PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 38 (August 28, 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. Cassini Radar Science 2. Mars Recent Climate Change Workshop Rescheduled 3. [NASA] August 2011 Discovery and New Frontiers Newsletter Released 4. Plan to Attend the IAU Party at the EPSC-DPS Meeting In Nantes 5. The NASA Postdoctoral Program Welcomes Applications for the November Cycle 6. Hands-On ISIS Workshop 7. [NASA] PDS: Mars Exploration Rovers Data Release 29 8. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials 9. Postdoctoral Researchers in Lunar Science 10. Job: Tenure-Track Assistant Prof. in Space Physics or Planetary Sciences at University of Washington, Seattle 11. [NASA] Public Invitation for Potential Members to Serve on NASA Federal Advisory Committees 12. [NASA] SALMON-2 AO Released for Community Comment 13. 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 CASSINI RADAR SCIENCE Cassini RADAR data users: note that Titan's rotation axis is now known to be inclined to its orbital plane, reducing location errors from 10s of km pre-Cassini to ~ 1-2 km. At present, two rotation models are used for RADAR products. Flybys TA through T30 used a precessing/ nonsynchronous model that cannot be extrapolated. T36 onward used the same pole but synchronous rotation and no precession. Users are warned that feature coordinates based on these two models are different at the 1-2 km level and that analyses such as stereoanalysis and rotational modeling must take account. Cassini may reprocess TA-T30 products to be consistent with later data and may reprocess all data once a definitive model exists. Also, BIDR products may have parallax distortions resulting from topography. BIDRs georeference onto a sphere, and features located above or below appear displaced horizontally. In particular, features in Titan's polar regions can be in error by 1-5 km, and the apparent offset between opposite-side images can be ~ 2-10 km. These differences can be exploited for stereomapping but also must be accounted for in analyses such as change detection and rotation modeling). For details consult: Stiles et al., Astronomical Journal, 135, 5, May 2008. 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 MARS RECENT CLIMATE CHANGE WORKSHOP RESCHEDULED The wokshop originally scheduled for Nov. 15-17, 2011 has been rescheduled. New Dates: May 22-24, 2012 http://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov/mars-climate-workshop-2012/ NASA/Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA 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 [NASA] AUGUST 2011 DISCOVERY AND NEW FRONTIERS NEWSLETTER RELEASED -Juno's spectacular launch on August 5 -Dawn: first spacecraft to orbit a main belt asteroid -Vesta Fiestas celebrate Dawn's milestone -MESSENGER enters orbit about Mercury -GRAIL prepares for September launch -New Horizons adds new target to Pluto system flyby -OSIRIS-REx selected as the third New Frontiers mission -Three new Discovery mission candidates announced -Highlights from the Thrill of Discovery educator workshop -"Space School Musical" - a Telly award, new activity guide, and more View and subscribe at: http://discovery.nasa.gov/newsletter/newsletter.cfml 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 PLAN TO ATTEND THE IAU PARTY AT THE EPSC-DPS MEETING IN NANTES EPSC-DPS meeting attendees are invited to an International Astronomical Union gathering ("IAU Party") on Wednesday 5 October from 12:00 to 1:30pm to learn about and discuss the role of the IAU in the area of (exo)planetary sciences: - what it is (Divisions, Commissions, Working Groups, etc.) - what it does - what you would like it to be/do Application forms (due December 1, 2011) will be available for those interested in becoming IAU members (required for attendance at next year's General Assembly in Beijing). Box lunches will be available for purchase (cost is 17 euros). Please register and select a menu if you would like to buy lunch: http://bit.ly/IAU_Party The conveners: Regis Courtin (Past-President of Commission 16) Melissa McGrath (President of Commission 16) Regis Courtin LESIA - CNRS / Observatoire de Paris 92195 Meudon Principal Cedex (France) Tel: +33-(0)145077729 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 THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR THE NOVEMBER CYCLE The next deadline to apply for a NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) fellowship is November 1, 2011. 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: nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 HANDS-ON ISIS WORKSHOP A two-day introductory workshop on the Integrated Software for Imager and Spectrometers (ISIS) is being hosted by the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Expert developers and users from the U.S. Geological Survey will present a series of hands-on lessons covering fundamental cartographic and digital image processing of planetary data using ISIS. The tentative course outline includes: Basic visualization tools ISIS GUI and utility tools Importing data into ISIS Camera and Photogrammetric tools Map projecting images Creating uncontrolled digital mosaics Exporting data from ISIS Co-registration of data sets Photometric normalization tools Advanced visualization tools Installing ISIS Dates: October 25-26, Tuesday and Wednesday Location: Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland Prerequisites: Basic Unix command line knowledge and a Mac, Windows, or Unix laptop with wireless 802.11g/n Class limit: 20 slots There is no fee for the workshop; however, all travel and lodging costs are the responsibility of the attendee. Registration: Please send an email to ssides@usgs.gov with a subject line of "ISIS Workshop at JHU/APL". Attendees will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Stuart C. Sides Astrogeology Science Center US Geological Survey ssides@usgs.gov 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] PDS: MARS EXPLORATION ROVERS DATA RELEASE 29 The Planetary Data System is pleased to announce Release 29 of Mars Exploration Rover data. This release includes primarily data from Sols 2431 through 2520 and includes data only from Opportunity, MER1/B. It includes data from the following instruments: APXS, HAZCAM, NAVCAM, MI, Moessbauer, PANCAM, Rock Abrasion Tool, Rover Motion Counter, and SPICE. There are no Atmospheric Opacity or Mini-TES data in this release. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20110824.html The following special services are provided for accessing MER data: MER Analyst's Notebook: http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/mer/ Planetary Image Atlas: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/mer/ 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 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. 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 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: 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. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 JOB: TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROF. IN SPACE PHYSICS OR PLANETARY SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, SEATTLE The Department of Earth & Space Sciences at the University of Washington invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty member whose research focuses in space and planetary sciences. We are especially interested in scholars with expertise in the design, fabrication and operation of spacecraft or ground-based experiments associated with solar, planetary, magnetospheric, and ionospheric sciences, and/or aeronomy. The candidate will be expected to participate in the development of hardware/experiential learning courses within a space sciences and technology option in the BS program. Opportunities for collaboration exist with Aeronautics and Astronautics, Electrical Engineering and the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium. It is anticipated the position will be filled at the Assistant Professor level. Priority will be given to applications received before November 1, 2011. For full details and how to apply, please see: http://www.washington.edu/admin/acadpers/ads/aa2872.html 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] PUBLIC INVITATION FOR POTENTIAL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON NASA FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES NASA announces an invitation for the public to nominate individuals and also submit self-nominations for consideration as potential members of NASA's Federal advisory committees. Deadline: September 20, 2011 ADDRESSES: Nominations and self-nominations from interested individuals must be sent to NASA in letter form, be signed, and must include the name of the specific NASA Federal advisory committee of interest for consideration. Such letters must be accompanied by the following additional information: (1) Resume and/or curriculum vitae; (2) Professional biography (one page maximum). Letters may be submitted electronically, in hard-copy, or both. Send all letters and accompanying information to: Ms. Susan Burch Advisory Committee Management Division Office of International and Interagency Relations NASA Headquarters Washington, DC 20546 or electronically to: susan.burch@nasa.gov NASA's currently chartered Federal advisory committees include: NASA Advisory Council Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel International Space Station (ISS) Advisory Committee International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory Advisory Committee National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Advisory Board To view charters for each of the above-listed NASA Federal advisory committees, and for additional information, please visit: http://oiir.hq.nasa.gov/acmd.html or contact: Ms. Susan Burch 202-358-0550 susan.burch@nasa.gov [Editor Note: Shortened 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 [NASA] SALMON-2 AO RELEASED FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT Comments Due: September 16, 2011 Identification Number: NNH11ZDA017J The full text of the draft solicitation is available at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ The draft SALMON-2 AO provides a solicitation and procurement base for opportunities for modest investigations requiring space flight that advance the high priority science, exploration, and technology objectives of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and the Office of the Chief Technologist. This draft SALMON-2 AO represents a restructuring of the 2008 SALMON AO (NNH08ZDA009O; http://go.nasa.gov/SALMON-AO) to incorporate the standard format and processes that have been developed for the NASA Science Mission Directorate's Standard AO: http://soma.larc.nasa.gov/StandardAO/sao_templates.html NASA welcomes comments and suggestions on this DRAFT standardized SALMON-2 AO. Comments are welcome on any topic, but are especially welcome where they identify policies, practices, or specific language that are unclear, ambiguous, nonoptimal, or unnecessary. Please include the phrase "SALMON-2 AO COMMENT" (without quotes) in the subject line of any comment submitted. Questions or requests for further information may be addressed to: Dr. Paul Hertz Chief Scientist Science Mission Directorate, NASA Washington, DC 20546 202-358-0986 paul.hertz@nasa.gov [Editor Note: Shortened 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 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html February 13-15, 2011 Conference on Life Detection in Extraterrestrial Samples http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lifedetection2012/ San Diego, CA July 23-27, 2011 2012 Sagan Summer Workshop: Working with Exoplanet Light Curves http://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/2012/ Pasadena, CA [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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