PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 43 (October 25, 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. 2016 Pierazzo International Student Travel Award 2. The 4th ELSI Symposium in Tokyo, Japan 3. Postdoctoral Fellowship in Exoplanetary Science at UC Santa Cruz 4. Next OPAG Meeting 5. Call for Special Issue in Planetary and Space Science (2016) 6. Ice Giants Workshop at the DPS meeting in National Harbor, Maryland 7. WebEx Access for VEXAG Meeting #13, October 27-29, 2015 8. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 9. Director, Center for Space Nuclear Research 10. [NASA] PDS - Stardust and Stardust NExT Final Data Release 11. Lowell Observatory: Tenure-Track or Tenured Astronomer 12. 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 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 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 THE 4TH ELSI SYMPOSIUM IN TOKYO, JAPAN Three Experiments in Biological Origins: Early Earth, Venus and Mars January 12 - January 16, 2016 Kuramae Hall, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan Only Earth has generated and maintained a biosphere, which greatly altered the chemical and physical evolution of the planet. Whether Venus and Mars were temporarily able to develop a biosphere of any kind, is largely unknown. Substantial progress has been made in forming a coherent picture of the early Solar System and planetary formation processes and our understanding of the environmental conditions on young planets. Investigation of initial sets of prebiotic chemical systems has illuminated the origin and early evolution of life. Now all this knowledge will coalesce around the concept of the planetary requisite for prebiotic chemical evolution and origination of life. To crystallize this knowledge is the goal of this symposium. We summarize the formation and early environment of Venus, Earth and Mars and place them into context relative to each other, and to exoplanets. Why did just Earth succeed? Information available at: http://bit.ly/ELSI2016 Registration is now open for all participants. Note that only poster presentations are available. To register, go to: http://members.elsi.jp/signup/sympo04?ml_lang=en 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN EXOPLANETARY SCIENCE AT UC SANTA CRUZ The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Morrison Postdoctoral Fellow in Astronomy. For this year's Morrison Fellowship we are specifically targeting exoplanetary science. UCSC is the home of the University of California Observatories (UCO), with facilities including the Lick and Keck Observatories and Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) International Observatory. It is also one of the world's leading centers for research in computational astrophysics. The 3000-core Hyades cluster is the on-campus centerpiece of UCSC computational astrophysics. Close collaborations exist between Astronomy & Astrophysics, Physics, Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Applied Mathematics & Statistics. Applicants should be able to contribute to the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics in exoplanetary science investigations that are either observational or theoretical in nature. Full job ad and additional information: http://apo.ucsc.edu/academic_employment/jobs/PS-ASTRO-MF.pdf Review of applications will begin on December 07, 2015. Inquiries: Please contact Professor Jonathan Fortney at AstroRecruit@ucsc.edu. 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 NEXT OPAG MEETING The next OPAG meeting will be February 1-2, 2016, at SWRI in San Antonio, TX. Since the OPAG meeting is now considered a conference, JPLers will need to forecast by the end of October, and others by the end of November. Keep an eye on the OPAG homepage - the draft agenda will be posted soon: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/ We will include a technology poster session again - please contact Pat Beauchamp (patricia.m.beauchamp@jpl.nasa.gov) if you would like to be included. 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 CALL FOR SPECIAL ISSUE IN PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE (2016) We invite you to publish your results in a second edition of the Planetary and Space Science special issue entitled "Solar Wind Interaction with the Terrestrial Planets.” Covered topics will include all aspects of planetary plasma physics and interactions in the inner Solar System, e.g.: (a) magnetospheres, ionospheres, auroras (b) the solar wind interaction with planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and their moons, or with asteroids / comets (c) plasma interactions with exospheres, dust and surfaces (d) intercomparisons of planetary environments Contributions are welcome that address previous, present, forthcoming and planned observations from space, and ground-based observations, theoretical modeling or simulations. Laboratory studies on planetary analogues aiming to simulate the surface-plasma interaction will be considered as well. The deadline for submission will be May 1, 2016. Regular papers are expected, and the usual refereeing process will be applied. Please inform us if a shifted deadline would be more convenient for you. Please indicate your interest in contributing to the special issue, with a preliminary title of the intended paper, by October 30. An approximate abstract, if available, is appreciated. Best regards, A. Milillo, P. Garnier, A. Radioti, N. Ganushkina [Edited for length.] 