PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 30 (July 15, 2012) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Melissa Lane, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P21. Planetary Surfaces in Motion 2. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P22. Polarimetry as an Invaluable Tool to Study the Solar System and Beyond 3. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P26. Recent Advances in Planetary Aeolian Studies 4. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P28. Small Bodies and Moons and Their Interaction with the Space Environment 5. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P31. Titan's Enigmatic Upper Atmosphere and Ionosphere 6. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P34. What Lurks in the Martian Rocks and Soil? Investigations of Sulfates, Phosphates, and Perchlorates 7. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session SA12. Solar System Aeronomy: Ionospheres, Thermospheres, Auroras, and Airglow 8. Volcano-Lithosphere Interactions on the Terrestrial Planets Postdoctoral Fellowship: Lunar and Planetary Institute 9. Planetary Geophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 10. [NASA] Updates on the NASA AO for ESA JUICE Mission 11. DPS Workshop for Planning Your Solar System Observations with JWST 12. [NASA] Letter from SARA: China FAQ and New Volunteer Reviewer Form 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION P21. PLANETARY SURFACES IN MOTION With the advent of high spatial resolution and increasing temporal baselines, spacecraft observations have documented surface changes on planetary bodies at decadal, annual, and shorter timescales. These data provide fundamental insight into active surface changes, which vary in type, mode, and magnitude across the Solar System, and provide motivation for model, terrestrial analog, and laboratory studies that seek to better understand underlying physical mechanisms and relevant environment conditions. This session seeks abstracts focused on observations and modeling of surface processes, including fluvial, volcanic, mass wasting, aeolian and other agents that cause changes that can be monitored by spacecraft. Laboratory and field analog studies are also welcome. http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single /planetary-surfaces-in-motion/ For abstract submission policies see: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012 /scientific-program/abstract-submission-policies/ Abstract deadline: August 8, 2012, 23:59ET/3:59+1 GMT Conveners: Serina Diniega (Jet Propulsion Laboratory; serina.diniega@jpl.nasa.gov - feel free to contact me with any questions) Zibi Turtle (Johns Hopkins University) Sue Smrekar (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Alfred McEwen (University of Arizona) 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION P22. POLARIMETRY AS AN INVALUABLE TOOL TO STUDY THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND Polarimetry is a powerful tool providing a wealth of information about astronomical objects that cannot be obtained by traditional photometric/spectroscopic observations. Recent applications include characterization of solar system objects (sun, planetary atmospheres, Moon, comets, asteroids, satellites, ring systems, asteroids, dust) to the detection of exoplanets and identification of biological markers. This session is open to papers about recent spectropolarimetric observations of solar system bodies, theoretical or experimental investigations, instrumental developments for spectropolarimeters to be included in ground-based facilities or onboard future space missions, exoplanets and circumstellar envelopes. Our featured invited speaker is Michael Mishchenko, NASA GISS. The meeting website is: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/ The registration and housing is open on July 12, 2012. The abstract submission website is: http://agu-fm12.abstractcentral.com/ Abstract deadline: August 8, 2012, 23:59ET/3:59+1 GMT Conveners: Padma Yanamandra-Fisher, SSI, Boulder, CO, United States Ludmilla Kolokolova, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States Herve Lamy, Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, Brussels, Belgium Mathieu Barthelemy, IPAG, Grenoble, France. Contact: padma@spacescience.org ludmilla@astro.umd.edu herve.lamy@aeronomie.be 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION P26. RECENT ADVANCES IN PLANETARY AEOLIAN STUDIES This session is organised to honour the tremendous contribution by Ron Greeley to planetary Aeolian Studies. The combination of laboratory and field experiments, together with spacecraft data analysis, has proven to be a very fruitful approach for studying aeolian processes on a variety of planetary surfaces. Investigations of both terrestrial and planetary aeolian settings hold great potential for advancing our understanding of how sediments are