PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 23 (May 27, 2012) 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. Passing of John Guest (1938-2012) 2. GSA Session - New Moon Rising: The Latest Geologic Results from the Lunar Surface 3. GSA Session - Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology of Mars 4. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 5. Final Announcement, Planetary Data: A Workshop for Users & Software Developers 6. Final Reminder - LunGradCon 2012 7. [NASA] In-Space Propulsion Technology Program: Astrodynamics Research Grants 8. [NASA] Science Objectives and Requirements for the Next NASA UV/Visible Mission Concepts Request For Information NNH12ZDA008L 9. 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 PASSING OF JOHN GUEST (1938-2012) John Guest (1938-2012) was a pioneer in planetary geologic mapping, contributing to the first geologic map of Mercury and the first comprehensive map of the eastern equatorial region of Mars with Ron Greeley. He participated in the Mariner 10, Viking and Magellan missions. Along with Ron, he helped to select the Viking 2 landing site. Primarily John was a volcanologist, happiest when he was in the field, especially at Mt. Etna. He founded the NASA Regional Planetary Image Facility at University College London, and taught many students there. His work on Mars, Mercury, the Moon and Venus, as well as his very extensive work on terrestrial volcanology, leave a rich legacy. He had a particular talent for being able to interpret geology from surface morphology - whether in the field, from aerial photographs or planetary images. He was much loved by his collaborators and students for his kind and generous spirit, and his sense of humor. In 1991, he was awarded the GSA G.K. Gilbert award and the asteroid 1982 HL was named Guest by the IAU. He is survived by his wife Mary and sons James and Ben. Ellen Stofan, Angus Duncan, Rosaly Lopes and Chris Kilburn. http://www.ucl.ac.uk/es/news/esnews/2012-05-21 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 GSA SESSION - NEW MOON RISING: THE LATEST GEOLOGIC RESULTS FROM THE LUNAR SURFACE Dear colleagues, Scott Mest, Noah Petro and I are convening a session at the GSA Annual Meeting in Charlotte in November on advances in lunar surface geology, entitled "New Moon Rising: The Latest Geologic Results from the Lunar Surface." The Moon continues to be a prime target for remote exploration and analysis. With the results of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter rolling in fast and furious, and data from Kaguya and Chadrayaan-1 being analyzed, the time is right for a focused session at GSA on lunar surface science. The session will review the current state of lunar surface science - geology, geomorphology, mineralogy - as it is rapidly evolving due to the acquisition and analysis of exciting new datasets. Because recent missions have acquired a broad range of datasets, we invite abstracts focusing on a wide range of topics covering the most recent developments regarding our understanding of the geologic processes of the Moon as they are manifested on the surface, including abstracts on the Moon's overall stratigraphy and geologic history, surface geochemistry and mineralogy. http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2012/sessions/topical.asp Abstracts on any aspect of lunar surface geology are welcome. Due date: August 14, 2012 For further information, please contact: yingst@psi.edu R. Aileen Yingst, PSI 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 GSA SESSION - GEOCHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY OF MARS Session T148. This session will focus on advances made in understanding the formation, evolution, and alteration of the martian crust through geochemical and mineralogical analyses. Presentations that utilize spacecraft data analysis, experiments, models, and/or analog studies are welcome. Suniti Karunatillake, Deanne Rogers, and James Wray http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2012/sessions/topical.asp Abstracts due: August 14, 2012 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 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, exploration systems, lunar science, astrobiology, or astrophysics. 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. Stipends start at $50,000 per year, with supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $8,000 per year is provided for professional travel. 