PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 8, Number 54 (November 23, 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. Summer Course "Life on Earth and Beyond - The History and Philosophy of the Origin of Life" 2. 20-20-20 Airships NASA Centennial Challenge RFI 3. Postdoctoral Fellowship in Lunar & Asteroid Exploration Science - Petrology and Geochemistry 4. Second Landing Site Workshop for the Mars 2020 Rover 5. Planetary Geomorphology EGU 2015 – Student Travel Support Deadline 6. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 7. ESO/ESA/ALMA/NRAO-NAASC Workshop Abstract Deadline Approaching 8. Postdoctoral Researcher (Elemental/Isotopic Analysis) ID#14629 9. Postdoctoral Researcher (Chemical/Isotopic Analysis) ID#14630 10. [NASA] 2014 NASA EONS Solicitation for Proposals 11. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements C1. Paper Submission Opportunity I C2. Paper Submission Opportunity II 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 SUMMER COURSE "LIFE ON EARTH AND BEYOND - THE HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE ORIGIN OF LIFE" Island of Ven, 4 - 6 May 2015 The aim of the course is to give participants an overview of the historical, philosophical and ethical questions arising in this field. It is co-organized by the Nordic Network of Astrobiology and the EU COST Action "Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth and in the Universe". The course is open for students and scientists in humanities, natural, social and political sciences. Some of the following course themes are: - Definition of life in a historical and philosophical context - Biochemical evolution - The tree of biological evolution - Search for life outside Earth - Philosophical, ethical and political questions arising with the quest for life on other celestial bodies A multitude of highly merited researchers have agreed to teach at the course. For details see: http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Ven2015/ The deadline for application is 15 January 2015 23:59:00 UTC. Bursaries for students and early career scientists (up to 8 years after their Ph. D.) from most European countries (see homepage for details) are available. Please also spread information about the course to possibly interested people at your institution. 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 20-20-20 AIRSHIPS NASA CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE RFI A challenge is being developed to incentivize airships, lighter than air maneuverable vehicles, as a possible platform for astronomy and Earth Science as part of the NASA Centennial Challenge Program (www.centennialchallenges.nasa.gov). Recently a request for information (RFI) about this Challenge has been released. The RFI is posted here: http://go.usa.gov/7hfS If the proposed Airships 20-20-20 Challenge is selected to proceed, there will be a 2 stage challenge, first to build an airship that flies with a small (20kg) payload for 20 hours at 20km, and in the second stage a 200kg payload for 200 hours at 20km. One of the criteria NASA will use in deciding whether to proceed with the Challenge will be interest among the science community and potential end users in industry. This includes interest both in participating in the Challenge and in seeing stratospheric airships as a viable platform. Section 6 of the RFI lists some questions that are of particular interest to scientists who might use this platform in the future. Comments must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on December 1, 2014 to Mr. Sam Ortega at: HQ-STMD-CentennialChallenges@mail.nasa.gov. Use 202020 Challenge on the Subject line. 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN LUNAR & ASTEROID EXPLORATION SCIENCE - PETROLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in lunar and asteroid exploration science for a full-time exempt position in the Houston, Texas area. The successful candidate will join Dr. David A. Kring and over two dozen other scientists in the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration, which is one of nine national centers of excellence supported by NASA’s Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. The main goals of the Center’s activities are to address NASA’s highest lunar and asteroid exploration science objectives, including activities in preparation of robotic and crewed landings. Applications from those with recent Ph.D.s in the fields of petrology and geochemistry are encouraged to apply. Previous experience with lunar samples, chondritic meteorites, and/or impact lithologies will be advantageous, but is not required. Interested applicants should apply to the posting at: https://usracareers.silkroad.com/ and must submit a curriculum vita with list of publications, a two to three page statement of research interests, and a list of three references. Additional details are available at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/exploration/ USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled 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 SECOND LANDING SITE WORKSHOP FOR THE MARS 2020 ROVER You are invited to participate in the second landing site workshop for the Mars 2020 Rover. The workshop will be held in the Pasadena, CA, area on August 4-6, 2015 (venue TBD) and will focus on further evaluation of candidate sites introduced at the first workshop as well as new candidate sites. Additional information will be posted on the Mars 2020 landing site website: http://marsnext.jpl.nasa.gov The candidate landing sites emerging from the second workshop will