PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 8, Number 58 (December 21, 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 at EGU Abstract Deadline Approaching Fast! 2. EGU 2015 Session PS2.3: Mars Science and Exploration 3. EGU 2015 Session PS3.2: Huygens Probe 10th Anniversary Session 4. 26TH International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) General Assembly 5. IUGG 2015 Session VS26: Volcanic Landscape Across the Solar System - From Field to Remote Sensing Analyses 6. [NASA] K2 Guest Observer - Cycle 2 Update 7. [NASA] PDS - Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Data Release 20 8. Jovian Magnetic Field and Magnetosphere Postdoctoral Researcher (NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland) 9. Job Opportunity: STScI Research and Instrument Analysts 10. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 11. Save the Date - Venus Conference 4-8 April 2016, Oxford UK 12. Workshop on the Potential for Finding Life in a Europa Plume 13. December 2014 Discovery and New Frontiers News 14. Faculty Opportunity at Brown University 15. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements C1. Atlas of Meteorites 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 AT EGU ABSTRACT DEADLINE APPROACHING FAST! The Planetary Geomorphology session (GM10.1/PS9.5, EGU 2015 Vienna Austria 12 - 17 April) 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 Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year, 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 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 EGU 2015 SESSION PS2.3: MARS SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION Dear Colleagues, The abstract submission for the EGU General Assembly to be held 12-17 April 2015, in Vienna, Austria, is open until January 7. We would like to invite you to submit abstracts to our Mars session: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2015/session/17354 This session will address the latest results on the interior, surface, atmosphere and ionosphere of Mars from recent and ongoing Mars missions. In particular, the session is primarily targeted at: (1) presentations on scientific investigations as well as theoretical models concerning the deep interior and subsurface structure and composition; the surface geology; the atmospheric composition, dynamics and climate; the ionospheric environment and its interaction with the solar wind; Phobos, water evolution, astrobiology and habitability of Mars; (2) discussions on scientific goals, long-term plans and proposed experiments for future robotic and human missions to Mars, as well as results obtained from ground-based measurements. Both broad solicited talks and contributed presentations will be included in the program. Following the passing of Professors Gerhard Neukum and Collin Pillinger in 2014, we decided to dedicate the session to them. Hope to see you in Vienna! With best regards, Damien Loizeau, Olivier Witasse 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 EGU 2015 SESSION PS3.2: HUYGENS PROBE 10TH ANNIVERSARY SESSION Session Summary: On January 14, 2005, the European Space Agency's Huygens probe arrived at and landed on Saturn's Largest moon Titan. Huygens was an important element of the international Cassini mission to Saturn which continues until 2017. The data from the Huygens science investigations, developed under true international partnerships, continues to be used to this day to improve our understanding of Titan, the Saturn system and the other giant planets, and the solar system. Ten years later we remember the development of the Huygens mission, and we reflect on the impact of Huygens' remarkable achievements on solar system science. This session will highlight the Huygens mission, the major discoveries of Huygens, and will consider the significance these discoveries in the broader perspective of Saturn, the giant planets, and the solar system. Clicking on the PS3.2 Abstract Submission link will allow you to log in to the Copernicus Office Meeting Organizer. You may submit the text of your contribution as plain text, LaTeX, or MS Word content. The abstract deadline for EGU 2015 is in three weeks, 07 January 2015, 13:00 CET. Detailed information on how to submit an abstract can be found at: http://egu2015.eu//abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html 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 26TH INTERNATIONAL UNION OF GEODESY AND GEOPHYSICS (IUGG) GENERAL ASSEMBLY Prague, Czech Republic Prague Congress Center June 22-July 2, 2015 http://www.iugg2015prague.com/ Online registration deadline: June 15, 2015 Early registration: April 10, 2015 Abstract submission deadline: January 31, 2015 IAMAS/ICPAE-related symposia: - M08 Comparative Planetary Atmospheres within and beyond the Solar System Convener: Feng Tian (Beijing, China) Co-conveners: Sanjay Limaye (Madison, USA), Leigh Fletcher (Oxford, U.K.), Darrell Strobel (Baltimore, USA), Athena Coustenis (Paris, France) Description: Topics include all aspects and characteristics of atmospheres from terrestrial worlds to giant planets; the evolutionary paths of various atmospheres, especially exoplanets thought to be habitable. Planetary origins both in our solar system and in exoplanetary systems will also be featured. Contributions should focus on the comparative aspect of these research topics, and broader relevance to atmospheric sciences. - M09 Solar System Exploration of Atmospheres with Ground-Based and Space-Based Platforms Convener: Sanjay Limaye (Madison, USA) Co-conveners: Ralf Greve (Tokyo, Japan), Leigh Fletcher (Oxford, U.K.), Darrell Strobel (Baltimore, USA) Description: Topics include recent contributions from missions and space-based observatories including, but not limited to, atmospheric composition and chemistry; density and thermal structure; dynamics and energetics; clouds, aerosols and haze. Themes include climate and seasonal variations, surface atmosphere interactions, "hydrological" cycles, atmospheric escape and evolution. [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 IUGG 2015 SESSION VS26: VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM - FROM FIELD TO REMOTE SENSING ANALYSES Volcanic processes are efficient mechanisms to reshape planetary surfaces and provide valuable information about planetary interiors and landscape evolution. The study of geological, and in particular volcanic, processes across the Solar System is at the crossroad of many scientific disciplines using in-situ sampling and analysis, remotely sensed data, or experimental and numerical modelling. Our symposium aims to compile all facets of volcanism and associated interactions with other geological processes (e.g., impacts, tectonics) observed in our Solar System. By providing a forum for a broad range of terrestrial and extraterrestrial volcanic landforms and their underlying formational processes, these observations and interpretations will be investigated and (re)viewed in the light of our current understanding of related processes on Earth. Comparative studies on volcanic processes on Earth using multi-instrumental, remotely sensed, experimental, computational, or field data are particularly welcome. 