PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 1 (January 3, 2016) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Susan Benecchi Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Melissa Lane Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. EGU 2016 Session PS5.1/ST2.2: Call for Abstracts 2. Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments 3. 31st MEPAG Meeting - 1st Information Circular 4. Ph.D Scholarship: Mars 5. From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life 6. Volcanism, Plate Tectonics, Hydrothermal Vents and Life 7. Biosignatures and the Search for Life on Mars 8. Planetary Geomorphology 'Image of the Month' 9. 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 EGU 2016 SESSION PS5.1/ST2.2: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We invite you to submit an abstract to the following session of the next EGU meeting (Vienna, Austria, 17-22 April 2016). PS5.1/ST2.2: Planetary Plasma Physics and Interactions in the Solar System The emphasis of the session is on all aspects of planetary plasma physics and interactions in the Solar System, including: (a) magnetospheres, ionospheres, auroras (b) the solar wind interaction with planets, moons, asteroids and comets (c) plasma interactions with exospheres, dust and surfaces (e.g., at Mercury, Europa, Ganymede, our Moon, etc.) (d) intercomparisons of planetary environments Contributions are welcome that address previous (e.g., CHANDRAYAAN-1, KAGUYA, VENUS EXPRESS, MESSENGER), present (e.g., CASSINI, MARS EXPRESS, MAVEN, ROSETTA, CHANG'E 2), forthcoming (e.g., JUNO, BEPI COLOMBO) and planned (e.g., JUICE) observations from space. Analyses of ground-based observations as well as theoretical modelling and simulations are also welcome. Laboratory studies on planetary analogues aiming to simulate the surface-plasma interaction are considered as well. The participants will be later invited to submit an article in a forthcoming dedicated special issue in Planetary and Space Science. Abstract submission deadline: 13 January 2016. See more details at: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2016/session/20384 Conveners: P. Garnier, A. Milillo, A. Radioti, N. Ganushkina 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 BIOSIGNATURE PRESERVATION AND DETECTION IN MARS ANALOG ENVIRONMENTS This conference will be held the week of May 16, 2016 in Reno, Nevada. Our objective is to focus strategies to detect possible biosignatures on Mars in different categories of geologic settings by assessing the attributes and preservation potential of various biosignatures in different Mars-analog habitable environments on Earth. The ability to capture and retain information about ancient life in the form of fossil biosignatures in the geological record depends upon complex interactions between key biogeochemical variables, including those factors that control rates of organic matter degradation and rates of mineralization, mediated by the specific physical and chemical properties of the buried organic matter. In addition, post- depositional processes may dramatically affect the stability of geological materials and the biosignatures they contain, thereby challenging life-based interpretations. Participants in this conference will review the diverse categories of biosignatures that occur in an array of Mars-analog environments. Our plan is to produce a conference report that will inform the evaluation of potential Mars landing sites regarding their potential to preserve and provide accessible evidence of past martian life. http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/biosignature2016/ 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 31ST MEPAG MEETING - 1ST INFORMATION CIRCULAR I cordially invite you to attend the 2016 face-to-face meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), scheduled for 1.5 days, March 2-3, 2016, in Silver Spring, MD. This meeting will report on the implications of the developments in Mars exploration since the 2015 MEPAG meeting as well as the overall status of Mars exploration. We will also handle some organizational matters for MEPAG (e.g.,, Chair and Executive Committee succession). Key discussion topics will include: * Overview of latest science results (Curiosity, MAVEN, etc.) * Status of Mars exploration by NASA and other space agencies * Interaction with the Human program (HEOMD) - Status of Humans to Mars (the Evolvable Mars Campaign) within NASA - First Landing Site/Exploration Zone Workshop for Humans Missions to the Surface of Mars * HSO-SAG, NEX-SAG and ICE-WG reports * NASA and ESA landing site selection activities * Preview of upcoming missions (ExoMars-TGO, InSIGHT) The meeting is open to all members of the Mars science community, and I welcome our international colleagues. We will also broadcast the meeting via Adobe Connect for those who cannot attend in person. I look forward to seeing you in Washington! Professor. Lisa Pratt MEPAG Chair [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 PH.D SCHOLARSHIP: MARS Fully funded 3-year Ph.D in 'Aeolian Dune Field Dynamics on Mars' is available at the University of Ulster, UK. Details