then be considered in more detail by the 2020 Project, Mars Program, and the Science Community. New sites may be proposed and discussed at the workshop, with the expectation that such new sites will be based in part on discoveries related to new data from MRO. Future workshops (beyond 2015) would further narrow the list of sites under consideration to a recommended landing site zone and (eventually) precise landing ellipse. All members of the scientific community are encouraged to participate in this activity, as robust input from the science community is critical to identifying the optimal landing site for the 2020 rover. John Grant and Matt Golombek Co-Chairs, Mars Landing Site Steering Committee [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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY EGU 2015 – STUDENT TRAVEL SUPPORT DEADLINE Students – the deadline for financial support applications is fast approaching – 28th November! To qualify you must submit your abstract by this date!: http://www.egu2015.eu/support_and_distinction.html Planetary Geomorphology at EGU 2015 (Vienna Austria 12 - 17 April) GM10.1/PS9.5: The Planetary Geomorphology session welcomes abstracts concerning landforms and the processes that shape them on all solar system bodies. Earth analogue studies, flume/simulation work and novel approaches using remote sensing data are especially encouraged. This session has always provided a stimulating forum for cross-disciplinary discussion and we hope you’ll join us once again to bring geomorphology and planetary science closer together. The final deadline for abstracts is 7th January 2015. Session details and link to abstract submission: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2015/session/17219 Abstract instructions: http://www.egu2015.eu/abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_ abstract.html Regards, Planetary Geomorphology Conveners: Susan Conway, Matt Balme, Colman Gallagher and Andreas Johnsson The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England & Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). The Open University is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 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 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/17903 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/1tI5M9x For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 ESO/ESA/ALMA/NRAO-NAASC WORKSHOP ABSTRACT DEADLINE APPROACHING The abstract deadline of Nov. 24 is upon us for the ESO/ESA/ALMA/NRAO- NAASC workshop on: "Ground and Space Observatories: A Joint Venture to Planetary Science" March 2-5, 2015 Santiago, Chile http://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2015/Planets2015.html The goal of this workshop is to explore synergies between ground and space-based observatories with planetary missions for exploring the Solar System and planets, and to foster collaborations between the different communities by sharing scientific and technical knowledge, needs, requirements, and techniques. The morning sessions of the workshop will focus on those topics, while the afternoon sessions will focus on the capabilities of recent observatories, facilities or instruments, before moving on to general discussions. Please check the website for more detailed information on the program. The meeting will be held at the ESO office in Santiago, and will be limited to around 100 participants. The registration fee is 250 euros, and 150 euros for students. We have financial support for a limited number of students. There will be the opportunity for a limited number of participants to fly to the North of Chile and enjoy a guided tour of the ALMA observing site on March 7. We hope to see you in Santiago! 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (ELEMENTAL/ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS) ID#14629 The Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr. Gary R. Huss and colleagues to carry out elemental and isotopic analysis of samples returned by NASA’s Stardust and Genesis Missions. This is a regular, full-time position. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Qualifications: PhD in cosmochemistry or related field. Two years of research experience in: cosmochemistry, meteoritics, isotope geochemistry or cosmochemistry, or secondary ion mass spectrometry. Good verbal and written communication skills. Desirable skills: Experience with isotopic measurements or meteorite petrography. Background in statistical analysis. For additional information contact Gary Huss 808-956-9432, ghuss@higp.hawaii.edu. To apply, please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time on January 15, 2015. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send documents to rcuhhr@rcuh.com. For questions on the application process, call (808) 956-8344. EEO/AA 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (CHEMICAL/ISOTOPIC ANALYSIS) ID#14630 The Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr. Gary R. Huss and colleagues to carry out chemical and isotopic investigations of presolar and early solar system materials. This is a regular, full-time position. Salary commensurate with qualifications. Qualifications: PhD in cosmochemistry or related field. Two years of research experience in: cosmochemistry, meteoritics, isotope geochemistry or cosmochemistry, or secondary ion mass spectrometry. Good verbal and written communication skills. Desirable skills: Experience with isotopic measurements or meteorite petrography. Background in statistical analysis. For additional information contact Gary Huss 808-956-9432, ghuss@higp.hawaii.edu. To apply, please go to www.rcuh.com, click on “Employment”; select “Apply” and navigate to “See Job Announcements and/or Apply for a Job.” You must submit the following documents online: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary History, 4) Supervisory References, 5) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be received by 11:59 P.M. Hawaii Standard Time on January 15, 2015. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send documents to rcuhhr@rcuh.com. For questions on the application process, call (808) 956-8344. EEO/AA Employer. 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] 2014 NASA EONS SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS NASA's Office of Education Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) is now soliciting proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to create and implement a NASA Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) challenge, targeted for MSI participation. STEM challenges are creative applications of NASA-related science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and cross-cutting concepts. MUREP STEM Engagement (MSE) seeks proposals to support MSIs that demonstrate the potential to increase the number of minority undergraduates in STEM education areas relevant to NASA. "Education Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) 2014"NNH14ZHA001N is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ Questions concerning Appendix I, NASA MUREP STEM Engagement (MSE), may be directed to Theresa Martinez, MSE Manager, NASA Kennedy Space Center through NASAMSE@nasaprs.com. 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 May 4-6, 2015 Life on Earth and Beyond - The History and Philosophy of the Origin of Life http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Ven2015/ Ven Island, Sweden May 6-8, 2015 Exoplanets in Lund 2015 http://www.astro.lu.se/lundexoplanets2015/ Lund, Sweden August 2-7, 2015 12th Annual Meeting of the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2015/ Singapore August 4-6, 2015 Second Landing Site Workshop for the Mars 2020 Rover http://marsnext.jpl.nasa.gov Pasadena, CA [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.] *********************************************************************** 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 Paper Submission Opportunity I The year 2014 marks the tenth year of operations of the NASA/ESA Cassini orbiter at Saturn, a period which has seen a tremendous increase in our knowledge of the planet’s ring system. As a result, previous theoretical models have been challenged or revised, and many new questions raised. In August 2014, the Fourth Planetary Rings Workshop was held in Boulder, CO, sponsored by the Cassini Rings Working Group. This special issue brings together papers presented at the meeting, but is also open to other contributions describing new observational or theoretical work on this topic. Topics of interest include: - New observations or analyses of data for Saturn’s rings from Cassini, or ground-based observations. - New results on the ring systems of other bodies, including Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. - Theoretical analyses or numerical modeling of any aspect of planetary rings systems. Submission Format: Submitted papers must be written in English and describe original research which is neither published nor currently under review by other journals. Author guidelines for preparation of manuscripts can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/journals/icarus/0019-1035/guide-for-authors For more information, please contact the editorial office at Icarus@astro.cornell.edu. Guest Editors: Philip Nicholson (lead) Larry Esposito Jeffrey Cuzzi C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2 Paper Submission Opportunity II As Titan approaches northern summer solstice in 2017, seasonal variations in solar insolation are driving dynamic changes to its surface and atmosphere. A primary objective of the Cassini Solstice Mission is to study these changes and monitor the evolution of Titan’s hydrocarbon-based hydrologic cycle. Titan’s exotic environment ensures that even rudimentary measurements of atmospheric/surface interactions, such as wind-wave generation or aeolian dune development, provide valuable data to anchor physical models. Titan’s seas are being illuminated for the first time during the Cassini mission. This special issue invites papers that describe observations, theoretical models, and laboratory experiments that relate to the processes that modify Titan’s surface and drive its atmosphere. Topics of interest include: - New results documenting surface and atmospheric processes on Titan from both the Cassini mission and telescopic observations. - Theoretical modeling predicting activity on Titan’s surface and within its atmosphere. - Laboratory investigations into the underlying processes related to activity on Titan. Submission Format: Submitted papers must be written in English and describe original research which is neither published nor currently under review. See: http://www.elsevier.com/journals/icarus/0019-1035/guide-for-authors for detailed author guidelines. For more information, please contact the editorial office at Icarus@astro.cornell.edu. Guest Editors: Alex Hayes (lead) Jason Soderblom Mate Adamkovics *********************************************************************** * 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) using no NASA funds. 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