PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 52 (December 18, 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. Assistant Professor of Geology, University of Georgia 2. Register Today for the 2017 Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) 3. EGU 2017 Session on Planetary Plasma Physics and Interactions in the Solar System 4. [NASA] Pre-proposal Teleconference 5. [NASA] ROSES-16: The Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program 6. Working Group on Finding Signs of Past Rock-Hosted Life 7. Research Scientist at University of Maryland to Work with Minor Planet Center 8. [NASA] PDS: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Data Release 28 9. Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) meeting, Jan. 11-13 10. Faculty Position in Planetary Science Florida Institute of Technology 11. JSPS Planet2 Symposium 2017: Registration is Open 12. 2016 Lunar Exploration Analysis Group Meeting: Findings Now Posted 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 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA The Department of Geology at the University of Georgia seeks to fill a position for a tenure-track assistant professor in the field of petrology/mineralogy, welcoming applications from scientists in both the Earth and Planetary sciences to complement the department's growing focus in planetary sciences. We encourage applications from petrologists/mineralogists with strong backgrounds in chemistry and physics who may employ unconventional and interdisciplinary approaches to address big-picture questions including but not limited to petrologic and/or mineralogical aspects of planetary evolution involving core, mantle, and/or crustal processes. The successful candidate must be comfortable teaching our undergraduate core curriculum classes in mineralogy and/or petrology, a graduate course in their specialty, as well as introductory courses in geology. The successful candidate will be expected to establish an externally funded research program to attract outstanding graduate students in their field, and our core electron microprobe facility with dedicated, long-standing technical support may be critical to that effort. Find more information on the application materials, which should be submitted by 5 PM January 16, 2017, at: https://facultyjobs.uga.edu/postings/1336 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 REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2017 HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT (H2M) Join us at the Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) that will be held from May 9-11, 2017 at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. H2M is an annual Mars exploration conference that addresses the major technical, scientific, and policy challenges that need to be overcome in order to send humans to Mars by the 2030s. It is the most comprehensive conference in the world focused on landing humans on Mars, and the 2017 H2M is shaping up to be the biggest H2M yet. Confirmed and tentative speakers already include William Gerstenmaier, Penny Boston, Clementine Poidatz (National Geographic Series, Mars), John Grunsfeld, James Green, Janet Ivey (Janet's Planet), Leonard David, Joe Cassady (Aerojet Rocketdyne), and many others... Register today at: h2m.exploremars.org Early registration available until mid-January. 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 EGU 2017 SESSION ON PLANETARY PLASMA PHYSICS AND INTERACTIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Please consider submitting an abstract to the session PS5.1/ST2.7 Planetary Plasma Physics and Interactions in the Solar System of the EGU General Assembly to be held 23-28 April 2017, in Vienna, Austria: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2017/abstractsubmission The abstract submission deadline is 11 January 2017, 13:00 CET. 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 which address previous (e.g. CHANDRAYAAN-1, KAGUYA, VENUS EXPRESS, MESSENGER,ROSETTA), present (e.g. CASSINI, MARS EXPRESS, MAVEN, CHANG'E 2,JUNO), forthcoming (e.g. BEPI COLOMBO) and planned (e.g. JUICE) observations from space. Analyses of ground- based observations of neutral and ionized environments are welcome. Theoretical modelling and simulations are also strongly encouraged, both in themselves and as a basis for intercomparisons and interpretation of measurements. Laboratory studies on planetary analogues aiming to simulate the surface-plasma interaction are considered as well. The conveners, Anna Milillo, Aikaterina Radioti, Natalia Ganushkina and Philippe Garnier [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 [NASA] PRE-PROPOSAL TELECONFERENCE 2017 NASA Education Aeronautics Scholarship and Advanced STEM Training and Research (AS&ASTAR) Fellowship Activity is holding a Pre-proposal Teleconference on 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. Proposals are due by February 24, 2017, at 11:59pm EST. Questions may be directed to: Elizabeth Cartier elizabeth.a.cartier@nasa.gov 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] ROSES-16: THE ASTROPHYSICS RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM The Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program (APRA) program solicits basic research proposals for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics and includes research over the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. Awards may be for up to four years’ duration (up to five years for suborbital investigations), but shorter-term proposals are typical; four-year or five-year proposals must be well justified. Proposals for suborbital investigations are particularly encouraged. APRA investigations may advance technologies anywhere along the full line of readiness levels, from Technology Readiness Level1 (TRL1) through TRL9. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals, including those missions being studied for the next decadal survey. Amendment 50 makes a number of changes throughout Section 1.2, and in particular a new paragraph has been added to 1.2.1.2. In addition, some of the points of contact have changed in the Summary Table of Key Information. New text is in bold, deleted text is struck through. The due dates remain unchanged. Questions: Michael R. Garcia Michael.R.Garcia@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 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/ 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 RESEARCH SCIENTIST AT UNIVERISTY OF MARYLAND TO WORK WITH MINOR PLANET CENTER We are seeking a research scientist with experience related to the Minor Planet Center and/or NASA's Near-Earth Object Observations program. The candidate will work with Michael A'Hearn in managing the integration of the Minor Planet Center into the Small Bodies Node of the Planetary Data System and will provide continuity of expertise beyond A'Hearn's retirement. Research in relevant fields is an appropriate portion of the position. Further details are available at: http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#planetary-mpc Questions should be addressed directly to Professor A'Hearn (ma at astro.umd.edu). Applications should include a standard CV and a short (up to two pages) summary of relevant experience. Funding for the position is anticipated in January. 