PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 7 (February 15, 2015) 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. IAU-GA Focus Meeting FM9: “Highlights in the Exploration on Small Worlds” 2. IAU-GA Focus Meeting FM15: "Search for Water and Life's Building Blocks in the Universe" 3. IAU Symposium 318 - “Asteroids: New Observations, New Models” 4. SpaceKazan-IAPS-2015 5. MESSENGER MDIS Data Users’ Workshop at LPSC 6. Postdoctoral Researcher: Mineralogy and Petrology of Planetary Materials 7. [NASA] NASA Astrobiology Institute Director 8. AOGS2015 Session AS-24: Hydroxyl Layer on Earth and Other Planets 9. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 10. AbSciCon 2015 Session - Habitability from Afar: Challenges and Triumphs of Exploring Icy Worlds from Orbital and Flyby Missions 11. AbSciCon 2015 Session on Dwarf Planets 12. Register Today for the 2015 Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) 13. Icarus Special Issue: MicroMars to MegaMars 14. Geomagnetics Postdoctoral Researcher 15. Student Summer Internships at APL 16. Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Science at York University 17. Tenure-track Position at York University 18. 2nd Annual Workshop on Potential Mars Returned Sample Science 19. [NASA] Science Mission Directorate Announces Release of ROSES 2015 20. [NASA] Answers to Questions about Travel 21. AOGS2015 Session PS-03: Polarimetry of Planetary Systems - Observations, Theory and Models 22. AOGS2015 Session PS-04: Comets, Asteroids and Other Small Bodies of the Solar System: From 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko to Chariklo 23. 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 IAU-GA FOCUS MEETING FM9: “HIGHLIGHTS IN THE EXPLORATION ON SMALL WORLDS” Aug 11-13, 2015 This Focus Meeting will highlight results obtained from various ongoing space missions to small Solar System bodies (Rosetta, Dawn, New Horizons, Cassini-Huygens, HERSCHEL, Gaia, ...), as well as recent achievements obtained from other space facilities, including past space missions, ground-based telescopes, and geochemical analyses. The meeting aims at discussing aspects of the Solar System formation and evolution, through studies on the complex and rich evolution of the diverse small bodies of the Solar system. The meeting will also address the cosmo-chemistry and physical properties across the continuum of small bodies (asteroids, comets, planetary satellites, dwarf planets, main-belt comets), with the objective to better understand their interrelations in the context of planetary formation. For more information, see: http://astronomy2015.org/focus_meeting_9 There is room for contributed talks as well as posters. Abstract deadline is March 18. Abstract submissions at: http://astronomy2015.org/abstracts Grant applications are encouraged, in particular for young participants (PhD. and post-docs), before April 1st, 2015. See: http://www.iau.org/science/grants_prizes/iau_grants/ga_events/ ga_application_form/ 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 IAU-GA FOCUS MEETING FM15: “SEARCH FOR WATER AND LIFE'S BUILDING BLOCKS IN THE UNIVERSE” The IAU General Assembly Focus Meeting 15 "Search for Water and Life's Building Blocks in the Universe" is now open for registration and abstract submission: http://astronomy2015.org/ We have plenty of room open for contributed oral and poster papers. Please check our web site for further details: http://www.scifac.hku.hk/event/FM15/index.html Sun Kwok Edwin Bergin Pascale Ehrenfreund Co-chairs of SOC 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 IAU SYMPOSIUM 318 - “ASTEROIDS: NEW OBSERVATIONS, NEW MODELS” Please join us for IAUS 318, to be held August 3-7, 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii, in conjunction with the IAU XXIX General Assembly. We invite abstracts for both oral and poster contributions. Registration and abstract submission information, as well as the list of invited speakers, is available at the symposium website: http://astronomy2015.org/symposium_318 Topics include: - Solar system & main belt evolution - Asteroid population models - Collisions and cratering - Dynamical evolution - Asteroid Families, Binary Systems - Physical Properties - Rotation, Porosity & Shape - Activated Asteroids/Main Belt Comets - Main-belt connections - Meteorites, NEAs, Comets, Trojans - Near-Earth Asteroids & Impact Hazard - Surveying and Exploration - Data-processing challenges Key Dates: Abstracts deadline: March 18, 2015 11:59pm UTC Travel grant application: April 1, 2015 Regular Registration: May 28, 2015 On behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee, Steven Chesley, Alessandro Morbidelli, Robert Jedicke Co-Chairs, IAUS 318 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 SPACEKAZAN-IAPS-2015 June 1-7, 2015, Kazan, Russia The “SpaceKazan–IAPS–2015” warmly welcomes to all scientists to attend the 2nd IAPS Scientific Assembly: “Observation and Understanding of the Moon, Moons & Planets”, June 1-4, 2015 2nd Int. Chang’E Lunar Dynamics Workshop, 9th Russia - Japan Space Workshop and Summer School, June 5-7, 2015 The “SpaceKazan–IAPS–2015” will bring together international scientists to present and discuss the latest results on exploration and science of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter..., and seeking life beyond Earth. Topics include planetary atmosphere, gravity field, geomorphology, geophysics, geology, interior physics, Life & Astrobiology, Giant & Extrasolar Planets, etc. 