PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 49 (November 27, 2016) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Susan Benecchi Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Karen R. Stockstill-Cahill Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Winter School: Diversity of Planetary Circulation Regimes, in our Solar System and Beyond 2. Planetary Sessions at GSA Cordilleran Section May 2017: T16 & T17 3. Planetary sessions at GSA Cordilleran Section May 2017: T18 & T19 4. The SETI Institute Calls for White Papers for the Advancement of SETI Research 5. Postdoctoral Position at Swedish Institute of Space Physics 6. Tenured Scientist Position at Swedish Institute of Space Physics 7. Web-Ex Access For VEXAG Meeting #14 8. EGU2017, PS8.2: Hyperspectral Data Measurements and Analysis to Support Planetary Exploration 9. [NASA] 2017 NASA Education Research Announcement (NRA): Aeronautics Scholarship and Advanced STEM Training and Research (2017 AS&ASTAR) Fellowship Activity 10. 1st Information Circular 33rd MEPAG Meeting Letter of Invitation 11. LEAG Meeting Notes 12. Director for Astrophysics Position at the International Space Science Institute, Bern, Switzerland 13. 4*P Coma Morphology Campaign 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 WINTER SCHOOL: DIVERSITY OF PLANETARY CIRCULATION REGIMES, IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND March 6-10, 2017, Les Houches At the Les Houches Physics center based in Les Houches, France. http://houches.ujf-grenoble.fr/ We will present the recent observational data and modelling studies pertaining to the variety of planetary atmospheres circulation regimes, including giant and terrestrial planets. We will also discuss the theory of planetary physical processes (e.g. circulation, dynamics, thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud microphysics. This interdisciplinary school wishes to contribute to bridging the gap between Earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics. Lectures will be delivered by about 20 speakers. The deadline to apply is January, 15th 2017, and early applicants will be given priority. Full program as well as details for registration are given in the school website: http://leshouchesplanets2017.zmaw.de/ For questions, please contact Nicolas Iro: nicolas.iro@uni-hamburg.de The organizing committee: Daniel Apai (University of Arizona, Tucson, USA) Francois Forget (CNRS, France) Nicolas Iro, (University of Hamburg, Germany) Valerio Lucarini (University of Hamburg, Germany/ University of Reading, UK) Raymond Pierrehumbert (University of Oxford, UK) [Edited for length.] 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 PLANETARY SESSIONS AT GSA CORDILLERAN SECTION MAY 2017: T16 & T17 The GSA Cordilleran Section Meeting will be held in Honolulu, HI, 23-25 May 2017. There will be a number of sessions of relevance to planetary scientists. We welcome submissions to the following sessions: T16. New Developments in the Geology and Geochemistry of Mars (Bell, Rowland) Conveners: Jim Bell and Scott Rowland This session will highlight spectacular recent advances in our understanding of the geology and geochemistry of Mars. Orbiters, landers, and rovers are almost daily providing new views, and new data, that paint a picture of Mars as a world with a complex volcanic, impact, tectonic, and fluvial history. T17. Volcanism Across the Solar System Conveners: Sarah Fagents and Rosaly Lopes This session will focus on extraterrestrial volcanism, from our neighboring silicate planets to the ice-rich bodies of the outer solar system. We encourage contributions discussing new data and observations, recent modeling developments, novel techniques, field analog studies, integration of diverse data sets, and comparative planetary studies. Abstract deadline is 14 February 2017. In addition to the conference sessions, there is a slate of workshops and short courses, as well as fieldtrips on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. For more information see: http://www.geosociety.org/cd-mtg 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 PLANETARY SESSIONS AT GSA CORDILLERAN SECTION MAY 2017: T18 & T19 The GSA Cordilleran Section Meeting will be held in Honolulu, HI, 23-25 May 2017. There will be a number of sessions of relevance to planetary scientists. We welcome submissions to the following sessions: T18. Deposition and Diagenesis of Volcaniclastic Sediments on Earth and Mars Conveners: Juergen Schieber, Ken Edgett, David Bish Our goal is to bring together researchers investigating deposition and post-depositional alteration of terrestrial volcaniclastic sediments with those working on Martian sediments and sedimentary rock. To help with the science return from Mars rover data, of particular interest are mafic to intermediate sediments, sedimentary rocks, and their diagenesis. T19. Mars On Earth: Understanding Mars Through Earth Surface Processes Conveners: Robert A. Craddock, Jacob E. Bleacher, Christopher Hamilton Analog sites on Earth are useful for understanding geologic features on Mars, testing technology for future manned and unmanned missions, and for evaluating potential past and present conditions for astrobiology. Results from ongoing analog field studies, particularly those in Hawaii, will be presented. Abstract deadline is 14 February 2017. In addition to the conference sessions, there is a slate of workshops and short courses, as well as fieldtrips on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii. For more information see: http://www.geosociety.org/cd-mtg 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 THE SETI INSTITUTE CALLS FOR WHITE PAPERS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SETI RESEARCH The SETI Institute is soliciting the US and international scientific community for inputs to advance the search for intelligent life in the Universe, and for the creation of a multidisciplinary Virtual Institute for SETI Research. The principles associated with our new vision of SETI research have been outlined in an article published in the August, 2016 edition of