mobilized, transported, and deposited by winds under diverse environmental conditions. We invite submissions on recent important findings in any aspect of planetary aeolian studies. Papers that consider aeolian landform development, sediment transport, wind tunnel experiments, modeling of sediment transport by wind, remote sensing of aeolian features, and field observations are particularly welcome. Abstracts are due Wednesday 8 August 2012: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single /recent-advances-in-planetary-aeolian-studies/ Conveners: Nicholas Lancaster (nick@dri.edu) James R Zimbelman (zimbelmanj@si.edu) Lori K Fenton (lfenton@carlsagancenter.org) 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION P28. SMALL BODIES AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT Airless bodies are heavily influenced by the surrounding space environment, including plasma, solar photons, and energetic particles. We invite contributions on these and related topics, including surface weathering and electrostatics, volatile cycles and exospheres, non-equilibrium plasma phenomena, and dust dynamics, at the Moon, Mercury, moons of Mars and outer planets, and small bodies. Recent years have seen new data from numerous lunar missions, MESSENGER, MEX, Cassini, and Rosetta. In the coming years, we look forward to observations from current/upcoming missions such as ARTEMIS and LADEE. This session is open to observational, theoretical, and laboratory topics, including comparative and predictive studies. Conveners: Jasper S Halekas Matthew O. Fillingim William M Farrell 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION P31. TITAN'S ENIGMATIC UPPER ATMOSPHERE AND IONOSPHERE The processes that control Titan's upper atmosphere and ionosphere remain enigmatic after eight years of observations from the Cassini mission. Instruments onboard the Cassini Orbiter have studied many aspects of Titan's atmosphere and coupled ionosphere both via in-situ measurements and remote observations. Recent studies of atmospheric composition and structure of Titan have produced substantial breakthroughs in our understanding of this complex chemical and dynamical system including results on the ionospheric outflow, ion composition and structure, and thermospheric and exospheric variability. In this session, we focus on recent and ongoing observations, modeling, and laboratory experimentation of Titan's upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Abstract deadline: August 8th. http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single /titans-enigmatic-upper-atmosphere-and-ionosphere/ Conveners: Joseph H. Westlake (Johns Hopkins Univ. Applied Physics Laboratory), joseph.westlake@jhuapl.edu ) O. J. Tucker (University of Michigan) Thomas Cravens (University of Kansas) 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL 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/ Invited speakers include: Richard Quinn Mariam Sowe Penny King Conveners: Melissa Lane (Planetary Science Institute) Janice Bishop (SETI Institute/NASA Ames Research Center) Darby Dyar (Mount Holyoke College) 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 AGU FALL 2012 SPECIAL SESSION SA12. SOLAR SYSTEM AERONOMY: IONOSPHERES, THERMOSPHERES, AURORAS, AND AIRGLOW Dear Colleagues, We kindly invite you to the AGU session SA12: "Solar System Aeronomy: Ionospheres, Thermospheres, Auroras and Airglow", which will be held in San Francisco, 3-7 December 2012. The atmospheres of the solar system are shaped by interactions with solar forcings and their surrounding space environments. The chemistry, dynamics, and energetics of ionospheres and thermospheres are controlled by these external influences, which include solar photons, solar particles, and plasma and magnetic fields associated with the planetary object's internal magnetic field and magnetosphere. Optical emissions, such as aurora and airglow, are an important diagnostic tool for remote sensing of ionospheric and thermospheric conditions. This session focuses on recent developments in solar system aeronomy including results from observations, numerical modeling, and laboratory experiments. Abstract submission deadline: 8 August 2012 23:59 ET. http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single /solar-system-aeronomy-ionospheres-thermospheres-auroras-and-airglow/ The Conveners, C.L. Simon Wedlund, G. Gronoff, P. Withers and R.J. Lillis 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 VOLCANO-LITHOSPHERE INTERACTIONS ON THE TERRESTRIAL PLANETS POSTDOCTORAL 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. 