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 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 FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT, PLANETARY DATA: A WORKSHOP FOR USERS & SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS Final Call for Registration Planetary Data: A Workshop for Users and Software Developers du Bois Conference Center, Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona (USA), June 25-29, 2012 Registration Deadline (if not submitting abstract): June 15 Data Users Workshop: June 25-27 Software Developers Workshop: June 27-29 Agenda now available at: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/groups/Planetary-Data-Workshop The two content tracks will share a common day on Wednesday to hold talks of overlapping interest. One or both tracks can be attended and there is no registration fee for either. Planetary Data Users Track * Share information on digital planetary data, including availability, access and analysis methods. * Present how-to guides for locating, acquiring, processing, and working with digital planetary data. Planetary Software Developers Track * Bring researchers and technology experts together to discuss and exchange ideas to identify difficult planetary research issues that can be addressed by software development. * Present planetary data processing and software development methods and techniques. If you cannot attend, we would like to invite you to share your thoughts on needed software technologies for the planetary community (5-10 min survey): https://sites.google.com/a/usgs.gov/planetary-technology-workshop- 2012/planning/survey-for-planetary-tech-workshop-2012 [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 FINAL REMINDER - LUNGRADCON 2012 Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Lunar Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2012) to be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 14-15, 2012 at the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC), preceding the NASA Lunar Science Forum. LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career postdocs to present their research on lunar science in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In addition to oral presentations, the conference presents opportunities for professional development and networking with fellow grad students and postdocs, as well as senior members of the NASA Lunar Science Institute. A limited amount of funding will be provided for travel and lodging costs. For more details, please visit: http://lasp.colorado.edu/ccldas/lgc2012 or email any questions to: lungradcon@gmail.com Abstract submission is open until Thursday, May 31st, 2012. Registration deadline for foreign nationals is June 3rd, 2012. 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] IN-SPACE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM: ASTRODYNAMICS RESEARCH GRANTS The In-Space Propulsion Technology: Astrodynamics Research Grants (ISPT:ARG) Program is seeking astrodynamics research that falls into two categories: 1) Research or development of an astrodynamics algorithm or methodology suitable for infusion into one of ISPT's existing tools (Mystic, MALTO, Copernicus, SNAP, and/or OTIS) and 2) Research or development applicable to the development of a new tool to meet the needs of future NASA planetary science missions. Notices of Intent: due June 11, 2012 7-page proposal: due by August 20, 2012 NNH12ZDA001N is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ roses-2012 Questions concerning the ISPT:ARG Program, may be addressed to: Gordon Johnston Planetary Science Division Science Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters Washington, DC 20546-0001 gordon.johnston@nasa.gov 202-358-4685 [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 [NASA] SCIENCE OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NEXT NASA UV/VISIBLE MISSION CONCEPTS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION NNH12ZDA008L Solicitation Number: NNH12ZDA008L Release Date: May 25, 2012 Response Date: August 10, 2012 NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD), through the Astrophysics Division, solicits information pertaining to potential ultraviolet (UV) and visible wavelength astrophysics science investigations. Specifically, NASA seeks information that can be used to develop a cohesive set of science goals that motivate and support the development of the next generation of UV/Visible space astrophysics missions. Information may include broad science goals, justifications for investigations that support Cosmic Origins (COR) Program science goals (for examples, visit http://cor.gsfc.nasa.gov/), specific measurements or proxy observing plans for well-defined astrophysical experiments, or any aspect of scientific inquiry in the UV/Visible that supports the above COR goals. This RFI is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ (select 'Solicitations' then 'Open Solicitations' then 'NNH12ZDA008L'). For further information, please contact: Dr. Mario R. Perez Cosmic Origins Program Scientist Astrophysics Division Science Mission Directorate NASA Headquarters Washington, DC 20546-0001 mario.perez@nasa.gov (202) 358-1535 [Edited for length.] 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 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html August 15-17, 2012 Frontiers of Star Formation http://www.sciops.esa.int/index.php?project=CONF2012&page=FSF2012 Noordwijk, The Netherlands October 24-26, 2012 Conference on Intelligent Data Understanding 2012 https://c3.nasa.gov/dashlink/events/1/ Boulder, CO [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.php, 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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