PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 51 (December 11, 2016) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Karen R. Stockstill-Cahill Co-Editors: Susan Benecchi, Mark V. Sykes Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Postdoctoral Positions in Planetary Physics, Johns Hopkins University 2. Seeking Graduate Students, Northern Arizona University 3. Call for Presentations for the 3rd 2020 Mars Rover Mission Landing Site Workshop 4. Mars Science Laboratory Release 13 5. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter for December 2016 6. Second Announcement of Mars Polar Icarus Special Issue 7. Post-doctoral Scientist in Planetary Space Physics at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala 8. European Lunar Symposium Call for Abstracts 9. Dust, Atmosphere and Plasma Environment of the Moon and Small Bodies Workshop 10. TH23K: NASA Planetary Sciences Division Town Hall 11. NASA New Frontiers Program AO Released 12. Working Group on Finding Signs of Past Rock-Hosted Life 13. 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 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY PHYSICS, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Applications are invited for multiple postdoctoral positions working on research topics related to planetary physics (solar system or extrasolar) in Prof. Sabine Stanley's group in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Areas of interest include theoretical, observational or computational studies in planetary magnetic fields, planetary interior structure and evolution, dynamo theory, or other topics where a strong collaboration with Prof. Stanley's group is beneficial. In addition to members of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, there are also opportunities for interactions with planetary scientists at the Applied Physics Laboratory and the Space Science Telescope Institute. One position will involve spending the majority of time at the Applied Physics Lab. The deadline for applications is February 15th, 2017. Further details can be found at: http://apply.interfolio.com/39656 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 SEEKING GRADUATE STUDENTS, NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY We are recruiting excellent undergraduates for our PhD program in Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University. Our department is rapidly growing, and our new PhD students will join students, postdocs, and faculty working on telescopic observations of our Solar System and other planetary systems; spacecraft explorations of Mars and other bodies in our Solar System; "big data" science, in preparation for LSST; and astrophysical laboratory experiments, among other topics. We enjoy unparalleled telescope access and rich collaborations with neighboring institutions Lowell Observatory and the US Geological Survey/Astrogeology Branch. Flagstaff is a beautiful four seasons mountain town that is surrounded by national forest; nearly every kind of outdoor activity takes place within minutes of downtown's excellent food/coffee/beer/art scene. Applications are due January 15, but preference will be given to applications that are received by January 1. For more information, including list of current faculty and their research interests, as well as how to apply to our program, please see http://www.physics.nau.edu/AstroPhD Please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of our department for additional information. You may also send queries to astronomy.grad@nau.edu. We look forward to hearing from you! 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 CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR THE 3RD 2020 MARS ROVER MISSION LANDING SITE WORKSHOP The 3rd landing site workshop for the 2020 Mars Rover mission will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Monrovia, CA, on February 8-10, 2017. Presentations are solicited on the science merits of the eight remaining candidate landing sites for the Mars 2020 mission. The full second announcement/call for presentations, workshop logistics, and a request for registration can be found at: http://marsnext.jpl.nasa.gov/workshops/wkshp_2017_02.cfm The primary goal of the third workshop will be to further evaluate the eight candidate landing sites that emerged from the second workshop and reduce the number of candidate sites remaining under consideration to three or four. Evaluations at the Workshop will employ the framework provided by existing data for Mars (e.g., MRO), the science requirements of the 2020 mission, and a better understanding of the 2020 engineering requirements and traversability of the landing sites relative to these requirements. Presenters at the workshop are expected to make a comprehensive, persuasive talk on why a specific site is the right one for the 2020 mission and payload, including how and where the science objectives of the mission can be accomplished. 