PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 36 (September 6, 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. Lowell Observatory: Tenure-Track or Tenured Astronomer 2. THEMIS Geodetically Controlled Mosaics Available from the USGS 3. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter: September 2015 4. Fall 2015 Soffen Fund Travel Grant Opportunity 5. [NASA] PDS - Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Data Release 34 6. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 7. Mars Critical Data Products Program, Round X - RFP for Mars 2020 Landing Site Characterization 8. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 9. Reminder - Abstract Deadline for Human Landing Sites/Exploration Zones Workshop 10. 2016 Exploration Postdoctoral Fellowships 11. Registration and Hotel Reservations for VEXAG Meeting #13 12. Comparative Climates Conference to be Streamed Live 13. Job Openings at Space Telescope Science Institute 14. 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 LOWELL OBSERVATORY: TENURE-TRACK OR TENURED ASTRONOMER Lowell Observatory invites applications for one or more tenure-track or tenured research positions in astronomy or planetary science. We invite applicants at any career level who can build on current strengths or open new areas for Lowell. A Ph.D. in astronomy, planetary science, or a related field is required, as is an outstanding record of research and demonstrated ability or potential to obtain external research funding. Candidates are invited to describe how they would make use of our observational facilities, but we will give equal consideration to all research areas. The start date for this position is flexible but desired by Fall 2016. Additional position details can be found at: https://lowell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Tenure-track- Astronomer.pdf To apply, send applications electronically to: humanresources@lowell.edu Applications should include: (1) a cover letter and CV, (2) a research plan of 3 pages or less, and (3) names and mail/email addresses of three individuals who have agreed to serve as references. Do not ask for reference letters to be sent in advance. Applications must be received by November 1, 2015 for full consideration. Lowell Observatory is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 THEMIS GEODETICALLY CONTROLLED MOSAICS AVAILABLE FROM THE USGS THEMIS infrared geodetically controlled mosaics, updated spacecraft pointing and orientation information (i.e., preliminary smithed SPICE kernels), and supporting documentation are available for download and public use from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Science Center. Seventeen daytime infrared and fourteen nighttime infrared mosaics are currently available, with additional mosaics being released each January and July until a global product is completed. These mosaics are tied to a known coordinate system (USGS Viking Orbiter Mars Digital Image Model 2.1), spatially adjusted to align feature boundaries, and orthoprojected at 100 m/pixel scale. This process results in sub-pixel registration between images and the daytime IR and nighttime IR mosaics to be well-registered to one another. These products enhance our knowledge (e.g., position, precision, and accuracy) of image placement and the location of small-scale surface features, and will benefit the current and future orbital acquisition of data, the planning of spacecraft and surface operations, and allows for easier and improved intercomparison of all Mars data sets. Please see the following website for product download and additional documentation: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/maps/mars-themis-controlled-mosaics-and -preliminary-smithed-kernels Please contact Robin Fergason (rfergason@usgs.gov) with any questions. 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: SEPTEMBER 2015 On behalf of Lisa Pratt (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Serina Diniega of the Mars Program Science Office, the September 2015 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Please send your Mars community announcements and calendar items for inclusion in the newsletter to Meredith at Meredith.A.Cosby@jpl.nasa.gov. 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 FALL 2015 SOFFEN FUND TRAVEL GRANT OPPORTUNITY The Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the final 2015 Travel Grant application opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in fields of space science and engineering. The Travel Grants, in the amount of $500, enable student recipients to attend professional meetings to present their research. The Fall 2015 Travel Grant application deadline is October 1, 2015. Jerry Soffen, a biologist by training, led a distinguished career in NASA, including serving as the Project Scientist for Viking and as an architect for the NASA Astrobiology Institute. The Travel Grant continues Jerry's dedication to educating and involving future generations in space science and engineering pursuits. The electronic application materials and instructions are located on the Soffen Fund website: http://SoffenFund.org Questions regarding the application or application process may be sent to: info@SoffenFund.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 [NASA] PDS - MARS RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER DATA RELEASE 34 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce a new delivery of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) data for the following instruments: CRISM CTX HiRISE MARCI MCS+ RSS SHARAD* SPICE In general, MRO Release 34 includes data collected from November 9, 2014, through February 8, 2015. The release includes HiRISE data for May 3, 2015, to July 12, 2015. +MCS now includes DDR data. The latest version of the complete MCS retrieved profile dataset is now available on-line at the PDS atmosphere node. It is now fully reviewed and certified for use under NASA DAP proposals. *SHARAD radargrams are included in this delivery and are now up to date with respect to other MRO datasets. Other SHARAD data will be released shortly. To access the above data: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20150901.shtml 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, 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://apps.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18715 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/1UA7aHs 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 MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM, ROUND X - RFP FOR MARS 2020 LANDING SITE CHARACTERIZATION The Mars Exploration Program has issued, in August 2015, a Request for Proposal for round X of the Mars Critical Data Products program: http://mepag.nasa.gov/cdp.cfm This RFP provides support for landing site surface and atmosphere characterization for the Mars 2020 rover mission. The intent is to convert mission data and numerical simulations into products focused on specific landing site targets (to be provided by the program) that will be useful for reducing the risk to the Mars 2020 rover mission. Details of this RFP are posted at: https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/rfp/NT-2692-081715/default.htm or https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/bizops/ Requested data products are for: (1) Radar Reflectivity, (2) Surface Thermophysical Properties, (3) Surface Pressure Predictions, and (4) Dust Events during Mars 2020 Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). Proposals are due Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 3:00 PM (Pacific). 