PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 41 (September 11, 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. Nicholas M. Short (July 18, 1927-June 12, 2011) 2. Angioletta Coradini (1946-2011) 3. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials 4. Postdoctoral Researchers in Lunar Science 5. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 6. Science Cafe Speakers Needed for PBS Program "Finding Life Beyond Earth" 7. Petrology Postdoctoral Researcher 8. Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Morphology (France) 9. Outer Planets Assessment Group Meeting (19-20 Oct. 2011) 10. Announcement: Europa Lander Open Forum 11. 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 NICHOLAS M. SHORT (July 18, 1927 - June 12, 2011) Nicholas M. Short helped establish the fields of shock metamorphism and meteorite impact crater studies. He made contributions to lunar sample investigations and remote sensing in terrestrial geology. Nick died in Bowie, MD, after a long battle with cancer. Nick received his Ph.D. in geochemistry in 1958 from MIT and at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory studied the unique deformation effects created in rocks and minerals by the intense shock waves produced by nuclear and chemical explosions. He helped establish that the extreme environments of nuclear explosions were close to those of natural meteorite impact events, with effects that provide indicators of ancient impact events. He co-edited (with Bevan French) Shock Metamorphism of Natural Materials (1968) ("The Green Bible"), which remains a fundamental text in the field. He used remote-sensing data for terrestrial geological and environmental studies and developed the still-active NASA Remote Sensing Tutorial Web site (http://rst.gsfc.nasa.gov). Retiring from Goddard in 1988, and joining Bloomsburg University, he continued to work on remote sensing and actively expanded and updated the Tutorial until just shortly before his death. His keenly inquiring mind and enthusiasm will be missed. An autobiographical memoir: http://digitalcommons.library.arizona.edu/objectviewer?o=uadc%3A%2F%2F azu_maps%2FVolume39%2FNumber8%2Fp1405-1408 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 ANGIOLETTA CORADINI, 1946-2011 Angioletta Coradini, one of the world-recognized leading experts in Planetary Sciences, with varied interests ranging from minor bodies to outer planets, and theory on the formation of our Solar system passed away on September 4, 2011. She started her scientific career in 1969 with her PhD thesis at the Rome University "La Sapienza" on the origin of glassy particles found in lunar soils. During the eighties she collaborated with the JPL Team who developed the TIMS (Thermal Infrared Mass Spectroscope), gaining experience that allowed her to lead the Italian team for the Cassini VIMS Spectrometer visual channel. She gained further experience in the management of space experiments, starting with the PI-ship of VIRTIS on Rosetta, and continuing with other experiments including VIR on DAWN, now in orbit around Vesta, JIRAM on the Juno mission en route to Jupiter, the infrared spectrometers on Venus Express, Bepi Colombo, and many other projects. In recognition of her significant contributions to the planetary sciences she received many honors and awards. Angioletta will be deeply missed and remembered by her family, colleagues and friends. A memoriam by the EGU is posted at: http://www.egu.eu/home/in-memoriam-angioletta-coradini-1946-2011.html 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 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 volatile 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. 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 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. 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 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS 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. 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 [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 SCIENCE CAFE SPEAKERS NEEDED FOR PBS PROGRAM "FINDING LIFE BEYOND EARTH" A new NOVA program, Finding Life Beyond Earth, will premier Wednesday, October 19th, at 9pm on PBS. It focuses on a central theme in Astrobiology, Are we alone?, as it explores the latest discoveries changing how we think about the potential for life in our solar system. As part of a targeted outreach campaign, NOVA is providing resources for Science Cafe organizers to host themed cafes around the country— and they need your help as a potential cafe speaker! NOVA is currently compiling a list of scientists and researchers who would like to speak at these cafes. This speaker list will be made available to cafe organizers to assist them in their planning. Please consider registering for the Finding Life Beyond Earth Cafe Speaker List at: http://tinyurl.com/LifeBeyondEarthspeaker If you know of other interested scientists, please share this invitation. If there's no cafe near you and you would like to start your own, please contact: getinvolved@wgbh.org To find a Science Cafe near you, please visit: http://sciencecafes.org/find/ To learn more about NOVA's Finding Life Beyond Earth, please visit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/finding-life-beyond-earth.html 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 PETROLOGY POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER The Geology Department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in petrology. