PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 41 (October 11, 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. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 2. [NASA] PDS - Cassini Data Release 43 3. LEAG Annual Meeting 20-22 October 2015 4. 2016 Pierazzo International Student Travel Award 5. One-year Postdoc at IAPS-INAF Rome 6. Lowell Observatory: Tenure-Track or Tenured Astronomer 7. Post-doctoral Positions in Brazil 8. IMPRS PhD Positions in Solar System Science 9. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 10. DPS E/PO Workshop on Sunday Morning 11. DPS E/PO Workshop on Sunday Afternoon 12. [NASA] Approval to Exceed Per Diem Lodging for DPS 2015 13. [NASA] PDS - MESSENGER Data Release 14 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The October image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/ This month's topic is “A cracking comet!". Contributed by Dr. M. Ramy El-Maarry, Institute of Physics, University of Berne, Switzerland. You can now follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology or Twitter @PlanetGeomorpho 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 [NASA] PDS - CASSINI DATA RELEASE 43 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce a new delivery of Cassini data, Release 43, October to December 2014, for instruments: INMS ISS MAG MIMI RADAR RPWS RSS SPICE UVIS VIMS HRD data for this period was announced in release 41. CDA and CIRS data will be available shortly. Please note that while the data products from this release are available online now through the links below, they may not be immediately accessible through PDS web services such as the Planetary Image Data Atlas. Large data sets may take as long as a few days beyond the formal release date to be incorporated into these services. Check each service's web site to see the status of the latest release. To access the above data, please visit: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20151002.shtml To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-Release.shtml All available PDS data may be found at: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/data-search/ For further information, see the PDS Home Page: http://pds.nasa.gov/ 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 LEAG ANNUAL MEETING 20-22 OCTOBER 2015 The 2015 Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group will be held at USRA HQ (Columbia, Maryland). See: http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2015/ The meeting will bring together scientists, engineers, and commercial- sector entrepreneurs to focus on issues involving science, exploration, and utilization of the Moon. The meeting goals are three-fold: • Integrate the perspectives of the different stakeholders (science, engineering, government, and private sector) to explore common goals of lunar exploration regarding identification, evaluation, extraction, and use of lunar resources. • Use the results of missions to examine the dynamic nature of the Moon, influencing future science and exploration missions. • Provide a forum for community updates and input into the issues that affect lunar science and exploration. The meeting will result in findings formulated through community consensus that will be published on the LEAG website and forwarded to NASA HQ (SMD and HEOMD). Time for discussion and community input will be made available during each session. Community updates from SMD and HEOMD will be given, followed by focused sessions that will discuss the dynamic Moon and lunar resources/ISRU. The meeting will be live-streamed. Full details for remote access will be sent to the LEAG email list and the Lunar-L. [Edited for length.] 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 2016 PIERAZZO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD Application deadline: 9 PM PST, November 13, 2015 Awards will be announced on or before November 30, 2015 This award is established by the Planetary Science Institute in memory of Senior Scientist Betty Pierazzo to support and encourage graduate students to build international collaborations and relationships in planetary science. Two awards will be made each year, contingent upon there being meritorious applications. One will be awarded to a graduate student working on his or her Ph.D. at an institution within the U.S. This is to support travel to a planetary science related meeting (conferences and workshops) outside of the U.S. The second award will be to a graduate student working on his or her Ph.D. at an institution outside of the U.S. This is to support travel to a planetary science related meeting within the U.S. These include general meetings that have planetary-focused sessions such as the AGU, GSA, EGU and IAG. The award will consist of a certificate and up to $2000US. Additional information and application materials are available at: http://www.psi.edu/pista 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 ONE-YEAR POSTDOC AT IAPS-INAF ROME A one-year postdoc is available at IAPS-INAF Rome. For those interested in spectral analogues characterization, learn more at: http://www.inaf.it/it/lavora-con-noi/assegni-di-ricerca/assegno-di- ricerca-nellambito-dei-progetti-dawn-e-exomars-mamiss 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 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. 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 POST-DOCTORAL POSITIONS IN BRAZIL The Group of Orbital Dynamics & Planetology invites applications for post-doc positions. There are 4 positions that will be funded by FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo). The candidates must have experience on Planetary Dynamics and/or Spacecraft Dynamics. The projects to be developed are the following: - Spin-orbit coupling in solar system dynamics; - Problems in orbital dynamics involving small bodies under gravitational close approaches; - Dynamics of narrow planetary rings and small satellites; - Attitude and orbit analysis for a mission to a triple asteroid system The projects will be developed in one of the following institutions: I) São Paulo StateUniversity – UNESP in Guaratinguetá II) National Institute for Space Research – INPE in São José dos Campos Applicants should send a statement of research interest and a curriculum vitae with a list of publications to: Prof. Othon Winter (email: ocwinter@gmail.com) 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 IMPRS PHD POSITIONS IN SOLAR SYSTEM SCIENCE Deadline November 15, 2015 The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen in Germany (Solar System School) offers a research-oriented doctoral programme covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen. The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD programme in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Campus. Successful applicants will be offered a three-year doctoral support contract as well as postdoc wrap-up funding. Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics or a related field, including a written Masters thesis (or a scientific publication), and must document a good command of the English language. Applications may be submitted via our online application portal. Review of applications will begin on 15 November 2015. https://www.mps.mpg.de/phd/applynow 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://apps.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/1UA7aHs 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 DPS E/PO WORKSHOP ON SUNDAY MORNING DPS Meeting 2015 National Harbor Broadening your impact: A workshop for scientists engaged in education and public outreach (or who want to get involved) Please join your fellow scientists for a half day workshop about how to get involved in education and outreach, and how to have the most impact with your efforts, on Sunday morning, November 8th from 9 a.m. to noon (Room - Woodrow Wilson A). We will share tried-and-true techniques, best practices, and useful resources and activities. Topics will include participants sharing resources from their own work in a "share-a-thon", presentation of resources for teaching and outreach, and one-on-one and small group discussions. Topics may include resources for higher education classes, writing broader impact statements for grants, press releases, partnering in education and public outreach, and evaluation. Final topics will be determined by participants, register early to cast your vote! Contact Sanlyn Buxner, buxner@psi.edu with questions. Register now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DPS_Sci_EPO 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 DPS E/PO WORKSHOP ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON DPS Meeting 2015 National Harbor First Time Presenter's Review Is the DPS 2015 your first conference presentation (oral or poster)? Nervous? Would you like advice? Join others like you for this educational opportunity to get feedback from seasoned presenters at the First Timers' Review on Sunday afternoon, November 8th (Room - Woodrow Wilson A). Undergraduates, Graduate Students, and new Post-Docs are all welcome for this event from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. that includes lunch. If you would like to participate in the First Time Presenters’ Review, please register now at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2015_DPS_1st_Timers If you have any questions, or are a seasoned presenter that would like to add your voice to the review, please contact Andy Shaner at shaner@lpi.usra.edu. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 [NASA] APPROVAL TO EXCEED PER DIEM LODGING FOR DPS 2015 NASA has issued a waiver for grantees allowing them to be reimbursed out of their grants for lodging above per diem up to the cost of the conference hotel. For details, please see: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/letters-from-sara/2015/9/25/ approval-exceed-per-diem-lodging-dps-2015/ Please note that some organizations have written policies that do not allow their employees to charge more than the federal per diem rate for conference or other local area hotels, so please check with your organization about its policy. Max Bernstein, SMD lead for research 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 [NASA] PDS - MESSENGER DATA RELEASE 14 The Planetary Data System is pleased to announce Release 14 of data collected by the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission, including raw and calibrated products created from data acquired through the end of Mercury orbital operations on 30 April 2015. MESSENGER's instruments are the Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS), with wide-angle and narrow-angle cameras for imaging Mercury's surface; a Gamma-Ray and Neutron Spectrometer (GRNS) and an X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) for remote geochemical mapping; a Magnetometer (MAG) to measure the planetary magnetic field; a Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) to measure surface topography and planetary shape; the Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS), combining an Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrometer (UVVS) with a Visible and Infrared Spectrograph (VIRS) to make high-resolution spectral measurements of the surface and to survey the structure and composition of Mercury's tenuous neutral exosphere; and an Energetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer (EPPS) to characterize the charged particle and plasma environment of Mercury. The final release of calibrated and advanced products is 6 May 2016. This release's data: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20151009.shtml Data archived in the PDS: http://pds.nasa.gov ACT-REACT QuickMap interactive Web interface: http://messenger.jhuapl.edu MDIS mosaics: http://messenger.jhuapl.edu/the_mission/mosaics.html 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 March 14-18, 2016 International Workshop on Scientific Use, Digitization and Preserving Astronomical Photographic Records http://www.astroplate.cz Prague, Czech Republic June 6-10, 2016 31st IUGG Conference on Mathematical Geophysics: From Mathematics to Experiments http://cmg2016.sciencesconf.org/ Paris, France October 2-7, 2016 XV Latin American Regional IAU meeting http://larim.unal.edu.co Cartagena de Indias, Colombia *********************************************************************** * 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. 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