PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 52 (December 2, 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. Call for Papers EGU 2. An Article on Astronomically Inspired Music 3. Podcast, "Finding the Next Earth: Results from the Kepler Mission" 4. PhD Opportunity in Physical Volcanology (Lava Erosion Modeling) at Arizona State University 5. Habitable Worlds Across Space and Time 6. [NASA] Requesting Concepts for Applications of Large Space Optics (SALSO) 7. [NASA] Kepler Participating Scientist Program 8. [NASA] Three-Day Training Course on Planetary Protection 9. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 10. Postdoctoral Opportunity in Planetary Science at University of Minnesota Duluth 11. The 3rd IAA Planetary Defense Conference 12. Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) Announcement 13. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements C1. Resources for Astronomy Education and Outreach 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 CALL FOR PAPERS EGU ST2.4/PS3.3 Session "Radiation Belts: Earth and Outer Planets" (Joint Solar-Terrestrial and Planetary & Solar System Session) European Geophysical Union General Assembly, Vienna, Austria, 7-12 April 2013 This session aims to discuss recent and anticipated progress in radiation belt research. We solicit presentations on the effects of global magnetospheric processes and local wave-particle interactions on radiation belt dynamics, as well as on aspects of belt coupling with the ring current and the plasmasphere. Of particular interest is the relative impact of various electromagnetic waves for particle acceleration, transport, and loss. The session is especially timely because of ongoing European research funded by the Seventh Framework Programmes (e.g., SPACECAST and MAARBLE projects) and the anticipated first results of NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission. Also, papers on similar processes operating in the radiation belts of the outer planets are especially welcome. The abstract submission deadline: 9 January 2013. Support application deadline: 30 November 2013. Abstract submission guidelines: http://www.egu2013.eu/abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_ abstract.html Convener: Ioannis A. Daglis (daglis@noa.gr) Co-Conveners: Richard Horne, Ian Mann, Manuel Grande 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 AN ARTICLE ON ASTRONOMICALLY INSPIRED MUSIC A new annotated resource guide presenting 133 pieces of music inspired by astronomical ideas (organized into 22 subject categories) has just been published in the on-line journal Astronomy Education Review and is available free at: http://aer.aas.org/resource/1/aerscz/v11/i1/p010303_s1?view=fulltext Both classical and popular music are included, and a short appendix lists a number of astronomers who have recorded songs and self- published them. If you can't immediately name the six songs that include valid information or ideas about black holes, this is the list you want to consult. 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 PODCAST, "FINDING THE NEXT EARTH: RESULTS FROM THE KEPLER MISSION" The podcast of a recent non-technical talk on "Finding the Next Earth: Results from the Kepler Mission" by mission scientist Natalie Batalha (part of the 2012-2013 Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures series) can be found at: http://astrosociety.org/silicon-valley-astronomy-lectures/ You can also find earlier lectures there by Michael Brown of Caltech, David Morrison of NASA, Alex Filippenko of Berkeley and others. 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 PHD OPPORTUNITY IN PHYSICAL VOLCANOLOGY (LAVA EROSION MODELING) AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY I have funding for one Ph.D. student starting in the Fall 2013 semester. This funding is for a research assistantship for at least 2 years, and possibly up to 4 years (either teaching assistantship or research assistanship), to develop new mathematical computer models to investigate erosion by flowing lava on the Moon, Mars, and Earth. I am seeking a student interested in developing model(s) to focus on modeling mechanical erosion by lava in various planetary environments, and/or the case of erosion by dense submarine ultramafic komatiitic basalt lava flows that burrow into and thermo-mechanically erode water-saturated submarine sea-floor sediments. If you are interested in this project, I encourage you to apply to our graduate program. ASU Graduate School applications for the Fall 2013 semester are due on December 15, 2012. For more information, please go to: http://sese.asu.edu/prospective_grads Interested potential applicants are encouraged to meet with me at the Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco next week. For further information, please contact Professor David Williams at: (Edited for length.) 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 HABITABLE WORLDS ACROSS SPACE AND TIME First Announcement: The 2013 STScI Spring Symposium April 29 - May 2, 2013 Abstract submission deadline: March 15, 2013 On-line registration deadline: March 29, 2013 Within a matter of years, humanity will know for the first time the frequency of terrestrial planets in orbit around other stars. This knowledge will pave the way for joining research from astronomy, Earth science, and biology to understand the past, present, and future of the Earth within its larger context as one of many habitable worlds. Such work seeks to understand the formation and fate of the Earth as well as predict where and when different bodies will be suitable for life. In this four-day symposium, scientists from diverse fields will discuss the formation and long-term evolution of terrestrial bodies throughout the various phases of stellar and Galactic evolution. A particular focus will be in how the specific conditions and challenges for habitability on Earth extend to other bodies in the Solar System and beyond. The existence of these overlooked environments may provide motivation for novel astronomical observations with existing and next generation ground and space-based observatories. For more information see: http://www.stsci.edu/institute/conference/habitable-worlds 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] REQUESTING CONCEPTS FOR APPLICATIONS OF LARGE SPACE OPTICS (SALSO) Solicitation Number: NNH13ZDA002L Release Date: 11/26/12 Response Date: 1/7/13 Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Classification Code: A - Research and Development Issued by: Science Mission Directorate The goal of the overall study is to gather and assess concepts for possible utilization of the recently acquired systems for Agency goals aligned with 5 principal areas; space technology, human exploration and operations, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics (excluding an infrared wide field survey). The SALSO activity consists of a managed workshop and follow-on study of concepts flowing from the workshop process. NASA encourages submission of concepts that address multiple NASA objectives (above); make innovative use of NASA capabilities and/or anticipated commercial services; and/or incorporate innovative processes or partnership arrangements. Detailed information about submission requirements are provided at the SALSO website: http://science.nasa.gov/salso/ Point of Contact W. George Fletcher SALSO Project Manager Phone: 256-544-5151 Fax: 256-544-5422 george.fletcher@nasa.gov (Edited for length.) 