Astrobiology: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ast.2016.1536 Building upon this paper, the SETI Institute is now soliciting community input for the development of a roadmap and a research program based on a long-term vision for SETI activities. Ultimately, the goal is the creation of a Virtual Institute for SETI Research. Its mandate will be to understand how intelligent life interacts with its environment and communicates. The goals and objectives of this call, and its significance, are detailed in the a separate document, available at: http://www.seti.org/seti-institute/call-for-white-papers-search- for-intelligent-life-and-creation-of-virtual-institute This is an opportunity to contribute to shaping a new and exciting chapter in the history of SETI. We encourage you to respond to this call, and to distribute it to interested colleagues. Contacts: Nathalie A. Cabrol, ncabrol@seti.org Bill Diamond, bdiamond@seti.org [Edited for length.] 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 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AT SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS Applications are invited for a post-doctoral position at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala for research related to scientific studies of solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Of particular interest are energy and plasma exchange between the two major regimes of plasma in the near-Earth environment, and the related flow of electric currents in the high-latitude auroral zone. Our research group is funded to carry out research utilizing the new ESA multi-satellite mission SWARM in low Earth orbit in conjunction with other multi-satellite missions (Cluster, Themis and MMS) in magnetospheric orbits, and a variety of ground-based instrumentation (radars, magnetometers and all-sky cameras). Candidates should have completed a PhD no earlier than 15 December 2013. If the candidate has an older degree and wants to refer to special circumstances, such as parental leave, this should be clearly stated. The candidate should not currently be an active researcher at IRF in Uppsala or at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University. Contact: Professor Hermann Opgenoorth (opg@irfu.se, tel. office +46-18-471 5912, mobile +46-76-776 7673). Closing date: 18 December 2016 Reference number: 2.2.1-303/16 More information: http://www.irf.se/jobb 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 TENURED SCIENTIST POSITION AT SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS Applications are invited for a tenured position at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala for studies of the magnetosphere of the Earth, and its interaction with the upper atmosphere, in response to extreme solar wind driving conditions such as violent coronal mass ejections. Of particular interest are energy and plasma exchange between the two major regimes of plasma in the near-Earth environment, and the related flow of very intense electric currents in the auroral and sub-auroral zone under extreme storm-time conditions. We aim to better understand the mechanisms leading to strong geomagnetically-induced currents affecting man-made equipment on the ground. Our research group carries out research to better understand extreme space weather events and allow improved prognoses of such events and their potential impacts. We conduct scientific studies utilising all sources of available solar wind and magnetospheric data, such as the missions at L1, multi-satellite missions in magnetospheric orbits, other spacecraft in lower orbits and a variety of ground- based instrumentation. Contact: Professor Hermann Opgenoorth (opg@irfu.se, tel. office +46-18-471 5912, mobile +46-76-776 7673). Closing date: 18 December 2016 Reference number: 2.2.1-304/16 More information: http://www.irf.se/jobb 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 WEB-EX ACCESS FOR VEXAG MEETING #14 The Web-Ex Link for the VEXAG #14 Meeting (29 November-01 December) is: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?MTID=m518b22aa575eb72e 42e43c2d414a4771 Meeting number: 998 504 556 Meeting password: W@lc0m31 Audio connection: USA Toll Free #: 1-844-467-4685 USA Local/Toll #: 1-720-259-7012 Participant Passcode: #: 6993403394 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 submit 1 or 2 slides onsite for the open-mike and poster-preview session Tuesday afternoon. 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 EGU2017, PS8.2: HYPERSPECTRAL DATA MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT PLANETARY EXPLORATION Dear all, We are convening a session at EGU2017, PS8.2 "Hyperspectral data measurements and analysis to support planetary exploration". This session is focused on laboratory spectroscopy in support of planetary missions or Earth's based planetary observations, and we thought that you might be interested in submitting an abstract. The deadline for general abstract submission is 11th January 2017. Please note that EGU is providing a limited number of financial supports for joining the conference. If you want to apply for financial support an early abstract submission is needed with a deadline on December 1st 2016. Please find more details on the session at: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2017/session/24533 1st December 2016 is the deadline for ALL support applications to be considered. More details at: http://egu2017.eu/financial_support.html Please note that each abstract submitted will incur an 'Abstract Processing Charge'. Details on how to submit an abstract are at: http://egu2017.eu/abstract_management/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html We hope to see you in Vienna. Giovanna, Kerri, Alessandro, Pierre and Cristian 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] 2017 NASA EDUCATION RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT (NRA): AERONAUTICS SCHOLARSHIP AND ADVANCED STEM TRAINING AND RESEARCH (2017 AS&ASTAR) FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITY The purpose of the NASA Education AS&ASTAR Fellowship activity is to support the vitality and diversity of the STEM workforce of NASA