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 MESSENGER MDIS DATA USERS’ WORKSHOP AT LPSC There will be a MESSENGER MDIS Data Users’ Workshop held in association with LPSC on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 1:30 pm. The workshop will feature hands on examples of using MDIS data, and no previous experience with MDIS data is required. The overall goal of the workshop is to increase the awareness and accessibility of MDIS datasets to the scientific community, to support ongoing scientific projects, and to enable future research proposals. For more information, visit the workshop’s website: http://messenger.jhuapl.edu/workshop2015/index.html Registration is free but encouraged, to help with planning and to enable sharing of workshop announcements prior to the event. 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER: MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY OF PLANETARY MATERIALS The Universities Space Research Association’s Lunar and Planetary Institute, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in the mineralogy and petrology of planetary materials. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Allan Treiman in NASA- funded efforts, emphasizing planetary crusts and magmas, and their volatile constituents and on the CheMin science team of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. The candidate will participate in analysis and interpretation of CheMin X-ray diffraction data of Mars surface materials; and may also participate in operations planning for the CheMin instrument. Applicants should have a recent Ph.D. in petrology or geochemistry; experience with planetary materials is helpful, but not required. The position would be for two years, with possible extension to a third year. The candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident, and be able to pass a detailed government background investigation. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to the posting at: https://usracareers.silkroad.com/ USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled 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] NASA ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE DIRECTOR NASA seeks a new Director for the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). The ideal candidate will be an internationally recognized scientist with proven experience in leading or managing large interdisciplinary research programs or projects, possessed with a vision for leading the Institute into the future. Applicants for this position should have a broad scientific perspective on astrobiology, experience in conducting interdisciplinary scientific research, and demonstrated skills needed to harness the strengths of disparate research communities towards a greater goal. S/he should understand how to grow a research endeavor and respond to changing budget climates while focusing on maximizing the scientific return on NASA’s investments in astrobiology. S/he should have experience in leading a diverse staff ranging from established scientists to support personnel, resource planning, and executing budgets and schedules. S/he should be comfortable with modern information technologies and distributed research teams. NASA is particularly interested in applicants who will find ways to infuse astrobiology into NASA flight missions. U.S. citizenship is required for the NAI Director. Apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/393518700 Or at USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/ (In the keyword search box, type vacancy number “AR15S0001”. Select “Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute”, then click “Apply Online”.) [Edited for length] 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 AOGS2015 SESSION AS-24: 2015 HYDROXYL LAYER ON EARTH AND OTHER PLANETS Asia Oceania Geosciences Conference 2015 August 2 - 7, Singapore A session dedicated to the study of the Hydroxyl airglow layer in the atmospheres of the Earth and other planets will be held at this year's Asia Oceania Geosciences Conference in August in Singapore. Presentations which deal with the details of the morphology, temporal variability, photochemistry