PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 8, Number 33 (July 13, 2014) 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. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 2. [NASA] ROSES-14: Dawn at Ceres GIP 3. GSA Session Announcement - When Water Meets Rock: Aqueous Alteration in the Solar System 4. Geological Society of America G.K. Gilbert Award: Geophysics Across the Outer Solar System 5. AGU Session PS2603: From Observations to the Global Igneous Evolution of Mars 6. AGU Session PS2692: Rapid Environmental Change and the Fate of Planetary Habitability 7. AGU Session PS2919: In and Out of Jove - Giant Planet Interiors, Atmospheres, Aurorae, and Ionospheres 8. AGU Session PS3439: Reconstructing Habitable Environments on Ancient Mars 9. AGU Session PS3594: The Solar System Collapsing Disc - Evidence from Comets, Meteorites and Giant Planet Atmospheres 10. AGU Session PS3960: Solar System Small Bodies - Relics of Formation & New Worlds to Explore 11. Request for Proposals - Mars One Lander 2019 12. Moscow International Solar System Symposium (5M-S3) 13. Near-Earth Object Observer 14. Near-Earth Object Postdoctoral Research Fellow 15. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 16. Job Opportunity 17. LPI Cooperative Agreement Notice Released 18. The Planetary Society Presents: The Lure of Europa 19. 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The July '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 a Megaflood on Mars from a Breached Crater Lake. Post by Dr Neil Coleman, University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Mary C. Bourke 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 [NASA] ROSES-14: DAWN AT CERES GIP The goals of the Dawn at Ceres Guest Investigator Program are to: a) enhance the scientific return from the Dawn mission by broadening participation in the mission b) augment the existing Dawn science team to include new members conducting investigations that broaden and/or complement the funded Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (Co-I)-led investigations, thus maximizing the contribution of Dawn to the future exploration and scientific understanding of the Solar System. Because the intention is to enhance and broaden the scientific return, investigations submitted by Dawn PIs and Co-Is will not be considered. Individuals previously selected as Dawn at Vesta Participating Scientists may propose new investigations to this solicitation. Step-1 due: August 14, 2014 Proposals due: October 9, 2014 Announcement: NNH14ZDA001N http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant- solicitations/roses-2014 Questions concerning this program element may be directed to: Dr. Michael H. New (202) 359-1966 michael.h.new@nasa.gov [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 GSA SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT - WHEN WATER MEETS ROCK: AQUEOUS ALTERATION IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Water-rock chemical interactions are ubiquitous on surfaces and in shallow crusts of planetary bodies, and in chondritic materials. This session will explore processes and products of aqueous alteration and we encourage contributions from terrestrial analog studies. Chemical reactions between rock and water have played a fundamental role throughout solar system history, but we are often left with the products of these interactions (e.g., hydrated minerals, geochemical fingerprints) and left to interpret the processes and environments responsible. For example on Mars, thousands of detections of hydrous minerals by the CRISM spectrometer point to a wetter history around the same time life arose on Earth. Carbonaceous chondrites, the most chemically primitive solar system materials, are typified by nearly complete alteration of their primary mineralogy through the action of water. Linking observed secondary minerals and geochemistry with formation environment and process is the focus of this session. Big picture questions include whether observed aqueous minerals formed mainly under near-surface ambient or hydrothermal conditions and the longevity of liquid water involved. The abstract deadline is July 29. http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2014/science/sessions Conveners: John F. Mustard (Brown University) See you in Vancouver! 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 GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA G.K. GILBERT AWARD: GEOPHYSICS ACROSS THE OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM Exploration of our Solar System over the past decades has revealed the pervasive importance of a myriad of geophysical processes on the icy bodies beyond the asteroid belt. Understanding the relative importance of large impacts, orbital dynamics, and internal processes for tectonics and other surface modifications is key to untangling the evolution of these objects where water ice is a major, and in many cases dominant, constituent. Besides revealing evidence of these processes, spacecraft data have enabled the rigorous modeling of these icy bodies' internal structures, convection in their icy mantles, viscous relaxation of impact crater topography, water-rich volcanism, and cratering mechanics into ice by providing critical topographic and morphological constraints. These discoveries have also provided evidence for surface processes distinctive to the low-gravity, icy bodies in the outer Solar System. To celebrate and further understand these discoveries, this session will explore the origin, structure, evolution, and bombardment history of outer planet satellites and Pluto. The due