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 SCIENCE LABORATORY RELEASE 13 The NASA Planetary Data System announces the thirteenth release of data from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, covering data acquired from Sol 1294 through Sol 1417 (March 27, 2016, to August 1, 2016). This release consists of raw and derived data sets from: Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) Chemistry & Micro-Imaging (ChemCam) Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) Dynamic Albedo of Neutrons (DAN) Hazard Avoidance Cameras (Hazcam) Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) Mast-mounted Cameras (Mastcam) Navigation Cameras (Navcam) Position Localization and Attitude Correction Estimate Storage (PLACES) Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Spacecraft, Planet, Instrument, Pointing C-Matrix, and Event kernels (SPICE) To access the above data for this release at: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20161205.shtml Links to all MSL data sets may be found on the PDS Geosciences Node web site at: http://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/msl/ The data may also be reached from the main PDS home page at: http://pds.nasa.gov/ MSL data are archived at the PDS Atmospheres, Planetary Plasma Interactions (PPI), Geosciences, Imaging, and Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) Nodes. PDS offers two services for searching the MSL archives at: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/ http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/msl The PDS Team pds_operator@jpl.nasa.gov (818) 393-7165 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR DECEMBER 2016 On behalf of Jeff Johnson (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Serina Diniega of the Mars Program Science Office, the November 2016 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov 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 SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT OF MARS POLAR ICARUS SPECIAL ISSUE The Scientific Organizing Committee is organizing a special issue of Icarus related to Mars Polar research, particularly in the fields of polar geology, glaciology, climate record, atmospheric dynamics, terrestrial analogs, ground ice, geochemistry, and Mars polar surface activity. In recognition of the broad scope, interdisciplinary nature, and strong international interest in this topic, we welcome the participation of any interested scientist with relevant theoretical, experimental, or field experience. This special issue is open to all interested authors with Mars Polar related research to publish, whether they attended the conference or not. Please email questions or notices of intent to guest editors, Adrian Brown (abrown@seti.org) and Michael Sori (michael.sori@gmail.com). Manuscripts should be submitted through Icarus' EVISE website at: https://www.evise.com/profile/#/ICARUS/login Authors must select "Mars Polar Science VI" when they reach the "Article Type" step in the submission process. 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 SCIENTIST IN PLANETARY SPACE PHYSICS AT THE SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS IN UPPSALA This project will investigate the structure and dynamics of Saturn's ionosphere and its interaction with the charged dust and plasma near its rings. The Cassini mission will end in 2017 with close orbits through the ring systems and passages through the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of Saturn. The Radio & Plasma Wave Science instrument package includes IRF's Langmuir probe. Data from this will be analysed in order to study the ring dust and plasma and make the first detailed in-situ measurements of Saturn's ionosphere. Candidates should have completed a PhD in space physics or a related field during 2013 or later. Candidates planning to obtain their PhD before April 2017 may apply. If the candidate has an older degree and wants to refer to special circumstances, this should be clearly stated. Candidates should demonstrate experience in spacecraft data analysis, as part of national and international collaborations. Experience with theoretical modelling is an advantage, as is an interest in developing instrumental techniques and methods, and experience in coordinating scientific activities. Further details: http://www.irf.se/jobb Closing date for applications: 26 January 2017 Reference number: 2.2.1-312/16 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 EUROPEAN LUNAR SYMPOSIUM CALL FOR ABSTRACTS The 5th European Lunar Symposium will take place at the University of Munster, Germany on May 2-3, 2017 (pre-registration on the evening of Monday, 1st May, 2017). There are other related events being planned on either side of ELS (1st May - ESA Exploration Day; 4th and 5th May - New Views of the Moon 2 workshop) so you may wish to keep the ELS week of 1st May 2017 