and the nature of its response to dynamical disturbances are invited. This includes presentations on ground and satellite observations, model simulations, as well as new observation techniques and theoretical research that can help advance our knowledge of the excited hydroxyl layer parameters, formation and relaxation on Earth, Mars and Venus. This session is intended to support discussion and collaboration on the understanding of this airglow emission and possible differences in its formation on different planets. The abstract submission deadline is February 18, 2015. For more information please see the AOGS 2015 webpage at: http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2015 Conveners: Michael Grygalashvyly (Leibniz-Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP), Germany), William Ward (University of New Brunswick, Canada), Orhan SEN (Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Turkey) 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 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, astrophysics, planetary science, astrobiology, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and operations, and space technology. 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/1Kjlmyr For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 ABSCICON 2015 SESSION - HABITABILITY FROM AFAR: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS OF EXPLORING ICY WORLDS FROM ORBITAL AND FLYBY MISSIONS Consider joining us in Chicago this June for the upcoming Astrobiology Science Conference! This session welcomes discussion of mission and measurement strategies for determining the habitability of icy worlds from afar. Robotic missions to explore icy worlds, such as the upcoming Jupiter Icy Satellite Explorer, are limited by available resources and technology, so that constraints on habitability must be obtained from orbit or through multiple flybys. We welcome contributions on past, present, and future missions, lessons learned, and hypotheses to be tested. Abstract submission (deadline March 4!) and details of AbSciCon 2015 are available at: http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/abscicon2015/ Cheers, Alex Patthoff (Donald.A.Patthoff@jpl.nasa.gov) Catherine Walker (cat.walker@eas.gatech.edu) 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 ABSCICON 2015 SESSION ON DWARF PLANETS You are invited to submit an abstract to the following session of the Astrobiology Science Conference 2015 that will take place in Chicago (IL) on June 15-19, 2015. Looking forward to meeting you there! Theme - Habitable Worlds in Our Solar System Session Title - Habitability of Dwarf Planets: State of the Landscape (Right) Before Dawn and New Horizons Summary: Icy dwarf planets have been identified early on as targets of major astrobiological significance. 2015 celebrates these objects with two missions, Dawn and New Horizons, which will reach Ceres (April) and Pluto and Charon (July), respectively. This conjunction of missions offers the prospect for exciting comparative planetology between the warm icy body Ceres and the frigid Pluto and Charon. All display evidence for recent or ongoing activity and are suspected to have hosted extensive hydrothermal activity. This session will review our state of understanding of that class of objects in the anticipation of imminent new observations of Ceres and Pluto/Charon, but more generally in the context of the many observations of dwarf planets returned over the past decade. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2015 HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT (H2M) Join us at the Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) will be held on May 5-7, 2015 at at George Washington University in Washington, DC. H2M is a comprehensive Mars exploration conference to address the major technical, scientific, and policy related challenges that need to be overcome to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. Some of the tentative speakers already include William Gerstenmaier, James Garvin, Jim Watzin, John Grunsfeld, Ellen Stofan, Miles O'Brien, Scott Hubbard, Rebecca Keiser, Michael Gazarik, Rod Pyle, James Reuther, Geoffrey Landis, Janet Ivey, and many more. Register today at: http://h2m.exploremars.org 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 ICARUS SPECIAL ISSUE: MICROMARS TO MEGAMARS Guest editors: N. Bridges, C. Dundas, and L. Edgar Special issue description: Whereas on Earth the study of geology evolved from one of field work to incorporation of remote sensing, that of Mars is the reverse, with orbital-based data only complemented by surface investigations from rovers in the last 10+ years. The merging of these datasets has yielded profound new understandings of the geologic history and modern processes on Mars. These include studies of