PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 8, Number 8 (February 9, 2014) 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. COSPAR Session B0.1: Lunar Science and Exploration 2. COSPAR Session C5.2: Dusty Plasmas in Space 3. USGS Astrogeology Science Center Job Opportunities 4. PDS Release of Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) Data 5. Call for papers - Icarus Special Issue: Lunar Volatiles 6. PhD and PostDoc Positions in Planetary Sciences at University of Oslo, Norway 7. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 8. Postdoc Position at the University of Cologne, Germany 9. Second Annual Meeting of the AAS Laboratory Astrophysics Division: LAD 2014 10. NASA Seminar Series on Near-Earth Asteroids 11. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 12. Session to Improve the Quality of Your NASA Proposals 13. Mars Critical Data Products Program (Round IX) - Mars 2020 14. Interview with, Frank Drake, the Founder of SETI, Now on YouTube 15. 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 COSPAR SESSION B0.1: LUNAR SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION Call for papers COSPAR 2014 Moscow, August 2-10 Abstract submission date: Feb. 14 Full details and online abstract submission at: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/ Lunar science and exploration are having a renaissance with as many as ten missions sent to Moon during the last one decade itself. This session is aimed at discussing new progress in lunar science from recent missions, latest science results, newer insight into our understanding of Moon, modeling and synthesis of different scientific data, future missions, and science questions. It will include invited, contributed, and poster papers. Papers on new lunar mission concepts, instrumentation for the future lunar missions, and human lunar exploration are also welcome in this session. Scientific Organizer: Anil Bhardwaj (SPL, VSSC, India) Deputy Organizer: Vladislav Shevchenko (Moscow State University, Russia) Scientific Organizing Committee: Richard Vondrak (NASA-GSFC), Igor Mitrofanov (Space Research Institute, Russia), Alan Smith (MSSL, UK), Bernard Foing (ESTEC/ESA & ILEWG), Carle M. Pieters (Brown University), Kyeong Ja Kim (KIGAM, Korea), Yury Shkuratov (Institute of Astronomy, Kharkiv National University, Ukraine), John Keller (NASA-GSFC), Patrick Pinet (Midi-Pyrenees Observatory, France), Yury Nefed'ev (Engelhard Astronomical Observatory, Russia), Ralf Jaumann (Institute of Planetary Research/DLR, Germany), Tatsuaki Okada (ISAS/ JAXA, Japan) 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 COSPAR SESSION C5.2: DUSTY PLASMAS IN SPACE Call for papers The scope of this session includes two areas of research regarding "Dusty Plasmas in Space": (1) the wide range of naturally occurring dusty plasmas in the Universe, such as those present in the interstellar medium, in star and planet formation, in the solar system, and in the Earth's atmosphere, and (2) man-made dusty plasmas under microgravity conditions, e.g., experiments on the International Space Station designed to observe basic dusty plasma processes such as strong coupling phenomena. This session aims to provide an opportunity for an exchange of technical know-how, and theoretical and experimental ideas in order to further the development of dusty plasma research as a whole. A full description of the session (C5.2) can be found at: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/ Abstract deadline: 14 February 2014. The 40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly will be held from 2-10 August 2014 in Moscow. Details at: http://cospar2014moscow.com/ Scientific Organizer: Hubertus Thomas (Max Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics, Germany) Deputy Organizer: Timothy Stubbs (NASA GSFC) Scientific Organizing Committee: Robert Bingham (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK), Geraint Jones (UCL, Mullard Space Science Lab, UK), Vladimir Molotkov (Joint Institute for High Temperatures, Russia), Hiroo Totsuji (JAXA, Japan) [Edited for length.] 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 USGS ASTROGEOLOGY SCIENCE CENTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES The U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, has up to three full-time permanent interdisciplinary (Geologist, Geophysicist, Physical Scientist, or Space Scientist) research positions now posted online. The soft-money positions are at the GS-13 grade level (comparable to associate professors in academia). Candidates with strong research credentials in planetary science or in remote sensing and geoscience applicable to planetary studies are sought. Experience with both obtaining NASA research grants and working on planetary space missions is especially important. The application opportunity will be open from February 3, 2014 to February 21, 2014. 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 PDS RELEASE OF NEAR EARTH ASTEROID TRACKING (NEAT) DATA The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce the availability of the first installment of the image data from the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) Survey. To access these data, please visit the following link: http://sbn.psi.edu/pds/resource/neat.html PDS Small Bodies Node provides a utility for searching the NEAT data set for images containing specified solar system targets, also available at the above link. (The NEAT data will be released in six installments over the course of 2014, of which this is the first.) 