PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 28 (July 1, 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. Volcano-Lithosphere Interactions on the Terrestrial Planets Postdoctoral Fellowship: Lunar and Planetary Institute 2. Planetary Geophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 3. ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science 4. COSPAR Awards and Medals to be Presented 5. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 6. [NASA] Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Announcements 7. 2012 GSA Annual Meeting Sessions 8. AGU Fall 2012 Session: P34. What Lurks in the Martian Rocks and Soil? Investigations of Sulfates, Phosphates, and Perchlorates 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 VOLCANO-LITHOSPHERE INTERACTIONS ON THE TERRESTRIAL PLANETS POST- DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP: LUNAR AND PLANETARY INSTITUTE The Universities Space Research Association - Houston invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in geophysical studies of the growth/evolution of large volcanic edifices and provinces on the terrestrial planets. The candidate will work with Dr. Patrick McGovern exploring mechanical interactions between intrusive and extrusive volcanic edifice growth, lithospheric flexural response, and magma ascent, using numerical modeling techniques, including Finite Element (FEM) and Distinct Element (DEM) Methods. Research will also entail analysis of imagery, topography, gravity, and spectral datasets for large planetary volcanoes in order to constrain the modeling efforts. Potential bodies of interest include Venus, Io, the Moon, Earth, and Mars. Requirements are a recent Ph.D. in geophysics or geology. Experience quantitative modeling of geophysical, geological, or magmatic processes with advanced codes as COMSOL Multiphysics (FEM) and PFC (DEM). Programming languages, MATLAB or FORTRAN 95 desirable. The position is two years with a possible extension to three years. Send letter of interest, curriculum vita with a list of relevant publications, brief statement of research interests, and three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu. Further information may be found at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 PLANETARY GEOPHYSICS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Houston Texas, invites applications for a post- doctoral fellowship in planetary geophysics. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Walter Kiefer on a NASA- funded project studying the nature of mantle convection on Mars and its effects on the thermal evolution and volcanic history of the planet. The candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct research in planetary geophysics of his or her own choosing. The position requires a Ph.D. in Planetary Science or Geophysics with experience in computer programming and numerical modeling methods, particularly finite elements. Experience with parallel computing in a Linux environment will be an asset. The position will be offered for an initial period of two years with a possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita listing relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to: resume@lpi.usra.edu. Review of candidates will begin on March 15, 2012, with a hiring decision as soon as possible thereafter. Further information about LPI can be found at www.lpi.usra.edu. USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 ESA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN SPACE SCIENCE Applications are now solicited for European Space Agency fellowships in space science to begin in the fall of 2013. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of receiving their degree before starting the fellowship. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2012. More information on the ESA Research Fellowship program in Space Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can be found on the world-wide web at this address: http://www.rssd.esa.int/fellowship Questions on the scientific aspects of the ESA Fellowship in Space Science can be sent by e-mail to the fellowship coordinator, Dr. Guido De Marchi, at the address fellowship@rssd.esa.int. [Edited for length] 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 COSPAR AWARDS AND MEDALS TO BE PRESENTED During the 39th COSPAR Scientific Assembly to be held July 14 - 22, 2012, in Mysore, India, several awards will be presented to various recipients, including: Space Science Award to Janet Luhmann (USA) International Cooperation Medal to Roger-Maurice Bonnet (France) Harrie Massey Award to Neil Gehrels (USA) Distinguished Service Medal to Peter Willmore (UK) For more information, see: http://cosparhq.cnes.fr/Awards/awards.htm [Edited for content] 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 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 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] SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. SMD has updated the ROSES Summary of Solicitation to include reference to a new SARA FAQ on how ROSES proposals and awards are affected by Public Law 112-55 Section 539(a), which restricts NASA's use of funds for projects involving the People's Republic of China. The new FAQ can be found by going to the normal ROSES FAQ page at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/#1 and following the link or by going directly to: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/prc-faq-roses-2012/ 2. SMD has created a new web page on SARA through which we are soliciting volunteer reviewers for upcoming reviews. By this method volunteers can sign up not just for a review, but can indicate a panel or focus area. We are currently seeking panelists and mail-in reviewers for Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples, Exobiology (Part I), and Moon and Mars Analog Missions Activities. The URL is: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/ 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 2012 GSA ANNUAL MEETING SESSIONS The abstract submission deadline for the 2012 GSA Annual Meeting (Charlotte, NC, 4-7 Nov.) is 14 August 2012. Sessions include: T147. Tectonics of Icy Bodies and Their Analogs T148. Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Petrology of Mars T149. Shock Processes and Shock Attenuation Associated with Hyper- velocity Impact Events T150. The Geology of Asteroid 4 Vesta as Seen by Dawn: Results from One Year in Orbit T151. Linking Earth-Observing Data and Planetary Mission Data in the Teaching and Presentation of Basic Geoscience to K–12 Students, Teachers, and the General Public T152. New Moon Rising: The Latest Geologic Results from the Lunar Surface T153. The Moon, Inside and Out: New Results in Lunar Geophysics, Structure, and Interior T154. Observation and Analysis of Impact Cratering and Its Effects: The G.K. Gilbert Award Session T155. The Heart of an Explorer: A Tribute to Ronald Greeley T156. Geologic Analog Studies of the Rocky Planets: Understanding Planetary Geologic Evolution and Surface Processes T157. Gridview Image Manipulation for LOLA and MOLA Topographical Data (Poster Session Only) T158. Impact Cratering in the Solar System: Processes and Products Plus others. Two graduate student travel grants ($500 awards) are available. See: http://rock.geosociety.org/pgd/awards.html#_travel [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 AGU FALL 2012 SESSION: P34. WHAT LURKS IN THE MARTIAN ROCKS AND SOIL? INVESTIGATIONS OF SULFATES, PHOSPHATES, AND PERCHLORATES Sulfates, phosphates, and perchlorates have been found on Mars from orbit and/or from surface missions. Identification of these minerals (suites) can enable constraints on the Martian geochemical environments. This session will generate a discussion regarding the conditions for the formation of these minerals on Mars, and methods for identifying their geological environments and related fluid chemistry. Abstracts describing discoveries of sulfates, phosphates, or perchlorates from surface missions and orbital spacecraft data, and those covering laboratory analyses and thermodynamic modeling relating to the hydration state of these minerals and their stability on Mars are welcome. Abstract deadline: August 8, 2012, 23:59ET/3:59+1 GMT For abstract submission policies see: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/scientific-program/abstract-submission- policies/ Conveners: Melissa Lane(Planetary Science Institute) Janice Bishop (SETI Institute/NASA Ames Research Center) Darby Dyar (Mount Holyoke College) 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 No new meetings posted. [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.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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. 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