date for GSA abstracts is July 29. The G.K. Gilbert session will be held at the GSA Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct 21, in Vancouver, BC. http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2014/home/ The session is in honor of Prof. William McKinnon, the 2014 G.K. Gilbert awardee. [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 AGU SESSION PS2603: FROM OBSERVATIONS TO THE GLOBAL IGNEOUS EVOLUTION OF MARS Recent research places us on the cusp to advance planetary-scale martian evolution. These include mugearite, identified in situ, indicating a compositional parallel to otherwise unlikely arc and rift processes; geomorphology suggesting Yellowstone-scale volcanic edifices; meteorites, such as NWA9034, showing the first compelling overlap with crustal composition; evidence for isolated pockets of a wet ancient mantle active until recently; localized spectral signatures of unusually felsic compositions; and igneous evolution models such as thermal pipes. Accordingly, this session will address emerging questions. For example, did thermal pipe analogs contribute an endogenic source for the planetary dichotomy? Could pyroclastics and exhalations, of supervolcanoes tapping a mantle, hydrated comparably with modern Earth's, yield compositional signatures in the modern crust? What constraints on magma ocean overturn and lithospheric de-lamination models might arise by seeking evidence for a residual primary crust? We welcome contributions from both planetary and terrestrial geologists to address such interdisciplinary questions. Session Co-sponsors include: DI - Study of the Earth's Deep Interior EP - Earth and Planetary Surface Processes T - Tectonophysics V - Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology Co-chairs: Suniti Karunatillake, James Wray, and J.R. Skok 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 SESSION PS 2692: RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE FATE OF PLANETARY HABITABILITY Rapid environmental change can be used as a scientific bridge, relating astrobiology to earth, planetary, and space sciences in the study of how life may adapt through abrupt climate crises. Recent discoveries inspire us to re-examine our understanding of how rapidly planetary habitats can be redistributed. Past habitable environments on Mars from the Curiosity rover, possible subsurface lakes and oceans on Europa or Enceladus, and potentially habitable exoplanets from the Kepler spacecraft continue to expand our definition of the habitable zone. Abstracts on the intertwined aspects of changing habitability, including the complex interactions among astronomical, geological, and climatic forces, on the Earth and beyond, are welcome. Co-Sponsor(s): B - Biogeosciences Deadline for abstract submission: 6 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT For more information, visit: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/webprogrampreliminary/Session2692.html Conveners: Franck Marchis, Carl Sagan Center, SETI institute, USA Cynthia B Phillips, Carl Sagan Center, SETI institute, USA Nathalie A Cabrol, Carl Sagan Center, SETI institute, & NASA Ames Research Center, USA 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 SESSION PS2919: IN AND OUT OF JOVE - GIANT PLANET INTERIORS, ATMOSPHERES, AURORAE, AND IONOSPHERES We solicit new research findings about the ionospheres, atmospheres and deep interiors of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. A special focus of our session is on the processes that reflect the interior rotation rate of Saturn. The sources of data to be covered in our session include the continuing observation by the Cassini spacecraft, now in its 10th year in orbit around Saturn. We also cover results of the recent Saturn Aurora Campaigns that coordinated observations by Cassini, the Hubble Space Telescope, and ground-based observatories. For Jupiter, we solicit long-term monitoring using ground- and space- based telescopes, and studies in anticipation of the Juno spacecraft's arrival in August 2016. Observations of Uranus and Neptune are also within in our session's scope. In addition, we solicit modeling and theoretical presentations that address these observational findings. Deadline for abstract submission: 6 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT To submit abstracts to this session, visit: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/webprogrampreliminary/Session2919.html Conveners: Kunio M Sayanagi, Hampton University Ulyana Dyudina, Caltech Scott G Edgington, JPL Marcia E Burton, JPL 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 SESSION PS3439: RECONSTRUCTING HABITABLE ENVIRONMENTS ON ANCIENT MARS Calling all martian geomorphologists, geochemists, sedimentologists, mineralogists, and astrobiologists for a collaborative session on habitability and organic preservation on ancient Mars! Ongoing rover and satellite investigations of the martian surface have revealed diverse aqueous environments, but these environments most likely had highly variable implications for habitability and organic preservation potential. The wealth of geomorphological, chemical, and mineralogical data available at Mars now allows us to reconstruct these environments in detail at sites across the planet, by inferring environmental conditions including (but not limited to): pH, redox state, environmental stability, radiation shielding, longevity of aqueous activity, and diversity of possible metabolic pathways. As habitability and preservation potential are the primary characteristics that will drive NASA's continued exploration of Mars, this