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 CALL FOR PAPERS - ICARUS SPECIAL ISSUE: LUNAR VOLATILES In the past five years, the paradigm of lunar volatiles research has shifted from hypothesizing on the existence of volatiles on the Moon to classifying the abundance and distribution of different types of volatiles on the Moon. This special issue reports work advancing the understanding of volatiles in, on, and around the Moon including the primordial inventory, volatile additions and losses throughout the history of the Moon, and the current inventory of volatiles. Manuscripts publishing spacecraft data relevant to mapping and quantifying lunar volatiles are sought. In addition, papers focused on the processes related to the storage, maintenance, migration, delivery, or removal of volatiles are appropriate. The special issue solicits submissions containing new scientific research via laboratory studies, remote sensing, data analysis, modeling, sample analysis, or theoretical investigations. Topics of interest include, but are NOT limited to: Composition and spatial distribution of volatiles Timing of volatile emplacement and removal Processes involving lunar volatiles Comparative analysis of volatiles on different solar system objects Author guidelines for preparation of manuscript can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505620 /authorinstructions For more information, please contact the editorial office at Icarus@astro.cornell.edu Guest Editors: Dana Hurley Oded Aharonson Matthew Siegler 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 PHD AND POSTDOC POSITIONS IN PLANETARY SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY OF OSLO, NORWAY The Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics at the University of Oslo, Norway, invites applications for a: 1) PhD Research Fellowship in Earth and Planetary Sciences on numerical modeling of large scale impact cratering processes: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1124103/97031?iso=no 2) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Earth and Planetary Sciences on studying the geological evolutionary history and cratering record of Mercury in comparison with the Moon and Mars: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1124221/97031?iso=no The positions and main tasks of the successful candidates are part of the "Crater Clock: Calibration of the Cratering Chronometer for the Earliest Planetary Evolution" project. Application deadline: May 1, 2014. If you have any questions, follow the links above, or contact Stephanie C. Werner, Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics at the University of Oslo, Norway (stephanie.werner@geo.uio.no) 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The February 'Image of the Month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http:/planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/ This Month’s topic is on "Paleolakes on Mars". Post contributed by Dr. Gino Erkeling, Institut für Planetologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany. Mary Bourke IAG Working Group on Planetary Geomorphology 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 POSTDOC POSITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE, GERMANY A two-year postdoc position starting in September 2014 is available within the Space Physics/Planetary Group of the Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology at the University of Cologne, Germany. The position is renewable up to a total length of 6 years subject to the continuation of funding. We look for candidates with interest in turbulence in space plasmas or the interaction of planetary bodies (including extra-solar planets) with their surrounding plasma environments. Theoretical, numerical and/or observational approaches are equally well appreciated. Interest to participate in the English-spoken teaching activities in space plasma physics and planetary sciences of the Institute is welcome. The position includes the possibility to pursue a habilitation. Candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, and names and contact information for two references. The position is open until filled, however we will begin reviewing applications on April, 7 2014. We encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply. Applications should be submitted electronically to Joachim Saur, Professor, Institute of Geophysics and Meteorology, University of Cologne, Germany, saur@geo.uni-koeln.de 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 SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AAS LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS DIVISION: LAD 2014 The second LAD meeting devoted to the interplay between laboratory astrophysics and astronomy, planetary science and related sciences will be held jointly with the 224th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society, June 1-5, 2014, Boston, MA. Abstract Submission for oral and poster presentations opens 3 February 2014. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9:00 pm ET, Monday, 3 March 2014. Late abstracts will be accepted until 9:00 pm ET, Thursday, 17 April 2014. Detailed abstract information and presentation instructions can be found at: http://aas.org/meetings/aas224/abstracts_full Details about the program and invited speakers can be found at: http://aas.org/aas-224th-meeting/224th-meeting-laboratory-astrophysics- division-sessions In addition to its Annual Meeting, LAD, is also holding a one-day meeting jointly with the AAS SPD Division and the APS GPAP Topical Group in Plasma Astrophysics that will focus on the interplay between laboratory astrophysics, plasma physics and solar physics. Posters – Parallel 4-day long session Conveners: Farid Salama (NASA-Ames Research Center), Chair John Black (Chalmers University of Technology) Nancy Chanover (New Mexico State University) Paul Drake (University of Michigan) Chikang Li (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Daniel Wolf Savin (Columbia University) Gianfranco Vidali (Syracuse