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Justin Filiberto in NASA-funded efforts, focusing on analytical and experimental studies of martian basalt degassing as the source of 'acid fog' and of halogens in the soil. These efforts focus on volatile elements (specifically halogens) in planetary magmas, Martian meteorites, terrestrial analogs, and experimental studies, starting with analyses by optical microscopy and electron microprobe. The candidate will be encouraged to design and conduct their own research in petrology. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in geology or a related field or show that they will complete all degree requirements by the time of appointment. The applicant must specialize in petrology or geochemistry; experience with planetary materials and/or experimental equipment is recommended. The position would be for one year, with possible extension up to four years depending on performance and funding. Application Procedure: Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, and the names and contacts of at least three referees to Dr. Justin Filiberto (Filiberto@siu.edu). For full details see: http://careers.agu.org/jobs#/detail/4463503 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 POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY MORPHOLOGY (FRANCE) The Laboratory of Geology of Lyon, Terre, Planetes, Environnement (LGLTPE), University of Lyon/CNRS/ENS-lyon, France, invites applications for one postdoctoral position in the area of the morphology of planetary surfaces. Successful applicants will join a team of 5 young scientists to understand the evolution of Mars. The proposed work is part of the e-Mars project that has been recently selected by the European Research Council for funding. Successful applicants should have a strong background in one or more of the following: Geomorphologic analysis of planetary surfaces, DTM processing and analysis, crater counting techniques. The position is open immediately. Full text of the job description and application procedure is on laboratory website: http://geologie.ens-lyon.fr/lgltpe/spip.php?article1147 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 OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP MEETING, 19-20 Oct 2011 The REVISED agenda for the October 19-20, 2011, OPAG meeting has been posted. Please see: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag The meeting will take place at the Westin Pasadena, and information regarding hotel and other logistics is also linked. Please note that room availability outside of the OPAG meeting time block is limited due to numerous conventions in the Los Angeles area, so early booking is advised if you wish to stay later or arrive earlier. NASA is now entering an era of strong fiscal constraints. Community input will be vital in preserving robust Outer Planets Exploration. This OPAG meeting accordingly will focus on threats to the Cassini Solstice mission, implementation of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey, an update on European plans, and studies of potential missions to Europa. Please also note that the upcoming due date for proposals to the NASA Outer Planets Research (OPR) Program has been changed to November 4, 2011. Bill McKinnon, OPAG Chair 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 ANNOUNCEMENT: EUROPA LANDER OPEN FORUM The Europa Science Definition Team (SDT) has been tasked by NASA Headquarters to consider a lander option for Europa. As part of the information gathering effort, the Europa SDT will solicit input from the scientific community at large. A Town Hall meeting consisting of presentations and discussion is scheduled for the afternoon immediately following the upcoming OPAG meeting in Pasadena, on Thursday October 20, from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. Please see: http://icpi.nasaprs.com/opag Details from recent lander design studies will be presented, followed by community presentations and open discussion. Brief presentations are solicited relating to topics such as: potential science objectives and priorities, instrument techniques, landing environment and sites, sample handling, and astrobiological context. RSVP to Steve Vance (svance@jpl.nasa.gov) by Sept. 30. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html May 22-24, 2012 Mars Recent Climate Change Workshop http://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov/mars-climate-workshop-2012/ Moffett Field. CA August 26-30, 2013 Meteoroids 2013 http://www.astro.amu.edu.pl/Meteoroids2013/index.php Poznan, Poland [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which you think 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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. 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