Board (SSB) of the National Research Council anticipates a new study concerning NASA's astronomy science centers. The study is intended to examine the processes used by each center for reviewing and awarding observation time, access to mission data, and funding. The study goals are to: (1) ensure that the science centers' practices, processes, and community relations maximize the science for the available resources. (2) identify any contractual or management processes that hinder the centers from maximizing the science return. The Centers to be reviewed include: * STScI, * NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, * Chandra X-ray Center, * Spitzer Science Center, and * SOFIA Science Center Service on the study committee is open to scientists, engineers, and other experts, including those working for a government agency if: (1) they have relevant scientific and technical expertise, and (2) their service will not appear to compromise the independence and objectivity of the study. It is anticipated that no more than half of the committee's members will be astronomers. Please include in your recommendations: name, primary areas of expertise, contact information (including institutional/company affiliation). Email: Celeste Naylor, cnaylor@nas.edu, by close of business August 08, 2011. [Edited for length.] 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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html August 30-September 1, 2011 VEXAG Meeting #9 and Venus Science Conference http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag Dulles, VA October 14-16, 2011 Heavenly Discourses: Myth, Astronomy and Culture http://heavenlydiscourses.org/ Bristol, United Kingdom November 23-25, 2011 Canadian Space Summit 2011: Big Data from Space and Earth - Challenges and Opportunities http://www.css.ca/ Calgary, Canada February 1-3, 2012 Workshop on the Early Solar System Impact Bombardment II http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/bombardment2012/ Houston, TX March 19-23, 2012 Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2012) http://anstd.ans.org/NETS2012/NETS2012Home.html The Woodlands, TX May 21-25, 2012 Third Conference on Early Mars: Geologic, Hydrologic, and Climatic Evolution and the Implications for Life http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/earlymars2012/ Carson City, NV June 12-15, 2012 Third International Planetary Dunes Workshop http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/dunes2012/ Flagstaff, AZ [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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