free in your diary! The format will be similar to previous European Lunar Symposiums and will consist of both oral and poster presentations divided into four broad themes of: "Science of the Moon", "Science on the Moon", "Science from the Moon" and "Future Lunar Missions". We are now accepting abstracts for this meeting. Please click on the "Abstracts" tab of the website at: https://els2017.arc.nasa.gov We are limited to 200 maximum participants and will adopt a first come first serve policy, so please submit your abstract at your earliest convenience. Deadlines and Milestones: - Abstract submission deadline: January 31, 2017 - Meeting Registration Opens: March 1, 2017 - Meeting Registration Closes: March 31, 2017 Harry Hiesinger and Mahesh Anand (on behalf of the ELS organizers) 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 DUST, ATMOSPHERE AND PLASMA ENVIRONMENT OF THE MOON AND SMALL BODIES WORKSHOP The Dust, Atmosphere and Plasma environment of the Moon and Small Bodies (DAP-2017) workshop will be a forum to (i) discuss our current understanding of the surface environment of the Moon, the moons of Mars, and asteroids, (ii) share new results from past and ongoing missions, and (iii) describe expectations for planned upcoming missions to airless bodies and comets. The workshop will take place January 11-13, in Boulder, CO. The program is now available online at: http://impact.colorado.edu/dap_meeting.html The talks will be broadcasted, please visit the conference webpages for online access information. Mihaly Horanyi and Alan Stern 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 TH23K: NASA PLANETARY SCIENCES DIVISION TOWN HALL NASA's Planetary Sciences Division (PSD) leadership team will present an update of status and plans with significant time for discussion. The audience is expected to comprise current and potential investigators in PSD's programs and/or those of its partner agencies, as well as current and potential users of its data and models. Tuesday, 13 December 2016 12:30 - 13:30 Moscone West - 2009 Primary Contacts: James L Green (james.green@nasa.gov) - NASA Headquarters Doris Daou (doris.daou-1@nasa.gov) - NASA Headquarters Presenters: James L Green - NASA Headquarters Thomas Zurbuchen - NASA Headquarters 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 NASA NEW FRONTIERS PROGRAM AO RELEASED NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is releasing the Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for New Frontiers Program mission investigations. The New Frontiers Program conducts Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations in SMD's planetary programs under a not-to-exceed cost cap for the PI-Managed Mission Cost. At the conclusion of Phase A concept studies, it is planned that one New Frontiers investigation will be selected to continue into subsequent mission phases. New Frontiers Program investigations must address NASA's planetary science objectives as described in 2014 NASA Strategic Plan and the 2014 NASA Science Plan. Both documents are now available at: http://science1.nasa.gov/about-us/science-strategy/. Further information will be posted on the New Frontiers Program Acquisition Page at: http://newfrontiers.larc.nasa.gov/ as it becomes available. Questions may be addressed to: Dr. Curt Niebur (202) 358-0390 curt.niebur@nasa.gov. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 WORKING GROUP ON FINDING SIGNS OF PAST ROCK-HOSTED LIFE Motivated by the suite of habitable environments available to Mars-2020 for in situ exploration and sample collection, we are convening a set of 4 web-hosted telecons, open to the community. The first two telecons are: Telecon 1: Martian Environment: Evidence for Rock-Hosted Waters What is the evidence for ancient Mars environmental conditions? What is the likelihood of habitats for rock-hosted life? December 19, 8:30AM PST // facilitated by Bethany Ehlmann, Paul Niles Telecon 2: Metabolisms and Niches for Terrestrial Rock-Hosted Life Where rock-hosted life found on earth today? What are its metabolisms and products? December 20, 8:30AM PST // facilitated by Tullis Onstott, Jeff Marlow The URL for the meeting is: https://connect.arc.nasa.gov/rocklife2017/ Select "Enter as a Guest", type in your name and click the "Enter Room" button. The telecon line is 844-467-6272, passcode 250961 For further schedule and information about the working group, see: http://web.gps.caltech.edu/~rocklife2017/ 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS April 24-26, 2017 Exoplanet Science with Small Telescopes: Precise Radial Velocities http://web.sas.upenn.edu/smalltrv/ Philadelphia, PA May 2-3, 2017 5th European Lunar Symposium (ELS) https://els2017.arc.nasa.gov Munster, Germany May 15-19. 2017 5th IAA Planetary Defense Conference http://pdc.iaaweb.org Tokyo, Japan [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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