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 GEOPHYSICS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Houston Texas, invites applications for a postdoctoral 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. Further information about LPI can be found at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu USRA 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 [NASA] UPDATES ON THE NASA AO FOR ESA JUICE MISSION An amendment to the NASA AO for the ESA JUICE mission makes two changes to the AO: 1) it requires submission of Notices of Intent (NOIs) by July 27, 2012, and 2) it clarifies the process for NASA review of proposals submitted to ESA. Changes are indicated in bold type in the updated AO. NASA is requiring NOIs from U.S.-led proposal teams planning to submit proposals to the NASA AO in order to allow NASA and ESA sufficient time to properly organize the technical and scientific review of all proposals. Proposals will not be accepted unless an NOI is submitted by the July 27 deadline. The Pre-Proposal Conference for the NASA AO is being scheduled. The date, time, and agenda will be posted on the JUICE NASA Acquisition website: http://soma.larc.nasa.gov/juice/ in the near future. The conference will be virtual and participation will be provided via Webex; travel to attend the conference in person is not necessary. Questions may be submitted to Dr. Curt Niebur, curt.niebur@nasa.gov, the NASA Program Scientist for the ESA JUICE mission. Questions and answers will be regularly posted to the JUICE NASA Acquisition website starting this week. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 DPS WORKSHOP FOR PLANNING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM OBSERVATIONS WITH JWST The Science Working Group of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has a dedicated effort to establish the full capabilities of this facility for Solar System Science. JWST is an infrared-optimized telescope to be placed at the Earth-Sun Lagrange 2 point. It is scheduled for launch in 2018, and will have a robust suite of astronomical instrumentation available for General Observer proposals. In order to fully realize the maximum potential of JWST for Solar System observations, we are seeking experienced observers of solar system targets to participate and provide input in an upcoming workshop held at the DPS meeting in Reno, Nevada on Sunday October 14, 2012 (9am-noon). This workshop will provide you an opportunity to learn about the current instrument specifications and observing modes, as well as the observatory capabilities (brightness limits, moving target tracking, and others). Our goal is to fully engage the Solar System community to provide the tools needed to plan observations with JWST. A key output of the workshop will be capability objectives for the JWST team to consider for further pre-launch studies. More information can be found at: http://www.psi.edu/dps12/ 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] LETTER FROM SARA: CHINA FAQ AND NEW VOLUNTEER REVIEWER FORM Dear Colleagues, If you collaborate with anyone in China you should read our new FAQ. Our appropriation (Public Law 112-55, SEC. 539) contained a brief statement, the bottom line if which is that NASA funds, including ROSES research grants, cannot be used "...to participate, collaborate, or coordinate bilaterally in any way with China..." We expand somewhat on what this actually means in practical terms for ROSES grantees in our new FAQ that can be found as a link off our normal ROSES FAQ: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/#1 or you can get to it directly by going to http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/prc-faq-roses-2012/ Another new addition to the SARA web page is our new volunteer reviewer web form: we are currently seeking reviewers for Laboratory Analysis of Returned Samples, Exobiology, and Moon and Mars Analog Missions Activities. You can find this form at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/ As always, selection statistics can be found on the grant stats page at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-stats/ community announcements on the solicitations page at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ and all clarifications, corrections and amendments to ROSES-12 can be followed conveniently on our ROSES 2012 RSS feed at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations /roses-2012/ Max Bernstein Lead for Research Science Mission Directorate SARA@nasa.gov [Edited 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 January 14-16, 2013 8th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings/ Washington, DC May 5-9, 2013 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Astronomical Society Division on Dynamical Astronomy http://dda.harvard.edu/meetings/2013/ Paraty, Brazil July 9-11, 2013 9th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings/ Pasadena, CA September 15-19, 2014 Towards Other Earths II. The Star-Planet Connection http://www.astro.up.pt/toe2014 Porto, Portugal [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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. 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