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 ICE GIANTS WORKSHOP AT THE DPS MEETING IN NATIONAL HARBOR, MARYLAND A workshop on the latest Ice Giant planet news and mission study efforts will be held at the DPS meeting on Thurs. Nov 12 at 12 pm. In this workshop we will discuss latest science results, outstanding questions, and ties to other bodies, such as exoplanets and the giant planets. We will also discuss coordinating activities, such as needed ground and space based observations of Uranus and Neptune that can aid future mission studies. These will be moderated discussions. Projection equipment will be available, but we are not requesting formal presentations. 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 WEBEX ACCESS FOR VEXAG MEETING #13, OCTOBER 27-29, 2015 The Web-Ex for the VEXAG #13 Meeting is: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?MTID= ma2469b014f135ba58a148ca006e80d6a Meeting number: 997 604 849 Meeting password: W@lc0m31 Call-in Number: 877-951-7311 Participant Passcode: 6669173 The playback of UCF (Universal Communications Format) rich media files requires appropriate players. To view this type of rich media files in the meeting, please check whether you have the players installed on your computer by going to: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/systemdiagnosis.php Important Notice: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, please do not join the session. Please note that any such recordings may be subject to discovery in the event of litigation. A preliminary agenda is posted at the VEXAG Web-Site: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/ Current plans are: Tuesday, 27 October 2015 – NASA and Mission reports – Poster/Social Event (PM) Wednesday, 28 October 2015 – Venus Science and Technology reports Thursday, 29 October 2015 – VEXAG activities (adjourn at mid-day) You’re invited to bring a poster for the Venus Technology Poster Session, Tuesday afternoon, Suite 1217, Residence Inn. 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 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/17883 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 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 DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR SPACE NUCLEAR RESEARCH The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking a Director for the Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) at Idaho National Lab (INL) in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The CSNR engages in research and development of advanced space nuclear systems, including space power and propulsion systems and radioisotope power generators. The CSNR is also a focus for reinvigorating education in space nuclear engineering within US universities by developing, for example, university advanced design programs focused on space nuclear research. The CSNR Director’s role is to provide leadership and vision for the Institute including developing and implementing strategic initiatives and administering a summer fellowship program. He/She is charged with working with INL management and staff to develop research initiatives, market the Institute’s capabilities, organize and facilitate responses to and competition for national research opportunities. Candidates must have attained a PhD Degree in a relevant scientific or technical field and a minimum of five years' experience managing projects, including supervisory experience. All interested candidates must apply directly at the website: https://usracareers.silkroad.com/ using the search term 345-800. 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] PDS - STARDUST AND STARDUST NEXT FINAL DATA RELEASE The NASA Planetary Data System is pleased to announce the release of the re-calibrated NavCam data from the Stardust mission (asteroid Anne Frank flyby and comet Wild 2 encounter). With this release, the Small Bodies Node completes the archiving of the Stardust and Stardust NExT missions. Go to: http://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/data_sb/missions/stardust/index.shtml http://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/data_sb/missions/stardustnext/index.shtml 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 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. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS December 3, 2015 Polar Regolith http://sservi.nasa.gov/polar-regolith-workshop/ Online March 19-20, 2016 Polar Volatiles on the Moon and Mercury: Nature, Evolution & Future Exploration http://www.planetary.brown.edu/html_pages/micro57.htm The Woodlands, TX July 25-29, 2016 2016 Sagan Exoplanet Summer Workshop http://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/index.shtml Pasadena, CA *********************************************************************** * 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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