PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 41 (October 2, 2016) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Karen Stockstill-Cahill, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Comets Symposium and Rosetta SWT 2016: Registration 2. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Cornell University 3. HiRISE Spacecraft Operations Engineer Positions 4. Mars Mission Scientist at JSC 5. [NASA] Final Text Released for Interdisciplinary Science for Eclipse 2017 6. Post-doc Position at INAF-IAPS 7. Assistant Professor of Astronomy, University of Maryland 8. JMARS Webinar 9. Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Astronomy or Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University 10. NASA Postdoctoral Fellows 11. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 12. [NASA] SMD Seeks Volunteer Reviewers, Especially for COLD Tech 13. A National Science Teachers Association Virtual Conference: The August 2017 "All-American" Eclipse of the Sun 14. Call for Support: CASTAWAY, Comet and Asteroid Space Telescope 15. 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 COMETS SYMPOSIUM AND ROSETTA SWT 2016: REGISTRATION The international conference on cometary science entitled "Comets: A New Vision After Rosetta/Philae" will be held November 14-18, 2016, at the Abattoirs Museum in Toulouse, France. The 46th Rosetta Science Working Team technical session will be held on Friday. The program is now available online on the conference website: http://www.comets2016toulouse.com More technical details - poster size, talks format - will be soon sent to the authors. The early registration deadline with the best rates (150 euros instead of 250 euros) is 14 October. The registration fee includes access to all sessions, coffee breaks and to a cocktail gala dinner scheduled on Tuesday (with an extra fee for accompanying persons). All needed information for venue and accomodation are provided on the above website. If you have questions or need assistance during the registration process, please send an email to contact@comets2016toulouse.com and reference Comets 2016 in the subject. The Organising Committee 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 TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, CORNELL UNIVERSITY The Cornell University Astronomy Department invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment to begin July 1, 2017. We will consider applications from observers, experimentalists and theorists working in any area of astronomy, but particular areas of interest are cosmology, extragalactic astronomy, extrasolar and solar system planetary science, and relativistic astrophysics, including gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics. Applicants should upload their applications, including a CV, list of publications, statement of research interests, and statement on teaching plans and philosophy to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/7615 Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation submitted to Academic Jobs Online. Inquiries may be sent to Ira Wasserman (ira@astro.cornell.edu), Chair of the department. We will begin reviewing applications November 1, 2016. Cornell University is an Equal Opportunity/Armative Action Employer. 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 HIRISE SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS ENGINEER POSITIONS HiRISE (uahirise.org) is hiring two Spacecraft Operations Engineers to work at the HiRISE Operations Center on the University of Arizona's Tucson campus. This is a full-time position working with HiRISE team scientists and JPL and other MRO instrument operations staff to plan and command high resolution images of Mars. The successful candidates will support HiRISE personnel in carrying out operational activities including the following: Plan observation sequences and perform command load generation for HiRISE. Interact and collaborate with HiRISE and MRO scientists and technicians to choose targets and plan the observation sequences in detail, including choosing camera settings with a detailed understanding of the MRO mission, the HiRISE camera and Mars. Verify that the imaging carried out during a planning cycle was properly commanded, identify potential problems, and implement solutions. An educational background in geosciences or remote sensing, or experience with flight operations for remote sensing instruments is preferred. Due to federal regulations, the position is restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. The University of Arizona encourages diverse candidates to apply, including people of color, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Apply at: https://uacareers.com/postings/13857 (job number A21171) 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 MARS MISSION SCIENTIST AT JSC The Astromaterials Research Office, part of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Division of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, seeks to fill a GS-13 Planetary Scientist civil service position with expertise in Mars-related research and mission science. This emphasis may include studies of astromaterials and/or analogs; generation and/or interpretation of Mars landed or remotely-sensed mission datasets; experimental studies of martian atmospheric, surficial, and/or interior processes; or combinations of these. The selectee will be expected to attract funds through peer-reviewed proposals, and/or through involvement in NASA planetary missions, especially those to Mars. Contributions to other ARES enterprises, such as research that advances curation knowledge for Mars sample return. All candidates must use the USAJobs.gov website to prepare and submit applications, and United States citizenship is required to be eligible for this civil service position. Please go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/451675100 to apply for this position. Applications will be accepted from 6 to 26 October 2016. Interested parties may direct informal inquiries to Dr. David Draper, Manager, Astromaterials Research Office, david.draper@nasa.gov. A how-to guide for preparing responsive applications using the USAJobs.gov site, prepared by JSC Human Resources, will be provided upon request. 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] FINAL TEXT RELEASED FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE FOR ECLIPSE 2017 On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will traverse the continental U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. It is estimated that hundreds of millions of viewers in North America will witness this natural event (http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/). The purpose of this program element is to support development of new research or enhancement of existing research, applied to the 2017 eclipse. NASA is seeking proposals that would utilize the unique opportunity presented by the solar eclipse to study the Sun, Earth, Moon, astronomy, and/or space science, including the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere (ITM) system. Building on existing partnerships and the use of interdisciplinary or citizen science approaches is encouraged. All proposals must demonstrate links to the 2017 solar eclipse. Step-1 proposals are due October 27, 2016. Step-2 proposals are due November 30, 2016. Go to: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations /roses-2016 The NASA point of contact for this program element is Madhulika Guhathakurta, who may be reached at madhulika.guhathakurta@nasa.gov [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 POST-DOC POSITION AT INAF-IAPS A post-doc position at INAF-IAPS is now open. The scope is to work on spectral measurements of planetary analogues in support of EXOMARS and Dawn missions. For more information about the position application: http://www.inaf.it/it/lavora-con-noi/assegni-di-ricerca/assegno-di -ricerca-dal-titolo-spectral-measurements-and-analysis-of-samples -analogues-of-planetary-surface201d People interested in having more info can write Maria Cristina De Sanctis (mariacristina.desanctis@iaps.inaf.it). 