PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 24 (June 14, 2015) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Melissa Lane, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. From Interstellar Ices to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: A Symposium to Honor Lou Allamandola's Contributions to the Molecular Universe 2. Application Deadline for NAI Director Extended to July 10, 2015 3. K2 Science Conference (K2SCICON) 4. ESA Research Fellowship in Space Science 5. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 6. [NASA] PDS - Mars Exploration Rovers Data Release 44 7. Fall AGU Session: Magma Channelization Across the Solar System 8. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcement: C1. Summer School in Software Systems for Astronomy 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 FROM INTERSTELLAR ICES TO POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: A SYMPOSIUM TO HONOR LOU ALLAMANDOLA'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MOLECULAR UNIVERSE September 13-17, 2015 Annapolis, Maryland Abstract deadline: June 26, 2015 Meeting and registration information is at: http://ices2pahs.strw.leidenuniv.nl Extensive advances in the field of Astrochemistry have been made thanks to simultaneous efforts in astronomical infrared spectroscopy and to dedicated laboratory simulations and theoretical studies aimed at reproducing observed spectra throughout the interstellar medium. The molecular complexity, both organic and mineral, found in inter/proto-stellar and solar system environments have been attributed to primarily grain-surface and bulk chemistry reactions. This symposium will be composed of contributions from participants working on dedicated laboratory experiments, theoretical calculations of basic processes and chemical reaction networks, as well as astronomical observations of complex molecules and, more generally solid state materials in space. The scientific topics of this meeting include: - Ices: Spectroscopy, Energetic Processing - Surface Chemistry - PAHs in Ices - Identification, Observation, and Models of PAHs - Formation of Complex Species in Ices: Astrobiology From the Scientific Organizing Committee, Stefanie Milam (NASA/GSFC) Alexander Tielens (Univ. Leiden) Jason Dworkin (NASA/GSFC) Doug Hudgins (NASA/HQ) Jamie Elsila (NASA/GSFC) Murthy Gudipati (NASA/JPL) Max Bernstein (NASA/HQ) Louis d'Hendecourt (Universite Paris-Sud) 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 APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR NAI DIRECTOR EXTENDED TO JULY 10, 2015 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. Interested individuals should apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/393518700 You can also go to USAJobs at: https://www.usajobs.gov/ In the keyword search box, type vacancy number "AR15S0001". Select "Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute", then click "Apply Online". 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 K2 SCIENCE CONFERENCE (K2SCICON) Save the date for the K2 Science Conference (K2SCICON): November 2-5, 2015 The LCOGT invites the whole astronomical community to celebrate the science from the first year of the K2 mission in sunny Santa Barbara! All K2 users are welcome to present early scientific results from all areas of research, from our own Solar System and exoplanets to young stars and distant galaxies. We will hear updates on the mission and discuss the latest in data processing techniques. We also encourage contributions on results from the Kepler prime mission and the future TESS mission. Check the conference website in the coming weeks for updates and registration: http://lcogt.net/k2scicon/ Questions: k2scicon-loc@lcogt.net 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 ESA RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN SPACE SCIENCE Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in the fall of 2016. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of receiving their degree before starting the fellowship. The deadline for applications is 1 October 2015. More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can be retrieved from: http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship or contact us via fellowship@cosmos.esa.int 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 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/18696 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/1JkwABH For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 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] PDS - MARS EXPLORATION ROVERS DATA RELEASE 44 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce Release 44 of Mars Exploration Rover data. This release includes data primarily from Sols 3781 through 3870, rover Opportunity (MER1/B), instruments: APXS Atmospheric Opacity HAZCAM NAVCAM MI PANCAM RAT Rover Motion Counter SPICE There is no Radio Science data in this release, and no more Mini-TES or Moessbauer data is expected. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20150612.shtml The following special services are provided for accessing MER data: MER Analyst's Notebook: http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/mer Planetary Image Atlas: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/mer 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 FALL AGU SESSION: MAGMA CHANNELIZATION ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM Please consider proposing to this session at the Fall AGU Meeting: Session ID: 8936 Session Title: Magma Channelization Across the Solar System Convenors: David A. Williams (Arizona State University), Christopher Hamilton (University of Arizona), C. Michael Lesher (Laurentian University) Summary: Understanding magma emplacement mechanisms are important in volcanology, planetary science, and economic geology. On Earth, much work is being done to understand better how magma emplacement is focused in channels, tubes, and conduits, and the relative roles of construction vs. thermo-mechanical erosion in their formation. On Earth, it is clear that most magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposits and some Cr deposits occur in lava channels and magma conduits, so they also have important economic implications. And across the Solar System, new data from NASA missions continues to reveal more detailed morphological and compositional information about extraterrestrial lava flows. We propose this session to bring together terrestrial and planetary volcanologists and economic geologists to review the latest results from our various studies, and to identify topics that would benefit from future collaboration and joint research. The abstract submission site is now open. Please submit your abstracts by Wednesday, 5 August 23:59 EDT/03:59 +1 GMT. 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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS No new meetings. Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html [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 SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR ASTRONOMY The University of Hawai'i at Hilo Physics and Astronomy Department offers a two week course, July 20-31. The course covers software design and implementation of telescope and instrument control systems, observation planning tools, and software for analyzing and archiving astronomical data. A full course description and instructions for enrollment are given at: http://phys.uhh.hawaii.edu/Summer2015/index.php#courseA *********************************************************************** * 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.html, 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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