PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 8, Number 51 (November 2, 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. 2nd Symposium of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR): Water and Life in the Universe 2. 41st Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and Associated Events 3. DPS Workshop: Solar System Observations with the K2 Mission 4. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 5. November 2014 MEPAG Newsletter Available 6. [NASA] ROSES-14 Cancelation of E.4: Opportunities in Education and Public Outreach for Earth and Space Sciences 7. Resources and an Award for Astronomy and Space Science Educators 8. Planetary Geomorphology 'Image of the Month' 9. Job Posting – Education and Public Outreach Manager 10. Postdoc Position at Lowell Observatory 11. 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 2ND SYMPOSIUM OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR): WATER AND LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE 9 – 13 November 2015 Foz do Iguacu, Brazil For more information see: http://cosparbrazil2015.org/ Abstract Deadline: 31 May 2015 Topics: - Space astronomy missions to detect ingredients for life and exoplanets in the universe: status of current and future approved missions and new proposals - Water and life in the universe and on Earth: impact on human consciousness and societies - Satellite and probe missions for water remote sensing on Earth, planets, and other celestial bodies - Water and Life in the Solar System - Water from chemical, biological, and physical perspectives - Role of water from the ground to the upper atmosphere - Astrobiology: habitability, synthesis of organics in ice, and prebiotic chemistry in liquid water - Water, organics and life support for human exploration in low Earth orbit, the Moon and beyond - Interdisciplinary lectures, keynote talks, public lectures Selected papers published in Advances in Space Research and Life Sciences in Space Research, fully refereed journals with no deadlines open to all submissions in relevant fields. Scientific Program Chair: Dr. Othon Winter, UNESP - São Paulo State University cospar@cosparhq.cnes.fr 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 41ST SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) AND ASSOCIATED EVENTS COSPAR 2016 30 July – 7 August 2016 Istanbul, Turkey http://www.cospar-assembly.org Abstract Deadline: Mid-February 2016 Topics: - SC A: The Earth's Surface, Meteorology and Climate - SC B: The Earth-Moon System, Planets, and Small Bodies of the Solar System - SC C: The Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets Including Reference Atmospheres - SC D: Space Plasmas in the Solar System, Including Planetary Magnetospheres - SC E: Research in Astrophysics from Space - SC F: Life Sciences as Related to Space - SC G: Materials Sciences in Space - SC H: Fundamental Physics in Space Panels: - Satellite Dynamics (PSD) - Scientific Ballooning (PSB) - Potentially Environmentally Detrimental Activities in Space (PEDAS) - Radiation Belt Environment Modelling (PRBEM) - Space Weather (PSW) - Planetary Protection (PPP) - Capacity Building (PCB) - Education (PE) - Exploration (PEX) - Exoplanetary Exploration (PEPE) - Special events: interdisciplinary lectures, round table, etc. Selected papers published in Advances in Space Research and Life Sciences in Space Research, fully refereed journals with no deadlines open to all submissions in relevant fields. Scientific Program Chair: Prof. Ersin Gogus, Sabanci University cospar@cosparhq.cnes.fr [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 DPS WORKSHOP: SOLAR SYSTEM OBSERVATIONS WITH THE K2 MISSION K2 will use an innovative way of operating the Kepler spacecraft to observe target fields along the ecliptic for the next 2–3 years. Early science commissioning observations have shown an estimated photometric precision near 150 ppm in a single 30 minute observation, and a 6-hr photometric precision of 40 ppm (both at V = 12). The K2 mission offers long-term, simultaneous optical observations of thousands of objects at a precision far better than is achievable from ground-based telescopes. K2 will provide limited opportunities for solar system observations. Generally, slow moving sources and major planets between V=4 and 20 will be possible targets. K2 has a funded GO program accepting proposals twice a year. The NASA Planetary Science and Astrophysics divisions are holding a joint workshop at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences in Tucson. The workshop is: Tuesday, November 11, 2014 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Arizona Ballroom 1-4 This workshop will consist of: 1) Presentations on the K2 mission as well as Solar System observations with the mission, and 2) Discussion with the broader community to identify observatory capabilities and envision future opportunities. [Edited for length] 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 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/17736 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/1u0LcSj For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 NOVEMBER 2014 MEPAG NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE Dear Members of the Mars Community, On behalf of Lisa Pratt (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Serina Diniega of the Mars Program Science Office, the November 2014 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov 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] ROSES-14 CANCELATION OF E.4: OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH FOR EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES On release of ROSES-14 in February, 2014, E.4 was listed as TBD with the intention to release Opportunities in Education and Public Outreach for Earth and Space Sciences. However, changing priorities and plans of how best to solicit Education and Public Outreach, has resulted in a change of plans. Instead, SMD has announced plans to release a Science Education Cooperative Agreement Notice that covers related subject matter. This Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement "Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2014" (NNH14ZDA001N) is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and will appear on the RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ roses-2014 Questions concerning E.4, the EPOESS program element may be directed to Stephanie Stockman at stephanie.a.stockman@nasa.gov. 