26th IUGG General Assembly, Prague, Czech Republic June 22-July, 2 2015 Abstract submission deadline is January 31, 2015. For further information please visit: http://www.iugg2015prague.com/ Best wishes, Oryaelle Chevrel, David Baratoux, Thomas Platz, and Benoit Cordonnier 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] K2 GUEST OBSERVER - CYCLE 2 UPDATE This program solicits proposals for the acquisition and analysis of new data from the K2 mission: http://keplerscience.arc.nasa.gov/K2 K2 repurposes the space-borne hardware and ground-based operations of the Kepler mission for a pointed survey of predetermined locations along the ecliptic plane. The single, visible-wavelength instrument onboard K2 provides high-precision photometry capability, with short cadence and long cadence modes (1 minute and 30 minute exposures). Only proposers who submit a Step-1 proposal will be eligible to submit a Step-2 (full) proposal. Potential proposers are strongly encouraged to carefully read the information about the two-step proposal process provided in Section 4 of D.13. Step-1 proposals to D.13 K2 Guest Observer - Cycle 2 will not take a separately uploaded PDF "proposal" document. Instead, text in the "Proposal Summary" box on the cover pages will be the description of the Step-1 proposal. The due dates remain unchanged. Step-1 proposals are due January 16, 2015 Step-2 proposals are due February 27, 2015 Announcement: NNH14ZDA001N Posted at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ and on the ROSES 2014 RSS feed at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ roses-2014 Technical questions may be directed to: Dr. Thomas Barclay (650) 604-3560 keplergo@mail.arc.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] PDS - LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER DATA RELEASE 20 The NASA Planetary Data System is pleased to announce a new delivery of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data for the following instruments: CRaTER, DLRE, LAMP, LEND, LOLA, LROC and RSS. In general, LRO Release 20 includes data collected between June 15, 2014 and Septemeber 14, 2014. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20141215.shtml PDS offers two services for searching the LRO archives: The Planetary Image Atlas at the Imaging Node allows selection of LRO data by specific search criteria. http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/ The Lunar Orbital Data Explorer at the Geosciences Node allows searching and downloading of LRO data and other lunar orbital data sets (Clementine and Lunar Prospector). http://ode.rsl.wustl.edu/moon/ 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 JOVIAN MAGNETIC FIELD AND MAGNETOSPHERE POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (NASA-GSFC/CRESST/UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND) Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, funded through the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the area of Jupiter's magnetic field and magnetosphere, using data from the Juno (New Frontier) mission. Additional details are available at: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Juno Candidates for this position should have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline with prior experience conducting scientific research. Experience with magnetometer instrumentation and data, disciplined programming skills (primarily Fortran and IDL), and scientific writing experience are desired. The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. 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 OPPORTUNITY: STSCI RESEARCH AND INSTRUMENT ANALYSTS The Space Telescope Science Institute has openings for Research and Instrument Analysts (RIA) in our Instruments Division. RIAs will assist Instrument Scientists in the reduction and analysis of Hubble Space Telescope calibration data. Analysts will also assist in the development and testing of the scientific instruments and optical systems for the James Webb Space Telescope. They will provide user support to HST General Observers and Archival Researchers in various aspects of observation planning and data reduction. Additionally, analysts may become involved in cutting-edge astronomical research by providing support for scientific programs of staff scientists. Such support can involve calibrating data, photometry, spectroscopy, image drizzling, coding, and laboratory work in astronomical instrumentation. Successful applicants typically have a Bachelor's, Master's or a recent PhD degree in Astronomy, Physics, Astrophysics, Planetary Science, or related fields. The starting position (RIA I, II, Senior) and salary are commensurate with education and experience. Experience with astronomical research, instrumentation or optics, scientific computing, data analysis, and IRAF or other astronomical software packages, is also desired. Additional mathematical, statistical, and programming skills (e.g. IDL, python) are a plus. Applications due: January 31, 2015 For details see: http://www.stsci.edu/institute/employment https://rn11.ultipro.com/SPA1004/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID= *088F3D93BAC898AD 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 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. A sample research opportunities is: https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/17721 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 