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] KEPLER PARTICIPATING SCIENTIST PROGRAM The Kepler Participating Scientist Program (PSP) is designed to fund community investigations that advance the goals of the Kepler Mission during its extended phase. Participating Scientists may pursue data processing and analysis tasks, exoplanet candidate follow-up observations, completeness and reliability studies, characterization of the stellar target sample, etc. The Kepler PSP is complementary to, but distinct from, the Kepler Guest Observer (GO) program. NOIs are requested by January 18, 2013. Proposal due date is March 1, 2013. Technical questions regarding the Kepler extended mission and key science project activities may be directed to: Dr. Steve Howell, steve.b.howell@nasa.gov, (650) 604-4238. NASA point of contact for programmatic information is Dr. Douglas Hudgins douglas.m.hudgins@nasa.gov (202) 358-0988 (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] THREE-DAY TRAINING COURSE ON PLANETARY PROTECTION Course: "Planetary Protection: Policies and Practices" Dates: January 22-24, 2013 Location: Kennedy Space Center, Florida We cordially invite all interested parties to participate in the upcoming course on Planetary Protection Policies and Practices, which is designed to familiarize current and future practitioners with NASA, ESA, and COSPAR planetary protection programs. The course provides an overview of applicable policies, practices and procedures necessary to implement a successful planetary protection program, emphasizing integration of managerial, administrative, and laboratory activities. It is supported by the NASA Planetary Protection Officer. http://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/course Enrollment: 14 participants Application: contact tasalb@msn.com 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 POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH The Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Minnesota Duluth seeks a full time Postdoctoral Associate to conduct original geological mapping and research of Venus with the goal to understand regional- to global-scale geohistories, and implications for geodynamic processes and Venus evolution. Requirements include: a recent Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in geology, geophysics, or related field, and experience in geologic mapping and GIS. Candidates with a strong field-based geologic mapping experience and/or geologic mapping using remote sensing data. The appointment is for up to 3 years, and includes healthcare, and salary commensurate with experience. Preferred start date: Jan. 2, 2013. For more details, or questions, please contact Vicki Hansen (218-726-8628; or vhansen@d.umn.edu). The University of Minnesota requires that you apply online for this position (requisition number: 181894). https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=219524 Applications should include: a cover letter with current contact information; CV; summary of research experience, skills, and interests; unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 THE 3RD IAA PLANETARY DEFENSE CONFERENCE April 15-19, 2013 Planetary Defense Conference www.pdc2013.org Flagstaff, Arizona The third IAA Planetary Defense Conference will take place April 15-19, 2013, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Topics include planetary defense; recent progress and plans; NEO discovery; NEO characterization; mitigation techniques and missions; impact effects that inform warning, mitigation and costs; and consequence management and education. The conference will include an exercise where participants will simulate the decision-making process for developing deflection and civil defense responses to a hypothetical asteroid threat. A field trip to Meteor Crater is also offered. The abstract deadline is December 21, 2012. For more information see: www.pdc2013.org 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT (H2M) ANNOUNCEMENT 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. Some of the tentative speakers already include Buzz Aldrin, Charles Bolden, William Gerstenmaier, Rebecca Keiser, Doug Mccuistion, James Garvin, Deborah Bass, Andrew Chaikin, Penelope Boston, Robert Braun, David Beaty, Chris McKay, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Meredith McKay, Miles O'Brien, and many others. Take advantage of our special "Launch" registration today and save money before the registration fee increases after January 1, 2013: http://h2m.eventbrite.com or visit our website at: www.exploremars.org 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 22-24, 2013 Planetary Protection: Policies and Practices http://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/course Titusville, FL April 15-19, 2013 Planetary Defense Conference www.pdc2013.org Flagstaff, AZ July 16-18, 2013 NASA Lunar Science Forum http://lunarscience.nasa.gov/lsf2013 Moffett Field, CA July 17-19, 2012 Dusty Visions 2013 http://www.dsi.uni-stuttgart.de/cosmicdust/news/dustyvisions2013.html Stuttgart, Germany [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.] *********************************************************************** COMMERCIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS *********************************************************************** C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1 RESOURCES FOR ASTRONOMY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH A new resource guide for college instructors and high school teachers tackling ideas in modern cosmology has been published by the NASA Astrophysics Education and Outreach Forum. Websites, articles, books, animations, audio recordings, and other resources useful for both instructors and students are included. The guide is available in either HTML or PDF format at: http://astrosociety.org/education/astronomy-resource-guides/ cosmology-the-origin-evolution-ultimate-fate-of-the-universe/ The Universe at Your Fingertips 2.0, the widely-praised DVD-ROM with over a hundred classroom-tested hands-on astronomy activities from projects around the country, plus many background articles and resource guides for those teaching astronomy in grades 3-12, is now available through Amazon.com for everyone's shopping convenience. This is a perfect holiday present for any teacher. See: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1583817794 *********************************************************************** * 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. Go to * http://planetarynews.org/submission.html for complete submission * directions. * * PEN is a service provided by the Planetary Science Institute * (http://www.psi.edu). **********************************************************************