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 RESOURCES AND AN AWARD FOR ASTRONOMY AND SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATORS 1. New or Updated Resource Guides for Astronomy Educators A new guide to educational resources about eclipses in general and the “Great American Eclipse of the Sun” in 2017 are available at: http://www.astrosociety.org/eclipse2017 New resource guides in the Unheard Voices series, “The Astronomy of Many Cultures” and “Women in Astronomy” can be found at: http://multiverse.ssl.berkeley.edu/Learning-Resources/Educator- Resource-Guides An updated guide to science fiction stories with reasonable astronomy and physics (organized by science topic) is now available at: http://www.astrosociety.org/scifi 2. Astronomy Talks on YouTube New talks by noted astronomers in the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lecture Series can be found on their YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/SVAstronomyLectures/ Recent lectures include: Caleb Scharf (Columbia), Michael Bicay (NASA), Chung-Pei Ma (U of California, Berkeley), Roger Romani (Stanford), and Alex Filippenko (Berkeley). Audio-only Podcasts that can be played on many different devices are also available at: https://www.astrosociety.org/education/past-silicon-valley- astronomy-lectures/ 3. ASP Invites Nominations for the Emmons Award for College Astronomy Teaching The Astronomical Society of the Pacific is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Emmons Award for outstanding contributions to the teaching of college-level introductory astronomy. For more information, see: http://www.astrosociety.org/about-us/the-richard-h-emmons-award-for- excellence-in-college-astronomy-teaching/ Nomination materials are due by Feb. 15, 2015. 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 GEOMORPHOLOGY 'IMAGE OF THE MONTH' The November 'Image of the Month' is available on the IAG’s Planetary Geology web page at: http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com This Month’s topic is on “Gullies and Ice on Mars.” Post by Dr Susan Conway, Open University, UK. Dr. M. Bourke 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 JOB POSTING – EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH MANAGER The University of Colorado, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) is seeking a dynamic Education and Public Outreach (EPO) leader to further the LASP’s mission by managing our highly successful and nationally recognized science-based education and public outreach program emphasizing our research in atmospheric, planetary, solar, and space sciences. The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership in the development and management of these programs. This position reports directly to the Associate Director for Science, and is fully funded by LASP. For a full job description and to apply, please visit: http://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/90178 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 POSTDOC POSITION AT LOWELL OBSERVATORY Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position at Lowell Observatory. The postdoc will work with Dr. Will Grundy on observational studies of icy outer Solar System bodies, include planning and conducting new observations, data reduction, interpretation, and publication of results. Several interrelated projects are envisioned, including Hubble Space Telescope (HST) spectroscopy of Pluto and Charon coordinated with the New Horizons encounter, HST imaging of Kuiper belt binaries, and ground-based observations using Lowell's new 4.3 m Discovery Channel Telescope. Observing time will be requested on other facilities as needed, and supporting laboratory studies can be done in the Astrophysical Ice Laboratory at Northern Arizona University (NAU). The initial appointment is for one year with an automatic extension to two years in the case of satisfactory progress. Extension to a third year is possible contingent on availability of funding. The position comes with a competitive salary and full benefits. For more information see: http://www.lowell.edu/documents/jobs/Post%20Doctoral%20Research% 20Associate%202014-23.pdf 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS April 7-8, 2015 Workshop on Venus Science Priorities for Laboratory Measurements and Instrument Definition http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/venustech2015/ Hampton, VA June 13-14, 2015 Short Course: Radio Flyers http://www.planetaryprobe.eu Cologne, Germany June 15-19, 2015 12th International Planetary Probe Workshop http://www.planetaryprobe.eu Cologne, Germany July 27-31, 2015 78th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society http://metsoc2015.ssl.berkeley.edu New Haven, CT July 30 - August 7, 2016 41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly http://www.cospar-assembly.org Istanbul, Turkey November 9-13, 2015 2nd Symposium of COSPAR: Water and Life in the Universe http://cosparbrazil2015.org/ Foz do Iguacu, Brazil [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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