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] PDS: LUNAR RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER DATA RELEASE 28 The NASA Planetary Data System is pleased to announce a new delivery of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) data for the following instruments: CRaTER DLRE LAMP LEND LROC In general, LRO Release 28 includes data collected between June 15, 2016 and September 14, 2016. To access the above data, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20161215.shtml PDS offers two services for searching the LRO archives: The Planetary Image Atlas at the Imaging Node allows selection of LRO data by specific search criteria. https://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/ The Lunar Orbital Data Explorer at the Geosciences Node allows searching and downloading of LRO data and other lunar orbital data sets (Clementine and Lunar Prospector). http://ode.rsl.wustl.edu/moon/ The PDS Team pds_operator@jpl.nasa.gov (818) 393-7165 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 SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) MEETING, JAN. 11-13 The 16th meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) will be held Jan. 11-13 in Tucson. The deadline for hotel reservations at the group rate is Thursday, Dec. 22. Information about registration, logistics, hotel reservations, early career scientist travel support, and more is available at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings/ For questions, please contact Tim Swindle, Chair of the SBAG Steering Committee, at tswindle@lpl.arizona.edu. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 FACULTY POSITION IN PLANETARY SCIENCE FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY The Department of Physics and Space Sciences at Florida Institute of Technology invites applications for a permanent faculty position beginning August 2017. This position is at the rank of assistant professor, but higher ranks may be considered for senior or well- established candidates. While applicants from all branches of planetary science will be considered, those with active research involving Mars are strongly encouraged to apply. We are especially interested in applicants with experience that overlaps other research areas in our department, and that can make best use of our available research facilities. Candidates should be committed to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and to developing or bringing a leading research program in planetary science. In a single PDF provide a cover letter, CV, statements of research and teaching experience and interests, and the names and contact information of at least three references. Review of applications will begin immediately, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Florida Tech is an equal opportunity employer. For additional information visit: http://cos.fit.edu/pss/position-pss705.php 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 JSPS PLANET2 SYMPOSIUM 2017: REGISTRATION IS OPEN Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Core-to-Core Program Planet2 Symposium 2017 web site: https://www-n.oca.eu/michel/JSPSPlanet2_2017/ The JSPS Core-to-Core Program Planet2 Symposium 2017 will take place on February 20-23, 2017 in Villefranche Sur Mer (France) on the Cote d'Azur. The Symposium aims at reviewing recent ongoing and upcoming space missions and observations and recent progress in planet formation theories. Also we will discuss how we should synthesize these observational constraints to improve our understanding of planetary formation inside and outside the solar system. Topics will include remote-sensing observations of small bodies from a spacecraft or from ground-based observatories, microanalyses of samples from small bodies, observations of exoplanets from both space-based and ground-based telescopes, and planetary formation theories (from disk formation/evolution to current planetary system properties). Registration is now open: https://www-n.oca.eu/michel/JSPSPlanet2_2017/JSPSPlanet2_ Registration/JSPSPlanet2_Registration.html If you wish to give a talk or present a poster, please send your name, affiliation, type of presentation, title and 3 line-abstract to the SOC co-chairs. Pr. Seiji Sugita and Dr. Patrick Michel (SOC chairs); Please send abstracts and questions to: michelp@oca.eu and ikoma@eps.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp [Edited for length.] 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 2016 LUNAR EXPLORATION ANALYSIS GROUP MEETING: FINDINGS NOW POSTED The 2016 Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group was held at USRA Headquarters 1-3 November. The meeting included focused sessions including recent science results, commercial impact, lunar regolith, and new mission concepts. Congressman Jim Bridenstine (member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee) addressed the lunar community on 2 November: http://bridenstine.house.gov/blog/?postid=758 about the importance of space and, especially, the Moon. The outcomes of this meeting were distilled into 9 findings: http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/leag2016/Meeting-Findings.pdf Support for the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter mission and HEOMD involvement; an endorsement of the HEOMD-AES Small Lunar Surface Payload RFI; continued support for the Resource Prospector Mission (RPM) and LRO; a surface campaign for polar volatiles; desirability of coordinating international polar volatile prospecting missions; support for human assisted sample return; recognition that the SLS is an enabling asset for lunar science and future SLS mission opportunities need to be supported; and support for ESA's Moon Village concept. LEAG wishes to thank SSERVI for establishing the Hawke Early Career Travel Awards in memory of long time lunatic B. Ray Hawke. 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 Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html No new meetings. [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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. 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