and the United States by training and funding graduate students during their STEM academic endeavors and providing access to NASA, its content, unique facilities, and STEM experts. NASA Education 2017 AS&ASTAR seeks, independently conceived graduate research proposal that response to the NASA Research Opportunity found in the solicitation. Announcement: NNH17ZHA001N Posted at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ Proposals are due by February 24, 2017, at 11:59pm EST. Pre-proposal teleconference is to take place on Monday, November 28, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. E.T. or 1:00 p.m. P.T and Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at 10:00a.m. E.T. or 7:00a.m. P.T. Please cut and paste the link: https://ac.arc.nasa.gov/nifs/ and join the teleconference as a guest. The telecom number is 1-844-467-6272 and the passcode is 993012. Questions: Elizabeth Cartier elizabeth.a.cartier@nasa.gov [Edited for length.] 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 1ST INFORMATION CIRCULAR 33RD MEPAG MEETING LETTER OF INVITATION Members of the Mars community, I cordially invite you to attend the 2017 face-to-face meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), scheduled for February 22-23, 2017, at the Double-Tree Hotel in Monrovia, CA. This meeting will report on the overall status of Mars exploration. A special topic for discussion will be the final report from the Mars International Collaboration Science Analysis Group (MIC-SAG) summarizing their recommendations on how to coordinate U.S. and international science and payload participation in the next orbiter mission to Mars in a manner that ensures completion of mission science objectives. Key discussion topics will include: * Status of Mars exploration by NASA, other space agencies, and potential commercial partners * Interaction with the Human program (HEOMD) * NASA and ESA landing site selection activities * Status of ongoing Mars missions * Status of upcoming missions (e.g., Mars2020, InSIGHT, UAE) * Future MEPAG activities The meeting is open to all members of the Mars science and exploration communities and we welcome our international colleagues. We will also broadcast the meeting online for those who cannot attend in person. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Monrovia! Sincerely, Jeff Johnson MEPAG Chair [Edited for length.] 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 LEAG MEETING NOTES A presentation of materials reported on at the 2016 LEAG Meeting include the following items: Findings * Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter mission and U.S. involvement * Small Lunar Surface Payload RFI * Resource Prospector Mission * Polar Volatiles * Coordinated Lunar Prospecting missions * Sample Return * Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission * Space Launch System * Moon Village Consensus Statements * Visit of Congressman Jim Brindenstine * Poster Reception * U.S. involvement in theRussian Luna (25-28) missions Action Item * Mining industry contacts; SRR/PTMSS, etc Details for each of these issues can be found at: http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2016/Meeting-Findings.pdf 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 DIRECTOR FOR ASTROPHYSICS POSITION AT THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE SCIENCE INSTITUTE, BERN, SWITZERLAND Dear Colleagues, ISSI invites applications for Director for Astrophysics Position Under the leadership of the Executive Director, each of the three Directors of ISSI provides the inspirational scientific environment of the Institute in her/his area of research, namely: (i) Earth Observations, (ii) Physics of the solar system and planetary sciences, and (iii) Astrophysics and Cosmology. The directors are the driving force behind the various activities taking place at ISSI in their fields of research: scientific workshops, forums, working groups and international teams. Their recognized scientific stature ensures the visibility and guarantees the high scientific standardsof the Institute. Scientists corresponding to the above profile, working in any area of space sciences in relation to Astrophysics and Cosmology are encouraged to apply. The new Director is expected to spend about 30% (negotiable) of her/his time working for ISSI at the Institutes premises in Bern, Switzerland, starting in July 2017 or by agreement. The appointment will be for a period of four years renewable once. Interested scientists should submit their applications (a letter of motivation and curriculum vitae) in one single pdf file, simultaneously to the chair of the Search Committee and the secretariat of ISSI, at their earliest convenience but no later than February 28, 2017. Contacts: Prof. Jean-Pierre Swings jpswings@ulg.ac.be Silvia Wenger silvia.wenger@issibern.ch [Edited for length.] 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 4*P COMA MORPHOLOGY CAMPAIGN As you may know three comets (41P/Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak, 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdusakova in early 2017, and 46P/Wirtanen in late 2018) will have close approaches (0.08-0.15 AU) to Earth in the next two years - a relatively rare occurrence. Similar to the Comet ISON Coma Morphology Campaign, we are organizing this 4*P Coma Morphology Campaign and are requesting the participation of both professional and amateur astronomers. The goal is to achieve science facilitated by a multi-longitudinal observing campaign. Please look at: http://www.psi.edu/41P45P46P for more information related to the campaign. Thank You. Sincerely, Nalin Samarasinha, Beatrice Mueller, Matthew Knight, Tony Farnham, and Walt Harris 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 March 6-10, 2017 Diversity of Planetary Circulation Regimes, in Our Solar System and Beyond http://leshouchesplanets2017.zmaw.de/index.php?id=3780 Les Houches, France July 3-7, 2017 13th Asian-Pacific Regional IAU Meeting (APRIM 2017) http://www.aprim2017.tw Taipei, Taiwan [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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