University) Steven Federman (University of Toledo), ex-officio 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 SEMINAR SERIES ON NEAR-EARTH ASTEROIDS Curious about NASA’s Grand Challenge to "discover all asteroids that could threaten human populations and find out how to deal with them?" NASA is sponsoring a series of seminars on the properties of Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs) to provide information of interest to astronomers (amateur and professional), students, teachers, and others who are potentially interested in contributing to studies of NEAs. The seminars will be held at 11am(Eastern) on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. Information on how to join these seminars is posted at: http://sservi.nasa.gov/agc-seminar-series/ The first 5 speakers are: - Feb 14 Lindley Johnson (NASA Headquarters): NASA's NEA programs - Feb 28 David Morrison (NASA Ames & SSERVI): History of impacts research and planetary defense - Mar 14 Paul Chodas (NEO Program Office at JPL): NEA discovery, orbit calculation and impact probability - Mar 28 Alan Harris (JPL retired): NEA populations and impact frequency - Apr 11 Dan Britt (University of Central Florida): Physical properties of NEAs This seminar series is sponsored by The NASA Asteroid Grand Challenge Office, with the NASA Near Earth Object Observations Program and the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities for scientists and engineers to conduct research largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research opportunities posted on the NPP Web site. Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space operations, and astrobiology. An example of one of the research opportunities in planetary science is: https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18115 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. The latest NPP Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1fuCwZG For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.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 SESSION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR NASA PROPOSALS Curious about how to improve the quality of the proposals you send to NASA? Ever wonder what the review panel is really looking for when it reviews that proposal? The Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters is offering a Proposal Writing Workshop at LPSC that is based on the cumulative experience of current and former Discipline Scientists who have managed a variety of Research and Announcement (R&A) programs at NASA Headquarters. The specific focus of this intense, educational session is to provide a greater understanding of NASA's research programs and review process and offer constructive and practical insight into writing an effective research proposal. The event is open to all at no charge and will be held on Sunday, March 16, from 12-4 pm in Waterway 1. All interested planetary scientists, from graduate students through emeritus professors, are encouraged to attend. To register, send an e-mail with your name, affiliation, and current position to curt.niebur@nasa.gov. 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM (ROUND IX) - MARS 2020 Initial Landing Site Characterization for the Mars 2020 Rover Mission The Mars Exploration Program has issued, in January 2014, a Request for Proposal for round IX of the Mars Critical Data Products program. This RFP provides support for initial landing site surface, atmosphere, and gravity characterization for the Mars 2020 rover mission. The intent is to convert mission data and numerical simulations into products focused on specific landing site targets (to be provided by the program) that will be useful for reducing the risk to the Mars 2020 rover mission. Proposals are due on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. Details of the RFPs are posted at: https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/rfp/WH-2691-120313/default.htm or https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/bizops/ 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 INTERVIEW WITH, FRANK DRAKE, THE FOUNDER OF SETI, NOW ON YOUTUBE As part of the celebration of the beginning of the 30th year of the SETI Institute, a 2012 interview with the "father of SETI science," astronomer Frank Drake, is now available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPQz-kdaxNo The interview was conducted by SETI Institute Board Member and veteran astronomy educator Andrew Fraknoi at SETICon II in June 2012. The discussion ranges widely over Dr. Drake's career and current thinking, and includes reminiscences of Project OZMA (the very first experiment searching for signals from civilizations among the stars) and his current view of the Drake Equation (estimating the chances of intelligent life out there). He also reflects on a number of modern developments, including the discovery of numerous planets orbiting other stars and novel ways of searching for extra-terrestrial civilizations. The audience at this special event received a reprint of Frank Drake's personal history of the Drake Equation, published by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Because of its historical importance, this article is now available freely on the web at: http://www.astrosociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ab2010-46.pdf More information about the current status of SETI can be found at the Institute’s web site: http://www.seti.org 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS June 1-5, 2014 Second Annual Meeting of the AAS Laboratory Astrophysics Division: LAD 2014 http://aas.org/aas-224th-meeting/224th-meeting-laboratory- astrophysics-division-sessions Boston, MA [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. 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