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 September image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/ This Month's topic is on groundwater outflow on Mars - insights from large-scale experiments. Contributed by Dr. Wouter Marra, Faculty of Geosciences, Universiteit Utrecht. You can now follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology or Twitter @PlanetGeomorpho 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 REMINDER - ABSTRACT DEADLINE FOR HUMAN LANDING SITES/EXPLORATION ZONES WORKSHOP With the U.S. Labor Day weekend coming up, we wanted to send a quick reminder about the abstract deadline for the Human Landing Sites/ Exploration Zones Workshop at the end October. The deadline is in one week: Thursday, September 10 at 5:00PM Central Time. For more information, visit: http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/explorationzone2015 Limited travel funding is available to help support attendance at the workshop. Note our website for additional details. If you have any questions, please contact us at: NASA-Mars-Exploration-Zones@mail.nasa.gov We sincerely hope that you will consider participating in this enabling effort. Many thanks and have a great holiday weekend. Ben Bussey, NASA HQ HEOMD Richard M. Davis, NASA HQ SMD 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 2016 EXPLORATION POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for the position of Exploration Postdoctoral Fellow. The fellowship provides opportunities for outstanding early-career scientists and engineers emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Research areas within SESE encompass astrobiology, astrophysics and cosmology, earth and planetary sciences, instrumentation and systems engineering, and science education. Incoming Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $61,000 with health benefits, plus $9,000 per year in discretionary research funds. A relocation allowance of up to $2,500 will be provided. Appointments will be for up to three years and shall commence on or around July 1, 2016. A full description of the application process is available at: http://sese.asu.edu/ExplorationPostdocFellowships ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity among applicants and promotes a diverse workforce. Sincerely, Judd D. Bowman Associate Professor Chair, Exploration Fellowship Committee School of Earth and Space Exploration Arizona State University 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 REGISTRATION AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS FOR VEXAG MEETING #13 Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) Meeting #13 will be held on October 27-29, 2015 at NASA Headquarters, James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium, 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC. Please register in advance at the NASA VEXAG Registration Website Link: http://icpi.nasaprs.com/vexag A block of sleeping rooms is currently on-hold at the Marriott Residence Inn Washington DC/Capitol Hotel, located at 333 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20024. Deadline for hotel reservations is Friday, September 25, 2015. You may contact reservations at 1-800-331-3131 - Be sure to mention the "NASA VEXAG Meeting" and the "Group Code VEAVEAA. You may also book your reservation on-line at: http://www.marriott.com/wascp - Choose arrival and departure date - On the website under "special rate & awards", select "group code" and type in: VEAVEAA - Confirm reservation As Housing will be in high demand, it is strongly advised that you secure accommodations early. A preliminary agenda is available at VEXAG Web-Site: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/ Current plans are: 27 October 2015 (Tuesday) - NASA and Mission reports - Poster/Social Event (PM) 28 October 2015 (Wednesday) - Venus Science and Technology reports 29 October 2015 (Thursday) - VEXAG activities (adjourn at mid-day) 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 COMPARATIVE CLIMATES CONFERENCE TO BE STREAMED LIVE We are happy to announce livestream capabilities for the upcoming "Comparative Climates of Terrestrial Planets II: Understanding How Climate Systems Work" conference (CCTP2). The meeting will be streamed live via Adobe Connect, at: https://ac.arc.nasa.gov/cctp2/ from September 8-11. The program for the meeting - with times listed in PDT - is available at: http://sservi3.arc.nasa.gov/downloads/cctp2_program.pdf The first CCTP meeting, held in 2012, fostered a series of interdisciplinary conversations on a wide range of planetary climates. We are planning for a similar range of conversations at the CCTP2 meeting, including the effects of the Sun and other stars on the climates of Earth and other planets in and beyond the Solar System. We encourage you to listen to the conversations we foster at CCTP-2, and to extend them via the Adobe Connect chat room. This meeting is supported by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). For more information and future updates on the meeting, please go to the CCTP 2 website: http://sservi.nasa.gov/cctp2 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 JOB OPENINGS AT SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE INSTITUTE https://rn11.ultipro.com/SPA1004/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID =*2357526FC6D627A1 The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) has multiple openings (ranging from entry level to highly experienced) for Analysts and Scientists in our Instruments and Operations and Engineering Divisions. Research and Instrument Analysts (RIAs) will assist Instrument Scientists in the operational and developmental support for Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and Wide-Field InfraRed Survey Telescope missions. Science Operations Analysts support science planning and scheduling operations for the Hubble Space Telescope and testing of the James Webb Space Telescope science planning and scheduling ground system. Archive Analysts are responsible for processing and archiving science and engineering data from the Hubble Space Telescope, the Kepler spacecraft and soon the James Webb Space Telescope. Archive Scientists provide scientific, technical, computational expertise and support in the areas of archive operations, data processing operations, archival research, and problem investigation and analysis. 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html September 16-17, 2015 NRC's Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Science (CAPS) http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/SSB_067577 Irvine, CA September 22, 2015 NASA Advisory Council Ad Hoc Task Force on STEM Education Meeting http://www.spaceref.com/calendar/calendar.html?pid=8833 Washington, DC [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.] *********************************************************************** * 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. 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