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 SAVE THE DATE - VENUS CONFERENCE 4-8 APRIL 2016, OXFORD UK We announce an International Venus Conference to be held in April 2016. The conference will invite presentations on all aspects of Venus science, from the interior to the exosphere. Comparative planetology talks (highlighting parallels with other planets in our solar system or with exoplanets), and presentations related to future missions or investigations, are welcome. The programme will comprise invited and contributed talks, as well as posters. The abstract deadline is tentatively set for 8 Jan 2016. Following on from earlier conferences held in La Thuile (2007, 2008), Aussois (2010) and Catania (2013), the Venus 2016 meeting will be held in Magdalen College, in the centre of Oxford, UK. Conference participants will be able to stay in rooms in Magdalen college or in nearby colleges and hotels - details will be posted on the conference website: www.venus2016.uk Thanks to our sponsors, the registration fee will be subsidised and financial support for early-career scientists will be available. An "indication of interest" link will shortly be added to the website to ensure that you are kept informed with future conference announcements, but in the meantime please mark the conference dates on your calendar. Colin Wilson on behalf of the organizing committee www.venus2016.uk [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 WORKSHOP ON THE POTENTIAL FOR FINDING LIFE IN A EUROPA PLUME Current Europa missions under study by NASA are focused on answering the question "Is Europa habitable?" However, the potential presence of water plumes on the satellite could present an opportunity to pursue the question "Is there life on Europa?" Answering this question is far more challenging because measurements currently possible may provide only ambiguous results from a mission that either orbits or flies by Europa at relatively high velocity. To that end, NASA's Planetary Science Division is convening a workshop February 18, 2015 at NASA Ames Research Center to consider strategies to investigate Europa's putative plumes for evidence of life. A second announcement with further details and abstract submission instructions will be forthcoming by early January 2015. Although participation in person is encouraged, provision will be made for remote participation. The workshop will be followed on Feb. 19-20 by a meeting of the Outer Planets Assessment Group that will also be held at the Ames Research Center. Please check back at: http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/calendar/europa-plume-workshop/ for workshop updates. 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 DECEMBER 2014 DISCOVERY AND NEW FRONTIERS NEWS The December 2014 issue of the Discovery and New Frontiers News is on the website at: http://discovery.nasa.gov/newsletter/newsletter.cfml Contents: -New Horizons Ready for Pluto -Closeup Images of Mercury -Dawn Catching up to Ceres -Juno Closer To Jupiter -OSIRIS-REx Making Progress -InSight Reaches Key Milestone -JPL Open House Photos To subscribe, send an email to shari.e.asplund@jpl.nasa.gov 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 FACULTY OPPORTUNITY AT BROWN UNIVERSITY Tenured/Tenure-Track Professor Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences Early Planetary Geological and Geophysical Processes The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences: http://www.brown.edu/academics/earth-environmental-planetary-sciences Brown University, invites applications for a faculty position in Early Planetary Geological and Geophysical Processes. The successful candidate will maintain an active, externally funded research program and enjoy a commitment to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Appointment is expected at the Assistant Professor level. However, appointment at a more senior level is possible for exceptional candidates. A Ph.D. degree or equivalent is required. This position will be available as soon as July 1, 2015 but will remain open until filled. Review and evaluation of applications will begin on February 1, 2015. Applicants should forward a letter of interest, current CV, statements of research and teaching interests, and the names of three references to: http://www.interfolio.com/apply/24379 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 Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html January 3-4, 2015 ExoPAG 11 https://exep.jpl.nasa.gov/exopag/exopag11/ Seattle, WA January 14-15, 2015 NASA Advisory Council Meeting http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-16/pdf/2014-29328.pdf Stennis Space Center, MS February 18, 2015 Workshop on the Potential for Finding Life in a Europa Plume http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/calendar/europa-plume-workshop/ Moffett Field, CA February 19-21, 2015 NASA Outer Planets Assessment Group http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/ Mountain View, CA February 24-25, 2015 NASA Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group http://mepag.nasa.gov/meetings.cfm Monrovia, CA June 22 - July 2, 2015 26th International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) General Assembly http://www.iugg2015prague.com/ Prague, Czech Republic April 4-8, 2016 International Venus Conference 2016 http://venus2016.uk Oxford, UK [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 ATLAS OF METEORITES Cambridge University Press is pleased to announce the publication of "Atlas of Meteorites" by Monica Grady, Giovanni Pratesi, and Vanni Moggi Cecchi. The fruit of many years of labor, the Atlas is a complete visual reference for meteorite classification, combining high resolution optical microscope images with detailed descriptions. Hundreds of full-color microscope images of thin sections of meteorites highlight their textural and compositional differences. It provides a systematic account of meteorites and their most important classification parameters, making it an essential resource for meteorite researchers. More information and sample pages are available at: www.cambridge.org/9780521840354 *********************************************************************** * 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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