at: http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/gradschool/environmental/ Closing date: February 26th, 2016 Dr. Mary C. Bourke, Department of Geography, School of Natural Science Trinity College, Dublin 2, IRELAND +353 1 896 1888 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 FROM STAR AND PLANET FORMATION TO EARLY LIFE 25-28 April 2016 Vilnius, Lithuania The meeting will cover a multitude of scientific subjects ranging from star and planet formation until the early evolution of life on Earth. It aims to bring together astronomers, physicists, chemists, geologists and biologists as well as academics and students from humanities to discuss the most important questions and newest findings in all related disciplines. Special sessions will be devoted to comets, meteorites, prebiotic chemistry and early life. The Conference will take place from 25 to 28 April 2016 at the Art Nouveau style Hotel Artis Centrum in the historical city centre of Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage Site). On the website of the conference: http://www.vilnius2016.eu you will find information about the event and Vilnius in general. The meeting is fairly inexpensive and cheap accommodation in hotels and hostels is available. Registration and abstract submission is 29 February 2016. 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 VOLCANISM, PLATE TECTONICS, HYDROTHERMAL VENTS AND LIFE 23 August-1 September 2016 Azores, Portugal The course aims to give participants a thorough introduction into influence of volcanism, plate tectonics on life and the role of hydrothermal vents in the emergence of life. It is co-organised by the European Astrobiology Campus, the Nordic Network of Astrobiology and the COST Action "Origins and Evolution of Life in the Universe". The summer school, which is held in the picturesque town of Angra de Heroismo (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) will include: * Lectures by leading scientists in the field covering a cornucopia of different subjects * Field excursions to geologically interesting sights (volcanic areas, hot springs, lava caves, etc.) * Characterisation of microbes in lava caves and hot springs via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) * Poster sessions * Participant-led discussions Bursaries including travel grants are available for students and early career investigators affiliated to universities in most European countries. For further information about the summer school please check the website at: http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Azores2016/ Deadline for applications is 15 March 2016 23:59 UTC. 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 BIOSIGNATURES AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE ON MARS 4-16 July 2016 Reykjavik, Iceland This summer school aims to cover the subject of the search for life in different environments, both on early Earth, below Earth's surface and on Mars. It will bring together students and researchers from a multitude of different fields. Field studies on the colonisation of lava fields and Mars analogue landscapes will complement the lectures. The programme of the summer school comprises: * Lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range of subjects on biosignatures with the focus on detection of life on Mars * Investigation of colonisation of fresh lava fields and Mars analogue landscapes with in situ life detection techniques * Excursions to geologically and astrobiologically interesting sites: - Kerlingarfjoll hot spring area - Baroabunga lava field - Namaskaro geothermal area - Krafla volcanic area - The Mars analogue landscapes at Askja - The Myvatn area with the Skutustaoir pseudocraters and the Hverfjall cinder cone * Poster sessions * Participant-led discussions For further information about the summer school please check the website at: http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Iceland2016/ The deadline for application is 31 March 2016 23:59:00 UTC. 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 first 2016 'Image of the Month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page at: http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/ This month's topic is "Salty Flows on Mars!" Contributed by Lujendra Ojha, Georgia Institute of Technology. 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 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html April 25-28, 2016 From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life http://www.vilnius2016.eu Vilnius, Lithuania May 16-20, 2016 Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/biosignature2016/ Reno, NV June 23-25, 2016 Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Science Forum http://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/tmtsf2015 Washington, DC July 4-16, 2016 Summer Course on Biosignatures and the Search for Life on Mars http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Iceland2016/ Reykjavik, Iceland [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.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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