PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 32 (July 29, 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. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P006. Cratering Processes Throughout the Solar System 2. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P011. Laboratory Investigations Supporting Analysis of Datasets from Mars, the Moon, and Other Planetary Bodies 3. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P012. Lunar Science in the Wake of Human Exploration: Four Decades of Samples and Surface Data 4. AGU Fall 2012 Special Session P025. Recent Advances in Lunar Science: Of, On and From the Moon 5. AGU Fall 2012 Session P032. Using Numerical Models to Understand the Venus Atmosphere and Surface 6. AGU Fall 2012 Session P034. What Lurks in the Martian Rocks and Soil? Investigations of Sulfates, Phosphates, and Perchlorates 7. Volcano-Lithosphere Interactions on the Terrestrial Planets Postdoctoral Fellowship: Lunar and Planetary Institute 8. Planetary Geophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 9. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 10. Explore Mars Announces the Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) 11. Faculty Opening - Physics Department of Washington University in St. Louis 12. OSIRIS-REx Mission Team Image Processing Scientist 13. Update: NASA Juice Pre-Proposal Conference Details 14. 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 P006. CRATERING PROCESSES THROUGHOUT THE SOLAR SYSTEM Dear colleagues, We're happy to announce a cratering session at the 2012 AGU fall meeting: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single/ cratering-processes-throughout-the-solar-system/ Abstract: Impact cratering on planetary and asteroidal surfaces provides a window into the physics of hypervelocity impact. In addition to the basic physics questions surrounding the formation of impact features on planetary surfaces, detailed knowledge of the mechanics of crater formation is essential to unraveling the impact history of cratered bodies. This session investigates cratering on all length scales, ranging from micrometeoroid impacts through multi-kilometer planetary features. Spacecraft observations, laboratory experiments, and computational studies investigating features of hypervelocity impacts are encouraged. The 2012 AGU fall meeting is December 3-7 in San Francisco, CA, and the deadline for submission is August 8th at 23:59ET. Abstracts can be submitted at: http://agu-fm12.abstractcentral.com/ We look forward to your submissions and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Conveners: Andrew Collette, University of Colorado, Andrew.Collette@lasp.colorado.edu Luke Dones, SWRI, luke@boulder.swri.edu Brendan Hermalyn, University of Hawaii/NAI, hermalyn@ifa.hawaii.edu 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 P011. LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORTING ANALYSIS OF DATASETS FROM MARS, THE MOON, AND OTHER PLANETARY BODIES Planetary missions over the past decade have gathered a wealth of data, including spectral (e.g., TES, OMEGA, CRISM, M3), thermophysical (e.g., Diviner, THEMIS), and geochemical/mineralogical (e.g., GRS, APXS, MB, CheMin, ChemCam, SAM). Rigorous laboratory investigations are required for instrument calibration and refinement of data interpretation. This session will focus on measurements/experiments that relate to interpretation of remote sensing or in situ data from planetary bodies. Studies that utilize multiple methods/datasets, analog materials, and advance quantitative compositional analyses of orbital data or the interpretation of MSL/MER instrument data are especially encouraged. Abstract deadline: August 8th http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single/laboratory- investigations-supporting-analysis-of-datasets-from-mars-the-moon- and-other-planetary-bodies-cosponsored-by-msa/ Conveners: Christopher S. Edwards (Arizona State University/California Institute of Technology) Bethany L. Ehlmann (California Institute of Technology/Jet Propulsion Laboratory) Timothy D. Glotch (Stony Brook University) Cosponsored by MSA. 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 P012. LUNAR SCIENCE IN THE WAKE OF HUMAN EXPLORATION: FOUR DECADES OF SAMPLES AND SURFACE DATA In December 1972 Apollo 17 completed the first era of human exploration of the Moon. In the 40 years since this event our understanding of the Moon and its history have evolved as a result of analysis of lunar samples, surface experiments, and recent orbital missions. Building upon the solid foundation provided by the Apollo-era exploration and science results, new views of the Moon have flourished in the past decade due to improved analytical techniques and enhanced instrumentation. This session will highlight lessons from the Apollo exploration of the Moon as well as what has been learned over the past 40 years, focusing on the latest analysis of samples and results from recent and ongoing orbital missions. Abstract deadline: August 8th http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single/ lunar-science-in-the-wake-of-human-exploration-four-decades-of- samples-and-surface-data/ Conveners: Noah E Petro, noah.e.petro@nasa.gov Bradley L Jolliff, blj@levee.wustl.edu Richard R Vondrak, richard.vondrak@nasa.gov James W Rice, james.w.rice@nasa.gov 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 P025. RECENT ADVANCES IN LUNAR SCIENCE: OF, ON AND FROM THE MOON This session will feature science reports focused on lunar science including geology/geochemistry, impact cratering, lunar formation and solar system dynamics, space plasma/exosphere and surface interactions, and volatile characterization as well as the unique astronomy and cosmology enabled by the radio-quiet far side of the Moon. Abstract deadline: August 8th http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single/ recent-advances-in-lunar-science-of-on-and-from-the-moon/ Conveners: Brad Bailey, NASA Lunar Science Institute, brad.bailey@nasa.gov David Morrison, NASA Lunar Science Institute, david.morrison@nasa.gov Yvonne J Pendleton, NASA Lunar Science Institute, yvonne.pendleton@nasa.gov Mihaly Horanyi, University of Colorado, horanyi@colorado.edu 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 SESSION P032. USING NUMERICAL MODELS TO UNDERSTAND THE VENUS ATMOSPHERE AND SURFACE Numerical models are essential tools used to integrate the increasingly complex observations of the Venus atmosphere and surface into self-consistent scientific hypotheses about the structure, microphysics, and circulation of the Venus atmosphere. The abundance of observations from Venus Express and the 2012 transit presents a unique opportunity to discuss the best implementations and uses of these models. Presentations will discuss observation models that are used in retrieval/inversion of observations of the atmosphere and surface (e.g., composition retrieval), and models that simulate physical processes driving the thermal structure, composition, and circulation of the atmosphere (e.g., microphysics models, GCMs). Please consider submitting an abstract for this session. Visit the session website: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012/session-search/single/ using-numerical-models-to-understand-the-venus-atmosphere-and-surface/ The abstract submission website: http://agu-fm12.abstractcentral.com/ Abstract deadline: August 8, 2012, 23:59ET/3:59+1 GMT Conveners: Christopher Lee, Ashima Research (lee@ashimaresearch.com) Kevin McGouldrick, University of Colorado (Kevin.McGouldrick@lasp.colorado.edu) Con Tsang, Southwest Research Institute (con@boulder.swri.edu) 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 SESSION P034. 