PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 3 (January 15, 2012) 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. [NASA] Solar System Exploration at 50! 2. International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions (IPM-2012) 3. Post-Doctoral Position in Planetary Science at The University of Michigan 4. Call for Abstracts, EGU Session: Planetary Geodynamics 5. Information Available for the Second International MEPAG Meeting 6. [NASA] Postdoctoral Fellowships 7. Exploration Session at the 39th COSPAR Scientific Assembly 8. Canada Research Chair Faculty Position in Exoplanets 9. AbSciCon Cave Session Under Session for Extreme Environments Topic 10. Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Earth and Planetary Sciences 11. Barringer Grant Applications for 2012 Now Being Accepted 12. SPICE Users: New Leap Second for SPICE 13. MPIA Summer Conference First Announcement 14. Postdoctoral Position with MRO's HiRISE 15. 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] SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION AT 50! James L. Green, Director, Planetary Science Division, NASA HQ In August 1962 NASA launched Mariner 2 to Venus and a new era in solar system exploration began. NASA invented planetary science. It took it out of the realm of just seeing planets through telescopes, to the era of 'up close and personal' with flybys, orbiters, landers, rovers, and samples returned. The NASA History Program Office, the Division of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum, the NASA Planetary Science Division, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory invite papers relating to the history of planetary exploration to a symposium that will be held in Washington, D.C., on October 25-26, 2012. A subset of the papers will be published. Come join us in this retrospective to celebrate 50 years of fabulous planetary science, entitled 'Solar System Exploration @ 50.' The deadline for abstract submissions is February 21, 2012. For more information see: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/history50th/ 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 INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INSTRUMENTATION FOR PLANETARY MISSIONS (IPM-2012) October 10, 11 and 12, 2012, Greenbelt, Maryland (near Washington DC) The Workshop will discuss instrumentation and technology available to 'Decadal Survey' missions and those further out. It will be a forum of collaboration, exchange and discussions where science questions, and the technology needed to address them, are discussed. More at: http://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/IPM.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 POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate position in planetary science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Research will be on composition, origin and evolution of planetary atmospheres. Successful candidate will be expected to assist with surface science operations of Mars Science Laboratory rover, analysis and interpretation of atmospheric trace gas and evolved gas measurements at Mars, and develop, refine or test algorithms for retrieving Jupiter's water and ammonia abundance with Juno. Research on atmospheric chemistry of Venus is envisioned also, time permitting. Certain software tools and codes are in place, while others will need to be developed as needed. Travel to JPL and GSFC and science team meetings will be necessary. The position is currently for one year with very good likelihood of second year extension and beyond, barring any unexpected change in funding profile. Please send (1) CV including highlights of recent relevant publications (3-page maximum), (2) contacts of three individuals familiar with your research, and (3) your citizenship or permanent resident status, information required by JPL and GSFC for accessing their facilities. Email all material to Sushil Atreya , with "UMJob" in Subject line. 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 CALL FOR ABSTRACTS, EGU SESSION: PLANETARY GEODYNAMICS Dear Colleagues, We would like to invite you to a new EGU session: GD1.1/PS2.7 Planetary Geodynamics. This session invites contributions that evaluate geodynamic processes from a comparative perspective, using either the Earth or other planetary bodies as a guide. We seek to understand the interaction of mantle dynamics and lithospheric processes, and their resulting surface expression, under a range of different (plate) tectonic and mantle regimes. We welcome studies on all aspect of comparative planetology, such as, for example, analysis of satellite potential field or remote sensing data, numerical modelling, and analytical studies that will give us a better understanding of the physics and/or thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of our Earth as well as other planets or exoplanets. 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 INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THE SECOND INTERNATIONAL MEPAG MEETING The first information circular, including discussion topics, for the second international MEPAG meeting (February 27-28, 2012) has been made available and is posted on the MEPAG web site at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/ 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 [NASA] POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers scientists and engineers unique opportunities to conduct research at NASA Centers. Each NPP fellowship opportunity is designed to advance NASA research in a specific project related to space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, or 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, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign nationals 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. Stipends 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 are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions may be submitted by e-mail to nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 EXPLORATION SESSION AT THE 39TH COSPAR SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY Mysore, India, 14 -22 July 2012 Dear Colleague, We want to draw your attention to the following session: PEX2: A vision for space exploration: Science as a bridge connecting stakeholders The abstract deadline is 10 February 2012. A shared scientific vision focused on the theme of the origins and evolution of our solar system and life has the power to unite space exploration stakeholders, challenge scientists, and capture public imagination. With such a vision in hand, the science community can guide and accelerate a program of robotic and human space exploration, and share the benefits that those activities confer to society. This scientific focus also has the potential to connect with communities, outside of science, seeking knowledge of extraterrestrial environments and materials and the potential to support humans away from the Earth. This session will include papers that will examine this vision and explore its implications for future space activities. Abstract submission instructions are available at: http://www.cospar-assembly.org Yours sincerely, Prof. John Rummel, PEX2 Main Scientific Organizer Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund, Deputy Organizer rummelj@ecu.edu p.ehrenfreund@chem.leidenuniv.nl 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 CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR FACULTY POSITION IN EXOPLANETS The Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration at The University of Western Ontario, Canada, invite applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in the area of Exoplanets. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The selected candidate will be nominated to a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair and appointment to the faculty position will not be conditional on the candidate being awarded the Canada Research Chair. Expressions of interest are invited immediately. Consideration of applications will begin on February 15, 2012 and the position will remain open until filled. Full details of the announcement can be found here: http://www.physics.uwo.ca/people/CRC%20Exoplanets%20closes%20Feb %202012.pdf 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 ABSCICON CAVE SESSION UNDER SESSION FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS TOPIC AbSciCon will be held April 16-20, 2012, in Atlanta, GA. I want to point out that there is a planetary cave session for those interested. The cave session is topic #5 under Extreme Environments. Information to submit abstracts can be found at: http://abscicon2012.arc.nasa.gov/meeting-information/ Abstracts are due: 31 Jan 2012. 5.Session Family: Extreme Environments Session Title: "Planetary Caves - Implications for Astrobiology, Climate, Detection and Exploration" Short title (for abstract submission): "Planetary Caves" Description: The focus of this session is to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas between planetary and terrestrial scientists interested in cave exploration and research across the solar system. Extraterrestrial caves provide access to the subsurface without the need for drilling and are potential habitats for previous or present life. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or field experience is strongly encouraged. Organizer: Timothy Titus, ttitus@usgs.gov 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at The University of Tennessee invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in planetary remote sensing/astronomy. Research areas of interest include analysis of thermal emission spectra of asteroids, observations and analysis of reflectance spectra of asteroids, and analysis of hyperspectral spacecraft data of icy bodies. Experience in one or more of these areas is required. Candidates must have a PhD in the physical sciences (planetary science, geology, astronomy, physics, or related fields). The initial appointment is for one year, but the appointment is renewable for an additional year. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2012, and the position will remain open until filled. Applicants should submit (electronic submission is preferred) a resume, statement of research experience and interests, and names and addresses of three references to Professor Joshua Emery (jemery2@utk.edu), Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996. https://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=175590936 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 BARRINGER GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR 2012 NOW BEING ACCEPTED Application deadline for grants from the Barringer Family Fund for Meteorite Impact Research is April 6, 2012. This program provides 3 to 5 competitive grants each year in the range of $2500 to $5000 USD for support of field research at known or suspected impact sites worldwide. Grant funds may be used to assist with travel and subsistence costs, as well as laboratory and computer analysis of research samples and findings. Masters, doctoral, and post-doctoral students enrolled in formal university programs are eligible. For additional details and an application, please go to: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kring/Awards/Barringer_Fund/index.html For a flyer to post at your institution, please go to: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kring/Awards/Barringer_Fund/ Barringerflyer.pdf The Barringer Family Fund has been established as a memorial to recognize the contributions of Brandon, Moreau, Paul, and Richard Barringer to the field of meteoritics and the Barringer family's strong interest and support over many years in research and student education. In addition to its memorial nature, the Fund also reflects the family's long-standing commitment to responsible stewardship of The Barringer Meteorite Crater and the family's steadfast resolve in maintaining the crater as a unique scientific research and education site. David A. Kring, Ph.D. [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 SPICE USERS: NEW LEAP SECOND FOR SPICE The IERS has announced a new leap second will take effect at midnight preceding 01 July 2012. NAIF has created a new SPICE leapseconds kernel (LSK) that is now available from the NAIF server at the usual location: ftp://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/generic_kernels/lsk/ Separate versions for Unix/Linux/Mac (naif0010.tls) and for PCs running Windows (naif0010.tls.pc) are available. You may begin using this new LSK any time prior to 01 July 2012--it is fully backwards compatible with the current LSK. You MUST switch to this new LSK by 01 July 2012 for any time conversions involving epochs after that date. The new LSK has been deployed by NAIF to the appropriate SPICE kernel locations on JPL flight project servers where SPICE kernels are managed by NAIF. However, this will cover just a fraction of locations where the SPICE LSK is needed; those receiving this email should be sure local copies are updated, and appropriate coordination of this update is done where needed. The best way to receive important SPICE announcements such as this is to sign up with the "spice_announce" Mailman notification system: http://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/mailman/listinfo/spice_announce 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 MPIA SUMMER CONFERENCE FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT Dear colleagues, This is the first announcement for the "Characterizing & Modeling Extrasolar Planetary Atmospheres - Theory & Observation" MPIA summer conference 2012. Where: Heidelberg, MPIA, July 16 - 20, 2012 Abstract deadline: April 15, 2012 Registration opens: January 25, 2012 It will be a great opportunity to discuss recent results in theory and observations in a small but lively setting. For information and registration, visit: http://www.mpia-hd.mpg.de/exoplanets2012/ exoplanets2012@mpia.de Conference venue: House of Astronomy at MPIA This meeting will accommodate a maximum of 90 participants. Hope to see you there, The Exoplanets2012 SOC 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 WITH MRO'S HIRISE Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral position associated with MRO's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), located at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. The research emphasis will be on Mars geology and surface processes that are relevant to HiRISE. Work on terrestrial or other planetary analogs and quantitative studies using digital topography, spectral imaging, and other data are encouraged. Experience in analysis of data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) is highly desirable. Other useful skills and experience include remote sensing, image processing, and lab-based measurements and experiments. Researchers with primary experience and training in terrestrial geology are welcome. https://www.uacareertrack.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/ Frameset.jsp?time=1326497606293 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html July 13-15, 2012 Second Conference on the Lunar Highlands Crust http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lunarhighlands2012/ Bozeman, MT October 10-12, 2012 International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions (IPM-2012) http://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/IPM.html Greenbelt, MD [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. 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