mineralogy, stratigraphy, structural geology, surface dating, landscape modification rates, and many other research areas. This session seeks abstracts that incorporate data from surface (MSL, MER, etc.) and orbital (MRO, MEX, Odyssey, etc.) missions that have increased our understanding of Martian geology. Deadlines we’d like to meet: Manuscripts due: 4/1/15 Manuscripts reviewed and final decisions made: 6/1/15 Publication of special issue: 10/1/15 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 GEOMAGNETICS 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 and the Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST), to work in the Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the area of geomagnetism. Additional details are available at: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Geomag Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree (or expect to have the degree by the start of the appointment) in a related field of physics, geophysics and/or applied mathematics. Applicants are expected to have strong quantitative analysis and modeling skills – in addition to knowledge of geomagnetic fields, satellite or ground observatory data, geomagnetic field models, and core dynamics. Applicants also familiar with UNIX, Fortran, and parallel computing will be preferred. The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. All applications received by March 2, 2015 will receive full consideration. 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 STUDENT SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AT APL The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is offering summer projects for students interested in working on NASA missions or space-related research opportunities at APL. Details are available at: http://aplnasaintern.jhuapl.edu The application deadline is February 28, 2015. 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AT YORK UNIVERSITY Description: A postdoctoral researcher is sought at York University in Toronto, Canada to help support the Operations of the Mars Science Laboratory Rover Curiosity and to lead experimental and/or numerical simulation-based investigations into atmospheric and atmosphere-surface interactions of planetary bodies, including but not limited to Mars. The successful candidate must be eligible to become a member of the Science and Operations Team of MSL and must be willing to relocate to Toronto. This work will be co-supervised by Prof. John E. Moores, and Prof. James A. Whiteway. The ideal candidate will be less than 3 years from receipt of their PhD at the start of the term of employment, which may be as early as April 1, 2015. Duration: The term of employment will be for one year with an option to extend this work to two years if funding permits. How to Apply: Please send to jmoores@yorku.ca (1) a detailed C.V., (2) the names, phone numbers and email addresses of two references and (3) two examples of published work that you have led. Please send these materials by February 28th, 2015 for full consideration. 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 TENURE-TRACK POSITION AT YORK UNIVERSITY The Lassonde School is currently conducting a search for a tenure-track alternate stream (teaching-focused) position in the department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering. For more information or to apply please visit: http://lassonde.yorku.ca/alternate-stream-esse Note that complete applications must be received by 15 March, 2015. 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 2ND ANNUAL WORKSHOP ON POTENTIAL MARS RETURNED SAMPLE SCIENCE Past, present, and future sample scientists: You are invited to join the 2nd Annual Workshop on Potential Mars Returned Sample Science. This workshop will be held immediately before LPSC, on Sunday March 15th, 2015 in The Woodlands Conference Room at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. We will start at 8:30am and conclude in the mid-afternoon. This workshop will be an opportunity for scientists interested in the investigation of geological samples from Mars to 1) Stay up to date on current planning related to the possibility of returning samples from Mars, and 2) Discuss current issues and questions for which broad, multidisciplinary scientific input is needed. Topics that are of interest and should be scheduled for discussion; please contact Dr. Lindsay Hays (Lindsay.E.Hays@jpl.nasa.gov). RSVP is not required, but would be appreciated. Dr. David W. Beaty Dr. Lindsay E. Hays Mars Program Office 19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19 [NASA] SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF ROSES 2015 NASA's Science Mission Directorate announces the release of its annual omnibus solicitation, Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) for 2015 on February 13, 2015 at: http://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2015 Details of the solicited programs are given in the Appendices of this ROSES NRA. Names, due dates, and links for the individual calls are given in Tables 2 and 3 of this ROSES NRA. Interested proposers should monitor: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ or subscribe to the electronic notification system there for additional new programs or amendments to this ROSES NRA through February 2016, at which time release of a subsequent ROSES NRA is planned. A web archive (and RSS feed) for amendments, clarifications, and corrections to this ROSES NRA will be available at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/ roses-2015/ Frequently asked questions about ROSES-2015 will be on the web at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/ Further information about specific program elements may be obtained from the individual Program Officers listed in the Summary of Key Information for each program element in the Appendices of this ROSES NRA and at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/program-officers-list/ Questions concerning general ROSES NRA policies and procedures may be directed to Max Bernstein, Lead for Research, Science Mission Directorate, at sara@nasa.gov. [Edited for length] 20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20 [NASA] ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL Information about NASA travel restrictions has been posted at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/faqs/#22 This includes allowable hotel rates when they are above the federal per diem rate, the use of foreign carriers under “Open Skies Agreements”, and days off associated with work travel for civil servants. 21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21-21 AOGS2015 SESSION PS-03: POLARIMETRY OF PLANETARY SYSTEMS - OBSERVATIONS, THEORY AND MODELS Asia Oceania Geosciences Conference 2015 August 2 - 7, Singapore http://www.asiaoceania.org/society/index.asp Abstracts due 18 February 2105 Polarimetry is a currently enjoying a rejuvenation in various astronomical applications. As a complementary technique to imaging and spectroscopy, polarization allows the investigation of scattering properties of variety of media ranging from planetary atmospheres, comets, small bodies (planetary satellites, asteroids, Kuiper Belt objects, etc.) to detection and characterization of exoplanets, brown dwarfs, star and planet forming regions; characterization of magnetic fields and search for optically active molecules in a search for habitability elsewhere than our earth. We invite contributions from observers, modelers, laboratory measurements, instrument designers and missions. We anticipate half to one day of presentations including oral and poster contributions. Conveners: Dr. Padma A Yanamandra-Fisher (Space Science Institute, United States), padmayf@gmail.com Dr. Ludmilla Kolokolova (University of Maryland, United States), ludmilla@astro.umd.edu Dr. Shashikiran Ganesh, shashi@prl.res.in Dr. Lucyna Chudczer,, lkedzior@unsw.edu.au Dr. Vijay Natraj, vijay.natraj@jpl.nasa.gov Dr. Jun Takahashi, takahashi@nhao.jp Prof. Motohide Tamura, motohide.tamura@nao.ac.jp 22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22-22 AOGS2015 SESSION PS04: COMETS, ASTEROIDS AND OTHER SMALL BODIES OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM: FROM 67P/CHURYUMOV-GERASIMENKO TO CHARIKLO Asia Oceania Geosciences Conference 2015 August 2 - 7, Singapore http://www.asiaoceania.org/society/index.asp Abstracts due 18 February 2105 The composition and physical properties of Small Solar System Bodies (SSSBs), remnants of the formation of planets, are key to better understand our solar system. Increased knowledge of their surface properties and their potential as resources are also necessary to prepare for robotic and human exploration. Missions such as ESA/ Rosetta, 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 information on SSSBs. 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, including Rosetta/67P, C/SidingSpring, C/2014 Q1, C/2012 K1, Chariklo, Ceres, Vesta. We anticipate a half-day to a full day session. Conveners: Dr. Padma A Yanamandra-Fisher (Space Science Institute, United States), padmayf@gmail.com Dr. Ludmilla Kolokolova (University of Maryland, United States), ludmilla@astro.umd.edu Dr. Shashikiran Ganesh, shashi@prl.res.in Dr. Joo Hyeon Kim, kl0630@kari.re.kr Dr. Jian-Yang Li, jyli@psi.edu Dr. Anny-Chantal Levasseur-Tegourf, chantal.levasseur@aerov.jussieu.fr 23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23-23 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS No new meeting announcements. [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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. 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