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) ***SPECIAL NOTE: Papers from this session (and other future relevant submissions) will be considered for publication as a Special Section on Martian soils in the journal, American Mineralogist. 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 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: www.lpi.usra.edu. The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 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: www.lpi.usra.edu. USRA 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 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 $53,500 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 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 EXPLORE MARS ANNOUNCES THE HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT (H2M) Join us at the Humans to Mars Summit (H2M). Co-sponsored by Explore Mars and the George Washington University Space Policy Institute, H2M will be held on May 6-8, 2013 at the Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University in Washington, DC. H2M will be a comprehensive Mars exploration conference to address the major technical, scientific, and policy related challenges that need to be overcome to send humans to Mars by 2030. Topics will include: robotic and human precursor missions; launch systems; Mars transit challenges; human factors; entry, decent and landing; in situ resource utilization; space suit design; surface power; science goals; and many other topics. H2M will also discuss space policy as well as ways to stimulate private sector participation in Mars exploration. Some of the tentative speakers already include Doug Mccuistion, James Garvin, Andrew Chaikin, David Beaty, Chris McKay, and many others. Take advantage of our special "Pre-Launch" registration today and save money before the registration fee increases after September 12, 2012: http://h2m.eventbrite.com or visit our website at: www.exploremars.org 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 FACULTY OPENING - PHYSICS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS The Department of Physics at Washington University announces a faculty opening in experimental physics at the level of Associate Professor with tenure in space sciences, particularly cosmochemistry or extraterrestrial materials. Candidates at the Assistant Professor level who are exceptionally well qualified and who have a demonstrated aptitude for teaching and original research will also be considered. Duties include teaching and advising students, conducting original research, and participating in departmental and university service. A PhD in a relevant field is required. Demonstrated success in obtaining research funding is highly desirable. The appointment will begin fall 2013. Applications should consist of the following: cover letter, current resume including publication record, statement of research interests and plans (up to 5 pages), statement of teaching interests and approach (up to 3 pages), and names and complete contact information (including email addresses) of three references. Application materials must be submitted electronically by email as a single file in editable PDF format to: spacesciencesearch@wuphys.wustl.edu For full consideration applications should be submitted on or before November 15, 2012. Washington University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 OSIRIS-REx MISSION TEAM IMAGE PROCESSING SCIENTIST The University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory is leading the OSIRIS-REx mission to a primitive asteroid. Images from the spacecraft's cameras will be critical to many elements of the mission, including optical navigation, global mapping to secure a shape model to define a reference coordinate system, the search for valid and viable sampling sites, monitoring of the sample acquisition process and the search for any satellites and dust plumes around the asteroid. We seek a full-time staff scientist who will help define and create the image processing requirements and algorithms needed to achieve this goal. During asteroid proximity operations, they will use their knowledge of image processing and tools to manage routine pipeline processing of returned images, and the creation of ad-hoc imaging products. They will also support the creation of image data products to support the selection of a sampling site. We are searching for a PhD in an appropriate field with 3-4 years of experience OR a bachelors or higher degree in an appropriate field and 10 years of experience. To read more about the job or to apply, visit the University of Arizona's Human Resources Website at: https://www.uacareertrack.com/ and search for Job Number 50477. 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 UPDATE: NASA JUICE PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE DETAILS Webex and teleconference line information for the NASA Pre-Proposal Conference to discuss the NASA JUICE AO have been posted at: http://soma.larc.nasa.gov/juice/ The Pre-Proposal conference is scheduled for Monday, July 30, from 9 am to 12 pm eastern time. This is a virtual meeting and travel to attend in person is not necessary. Dr. Curt Niebur curt.niebur@nasa.gov 202-358-0390 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html April 17-19, 2013 UK Astrobiology Conference http://www.astrobiology.ac.uk/astrobiology-conference-2013 Edinburgh, Scotland September 24-28, 2013 2nd International Congress of Astronbiology in Columbia http://www.astrobiologia.org/2-congreso-internacional-de-astrobiologia.html Medellin, Columbia November 11-14, 2013 2nd Exobiology Workshop http://www.exobiologie.fr/index.php/actualites/evenements/rencontres-sfe-2012/ Frejus, France [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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