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 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND The Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland (located in College Park, MD) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position. Accomplished candidates in any area of astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science are encouraged to apply. We are searching for candidates at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level, but will consider applications for tenured ranks in exceptional cases. A PhD in astronomy, physics, planetary science, or a related discipline is required, and the successful candidate must have an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to have a demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. For more details and to apply, visit: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by December 1, 2016. 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 JMARS WEBINAR October 13, 2016 from 12:00 to 2:00pm PDT Ever feel like there must be an easier way to find and work with Mars remote sensing data? Join us for a free online webinar and find out how JMARS can help you! Brand new to JMARS? We'll show you how to get started. Already a JMARS user? We'll teach you how to perform map sampling, perform HSV composites on HiRISE and CRISM images, and how to colorize your own vector shape data. Already a power user? Time to learn how you can work with SHARAD radargrams as well as the latest resources that have been added in support of proposing landing sites for a 2035 human mission to Mars. Questions about this event, or about JMARS in general, as well as suggestions for webinar topics can be sent to help@jmars.asu.edu. For Adobe Connect information, see the JMARS website: https://jmars.asu.edu/webinar2016 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 TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ASTRONOMY OR PLANETARY SCIENCE AT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Northern Arizona University is seeking excellent candidates for a tenure-track position in astronomy and/or planetary science at the Assistant Professor level beginning in August 2017 to help launch its new Ph.D. program (www.physics.nau.edu/AstroPhD). The minimum qualification is an earned doctorate in astronomy, planetary science, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include demonstrated interest or ability to develop a research program that involves undergraduate and graduate students; a demonstrated record of publications and/or extramural funding in astronomy and/or planetary science; evidence of high quality teaching and commitment to student success at the graduate and undergraduate levels; expertise in exoplanets, astro-informatics, astro-chemistry, astronomical instrumentation, and/or observational astronomy specializing in Solar System objects, exoplanets, or related topics; and the ability to work with students, colleagues, and community members from diverse cultures. The screening committee will begin reviewing applications on October 24, 2016. https://jobregister.aas.org/job_view?JobID=54717 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA's scientific goals. The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections. 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, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space operations, and astrobiology. Current research opportunities in planetary science can be viewed here: https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/?filter_keywords=&filter_fields=145 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. For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.usra.edu/ Questions: npphelp@usra.edu 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 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 "Karun Valles and its braided alluvial fan". Post contributed by Dr. Solmaz Adeli at DLR, Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany. You can follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology) or Twitter @PlanetGeomorpho. Susan Conway (Chair, IAG Planetary Geomorphology working group) 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] SMD SEEKS VOLUNTEER REVIEWERS, ESPECIALLY FOR COLD TECH NASA's Science Mission Directorate is seeking subject matter experts to serve as mail-in and/or panel meeting reviewers of proposals to ROSES and other solicitations. The landing page all of these forms may be found at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels but potential volunteers are especially encouraged to fill out the form for Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology because that was lost in the mover to the new web page and hence was not seen as many people. Go to: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/roses-2016 -c20-concepts-ocean-worlds-life-detection-technology To fill out the forms just click the boxes to indicate the topics in which you consider yourself to be a subject matter expert. If your skills match our needs we will contact you to discuss scheduling. Max Bernstein SMD Research Lead 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 A NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL CONFERENCE: THE AUGUST 2017 "ALL-AMERICAN" ECLIPSE OF THE SUN (A Guide for How to Help Audiences, Students, and Community Understand and View it Safely) with Dennis Schatz (Pacific Science Center) and Andrew Fraknoi (Foothill College) Featuring: Claire Raftery (National Solar Observatory) Saturday, October 15, 2016 10 AM - 2 PM ET In this virtual conference, designed for school teachers, museum educators, park rangers, librarians, and anyone who is working with them in anticipation of the eclipse, two experienced astronomers and educators, will: - introduce the general topic of eclipses and what they can teach us; - explain where, when, and how to view the 2017 eclipse safely; - lead a series of hands-on activities for classrooms and informal science settings (a free book of activities is included in registration) - discuss how teachers and informal educators can become a locus of eclipse outreach in their communities, including how to get a kit of safe-viewing glasses (with examples from what teachers are already planning); - host an introductory discussion of the latest solar science with Claire Raftery from the National Solar Observatory. For more information and to register, please go to: http://learningcenter.nsta.org/virtualconference 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 CALL FOR SUPPORT: CASTAWAY, COMET AND ASTEROID SPACE TELESCOPE Proposed as a candidate in the 2016 ESA call for (M)edium class mission proposals, the Comet and Asteroid Space Telescope (CASTAWAY) will conduct a detailed spectroscopic survey of the thousands of objects found in the Main Asteroid Belt. This will be achieved with a small, 0.5 m space-based telescope periodically passing within the MAB, while performing visual and near infrared spectroscopy and thermal infrared imaging (from a range of 0.1-0.5 AU), and perform basic opportunistic fly-by events of pre-selected targets. This will provide, for the first time, detailed information on the connection between asteroid composition, geomorphology and orbital evolution. Smaller (1-100 m) and fainter, passing targets will also be discovered with dedicated star tracker-like cameras. The members of the CASTAWAY international team of proposers would welcome indications of support for the mission. We ask everyone who wishes to express their support to please visit the following webpage: http://bit.ly/castawaymission The list of supporters will be appended to the CASTAWAY proposal before its submission to ESA by 5th October. More information on the mission can be found at the same website. Please feel free to forward this message to your colleagues. 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html November 21-23, 2016 The ARIEL Space Mission http://arielconference.eu Brussels, Belgium [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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