session will focus on using inferred environmental conditions to evaluate both of these characteristics at geological sites relevant to ancient Mars. We invite abstracts using data from landed and/or satellite missions, and encourage abstracts that address possible ExoMars and Mars2020 landing sites. Deadline for abstract submission: 6 August 2014 For more information, visit: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/webprogrampreliminary/Session3439.html Conveners: Briony Horgan, Purdue University, briony@purdue.edu Melissa Rice, Western Washington University, melissa.rice@wwu.edu 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 AGU SESSION PS3594: THE SOLAR SYSTEM COLLAPSING DISC - EVIDENCE FROM COMETS, METEORITES AND GIANT PLANET ATMOSPHERES For several decades evaluations of the composition of meteorites, comets and giant planet atmospheres have provided clues to the origin and evolution of the solar system. When combined with theories on dynamics and composition of the collapsing disc, a picture of the history of the solar system unfolds. Several recent NASA and ESA missions, including Rosetta, JUNO, Dawn and New Horizons will soon add to constraints on the origin and evolution of our solar system. Furthermore, recent laboratory studies provide important results for evaluation of these measurements. The goal of this session is to put previous work and upcoming measurements into the broader context of solar system formation and evolution. This session is open to papers on comet, meteorite and giant planet atmosphere contributions to understanding solar system origins, laboratory studies related to the topic, and theoretical studies of the dynamical and chemical evolution of the collapsing disc. The abstract deadline for all submissions is 6 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT and no abstracts will be accepted after this date. Conveners: Kathleen Mandt kmandt@swri.org Olivier Mousis olivier@obs-besancon.fr 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 AGU SESSION PS3960: SOLAR SYSTEM SMALL BODIES - RELICS OF FORMATION & NEW WORLDS TO EXPLORE The composition and physical properties of Small Solar System Bodies (SSSBs), remnants of the formation of planets, are key to better understand the origins of our solar system and their potential as resources is necessary for robotic and human exploration. Missions such as ESA/Gaia, NASA/OSIRIS-REx, JAXA/Hyabusa-2, NASA/Dawn and NASA/New Horizons, to study asteroids, comets, dwarf planets and TNOs are poised to provide new in situ information. on SSSBs. Recent remote observations of bright and main belt comets; asteroid Chariklo, with its ring system; asteroid and KBO binaries illustrate that the distinction between comets and asteroids is blurred, providing a new paradigm for such classification. This session welcomes abstracts on the remarkable results bringing information on the internal structure and composition of SSSBs based on space and ground-based data, numerical models, as well as instrument/mission concepts in the prospect of future exploration. Deadline for abstract submission: 6 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT For more information, visit: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/webprogrampreliminary/Session3960.html Conveners: Padma A Yanamandra-Fisher, Space Science Institute, USA Julie C Castillo, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA Franck Marchis, Carl Sagan Center, SETI institute, USA Carey Michael Lisse, JHU-APL, USA 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - MARS ONE LANDER 2019 Mars One is extending a formal invitation to universities, research bodies, and companies to contribute to the payload of the 2019 unmanned Mars Lander. The best ideas will be chosen by a panel of experts. This mission will act as a staging point for the first-ever human mission to the red planet in 2025. Mars One is soliciting proposals for four demonstration payloads that will demonstrate technologies for the human mission in 2025, proposals for one payload that will be elected in a world wide university competition, and proposals for two payloads that are for sale to the highest bidder. These last two payloads can be used for scientific experiments, marketing activities or anything in between. The payloads will be part of the Mars One lander that will be launched in August 2019. The lander will be built on the same platform that was used for the 2009 NASA Phoenix mission. Mars One contracted Lockheed Martin, who also built the Phoenix spacecraft, to develop the mission concept study for the 2019 lander. See more at: http://www.mars-one.com/news/press-releases/mars-one-announces- request-for-proposals-for-2019-mars-lander-payloads [Edited for length.] 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL SOLAR SYSTEM SYMPOSIUM (5M-S3) Dear colleagues, We invite you to participate in the annual Moscow International Solar System Symposium (5M-S3) to be held October 13-19, 2014 at the Space Research Institute (IKI) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow and kindly ask you to make preliminary registration and submit abstracts before 31 JULY 2014 at the 5M-S3 website: http://ms2014.cosmos.ru/ In case of you need Visa Support from IKI in order to attend, please send: - Personal Data form (available from request to e-mail ms2014@cosmos.ru) - Copy of passport to LOC E-mail: ms2014@cosmos.ru before 31 JULY 2014. Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you have any further questions. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Moscow. Best regards, Program Committee 5M-S3 LOC 5M-S3 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 NEAR-EARTH OBJECT OBSERVER The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) seeks an Observer to conduct follow-up imaging and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. This position will be based in Chicago at the Adler. Applicants for this position must have their Bachelors degree in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field preferably with experience in ground-based optical observing. The successful applicant will be the primary observer for frequent nighttime sessions in imaging and reflectance spectroscopy via remote observing, and will conduct a limited amount of data reduction and analysis. In addition they will spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding, starting no later than October 1, 2014. Applications will be accepted until position filled. To apply, send resume to: Human Resources hr-NEO@adlerplanetarium.org Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V REQ: AST150 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 NEAR-EARTH OBJECT POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW The Adler Planetarium (Chicago, IL) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct follow-up imaging and physical characterization of near-Earth objects in a major new effort using the ARC 3.5-meter telescope at Apache Point Observatory. This position will be based in Chicago at the Adler. Applicants for this position must have their PhD (or near completion) in Astronomy, Planetary Science or a related field and should have experience with ground-based optical observing and a working familiarity with current minor planet research. The successful applicant will be expected to: 1) lead analysis of asteroid imaging, reflectance spectra, and rotational lightcurves; 2) coordinate target selection and observation with the international community; and 3) explore innovative research topics in collaboration with other members of the Adler astrophysics research staff. In addition they will spend 10% time on education and outreach activities related to their research work. The initial appointment will be for two years with a possible one-year extension dependent on successful performance and availability of funding, starting no later than October 1, 2014. Applications will be accepted until position filled. To apply, send resume to: Human Resources hr-postdoc2014@adlerplanetarium.org Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V REQ: AST140 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 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 sample research opportunity is: https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/19699 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 $9,000 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/1iUrK4I For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 JOB OPPORTUNITY The University of Alabama Huntsville and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center invite applications for a laboratory manager responsible for routine operation and maintenance of the MSFC Noble Gas Research Laboratory (MNGRL). A PhD or MS in the physical sciences, experience in mass spectrometry (noble gas and/or ICPMS, TIMS, etc.), and ultra- high vacuum laboratory operations are required. Salary is $69,151-$95,000 per year depending on qualifications; initial appointment is for 1 year with renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Applications will be reviewed beginning Sept 2 until position is filled. Apply online at: http://uah.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=50499. 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 LPI COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NOTICE RELEASED NASA created the Lunar and Planetary Institute in 1968 to advance the understanding of lunar and planetary science. This solicitation seeks an entity to continue the operation of the LPI when the current cooperative agreement expires in December 2014. Participation in this program is open to non-profit organizations, subject to 501 (C3), domestic academic institutions, or a consortium of such entities. The CAN has been posted at: http://procurement.jsc.nasa.gov/lpican/LPI%20CAN%2007092014.pdf Pre-Proposal Teleconference: July 15, 2014 Notice of Intent to Propose Due: July 31, 2014 Full Proposals Due: September 30, 2014 Questions may be sent by email to: La Toy J. Jones latoy.j.jones@nasa.gov NASA Contracting Officer NASA Johnson Space Center 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 THE PLANETARY SOCIETY PRESENTS: THE LURE OF EUROPA The Planetary Society is hosting an informational event on Capitol Hill about Europa and the future of exploration. Confirmed speakers include: Bill Nye, Rep. Lamar Smith, Rep. John Culberson, Dr. Ellen Stofan, and Dr. Robert Pappalardo. We will also feature an exhibition of large-scale prints from National Geographic's July cover story on Europa. The event is free and open to the public. Tuesday, July 15th, 3pm in Rayburn HOB room 2318. More details and optional RSVP can be found at: http://www.planetary.org/get-involved/events/2014/0715-the-lure- of-europa.html Inquiries can be directed to Casey Dreier: casey.dreier@planetary.org 19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html October 13-19, 2014 Moscow International Solar System Symposium (5M-S3) http://ms2014.cosmos.ru/ Moscow, Russia May 28-29, 2015 Emerging Researchers in Exoplanet Science Symposium http://eres-symposium.org University Park, PA [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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