PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 12, Number 4 (January 28, 2018) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Elisabeth Adams Co-Editors: Karen R. Stockstill-Cahill, Mark V. Sykes Email: pen_editor@psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Abstracts 52nd ESLAB: Comparative Aeronomy and Plasma Environment of Terrestrial Planets 2. Amended Closing Date: NASA Job Opening in Laboratory Astrochemistry 3. [NASA] Postdoctoral Fellowship: Application Deadline March 1, 2018 4. [NASA] Pre-proposal Teleconference: NASA Fellowship Activity 2018 5. Abstract Deadline Extended: 2nd International Mars Sample Return Conference 6. PhD Opportunities: FAPESP 7. Closing Planetary Protection Knowledge Gaps for Future Human Exploration Workshop Delayed 8. Mercury 2018 Meeting: Abstract Deadline February 15, 2018 9. Job Opening: Exosphere/Planetary Scientist at Goddard Space Flight Center 10. Announcement of Rosaly Lopes as the New Editor-in-Chief of Icarus 11. Invitation to Submit Abstract to the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU) Meeting 12. Planetary Sessions at the May GSA Cordilleran-Rocky Mountain Joint Meeting 14. Upcoming MEPAG Meetings 15. Postdoctoral Scholar in Mars Atmospheric Structure, Dynamics, and Aerosols (Caltech) 16. 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 ABSTRACTS 52ND ESLAB: COMPARATIVE AERONOMY AND PLASMA ENVIRONMENT OF TERRESTRIAL PLANETS Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce that abstract submission is now open for the 52nd ESLAB Symposium: "Comparative Aeronomy and Plasma Environment of Terrestrial Planets" that will take place on 14 - 18 May 2018 at the European Space Agency ESA/ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands. We invite you to submit abstracts on the following topics: * Upper atmospheres * Ionospheres * Magnetospheres and space weather * Plasma interaction with atmosphereless bodies (invited talks and posters) * Aeronomy and plasma environment of exoplanets (invited talks and posters) * Atmospheric escape * Atmospheric evolution and climates * Missions and data archives You are kindly invited to submit abstracts of up to two pages (template provided) via the online submission system. The deadline for abstract submission is 31 January 2018. Authors will be notified of the approval decision of the Science Organising Committee (SOC) by 28 February 2018. Please find further details, including the Symposium description, key dates and logistical information, on the website: https://atpi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/52nd-eslab-symposium -comparative-aeronomy-of-terrestrial-planets/52ndeslabwebsite We look forward to welcoming you in Noordwijk! Kind regards, On behalf of the Scientific 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 AMENDED CLOSING DATE: NASA JOB OPENING IN LABORATORY ASTROCHEMISTRY A NASA civil-servant position is available in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Astrochemistry Laboratory in Greenbelt, Maryland. The work will be in the Cosmic Ice group on problems relevant to low-temperature, low-pressure chemical changes and physical properties related to solar-system and interstellar materials. See the Cosmic Ice Laboratory's website for information on the group's recent work at: https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/691/cosmicice/ Candidates should have good oral and written communications skills, laboratory experience in cryogenic, vacuum, and infrared spectral measurements, and preferably some familiarity with radiation-chemical or photochemical studies. Duties in this research position will include investigating astrochemical problems connected to NASA missions and projects. This position will be at the GS-13 level or, depending on the applicant's qualifications, GS-14. Due to the lapse in government funding, the date has been extended. Interested persons can apply until February 5, 2018, at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/487185400 US citizenship at the time of the application is a requirement for this position. 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 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP: APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 1, 2018 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 NPP 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. UPDATED! Stipends now start at $60,000 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 $10,000 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 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 PRE-PROPOSAL TELECONFERENCE: NASA FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITY 2018 NASA Office of Education opened a call for graduate research proposals on January 17, 2018. The NASA Research Announcement NNH18ZHA003N (NASA Fellowship Activity 2018) is seeking student authored and independently conceived graduate research proposals responding to a NASA Research Opportunity listed in the solicitation. Proposals are due March 20, 2018. For full program details, visit: https://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary!init.do? solId={1CA633C8-7767-8658-6260-F318694A347B}&path=open First informational webinar about this fellowship will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 24 2018 at 4:00 p.m. ET. The telecom number is 1-844-467-6272, and the passcode is 993012. 2018 NASA Fellowship Activity Pre-proposal Teleconferece Wednesday, January 24, 2018 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York, GMT-05:00) | 2 hrs Join WEBEX Meeting https://nasa.webex.com/nasa /j.php?MTID=m508fbf660af474879de28e7c5cbd5fe4 Meeting number: 991 278 194 Meeting password: @2018FELLOWS Questions concerning these program elements may be directed to Elizabeth Cartier at 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 ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED: 2ND INTERNATIONAL MARS SAMPLE RETURN CONFERENCE New abstract deadline: February 5th, 2018, 5pm CST The 2nd International Mars Sample Return Conference is scheduled to take place over 2.5 days from April 25-27, 2018, in Berlin, Germany. The purpose of this conference is to establish a better understanding of the options for a possible International Mars Sample Return campaign in the next decade, given the 2018 context, to highlight recent accomplishments in Mars exploration that feed forward to Mars Sample Return, and to share international agency and private industry preparatory plans for future Mars missions relating to Mars Sample Return. More information is available here: https://atpi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/2nd-international- conference-on-mars-sample-return/home Travel support may be available for U.S. citizens or legal residents who are selected based on their submitted abstracts. Information about travel support for students may be found at: https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/student.cfm?expand=student If you have any questions, please contact Brandi Carrier, PhD at Office: (818) 354-9956 or Brandi.L.Carrier@jpl.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 PHD OPPORTUNITIES: FAPESP The Group of Orbital Dynamics & Planetology invites applications for PhD scholarships that will be funded by FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo). The PhD Program and the scholarships have duration of four years. The candidates should not have obtained the Master Degree. The projects to be developed are in the following topics: Origin, formation and evolution of satellites and planetary rings Deflection of an asteroid in a collision route to the Earth The projects will be developed in the Sao Paulo State University - UNESP or in the National Institute for Space Research - INPE in Sao Jose dos Campos-Brazil. Applicants should send a statement of research interest and a curriculum vitae to Prof. Silvia Giuliatti Winter (email: giuliattiwinter@gmail.com). Deadline of applications: April, 13, 2018. 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 CLOSING PLANETARY PROTECTION KNOWLEDGE GAPS FOR FUTURE HUMAN EXPLORATION WORKSHOP DELAYED New date: May 15-16, 2018 Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston, TX This 2nd COSPAR workshop on refining the planetary protection requirements for human missions COSPAR, with support from ESA and NASA, is pleased to announce the 2nd COSPAR workshop on refining the planetary protection requirements for human missions, "Closing Planetary Protection Knowledge Gaps for Future Human Missions", now to be held May 15-16, 2018, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston. This workshop is an interdisciplinary meeting seeking to align previously identified knowledge gaps in planetary protection with mission opportunities in the timeframe between now and the first crewed flight to the martian surface. This workshop will feed into subsequent working meetings that produce COSPAR reports assessing potential opportunities to address knowledge gaps in the areas of: i) Microbial and human health monitoring; ii) Technology and operations for contamination control; and iii) Natural transport of contamination on Mars. Further information on agenda, logistics, registration and opportunities for remote participation, will be available shortly. The workshop seeks to ensure a balance of discipline specialty and nationality among the participants. Accordingly, in person attendance may be limited by the capacity of the facilities. Initial indications of interest in participation can be sent to james.a.spry@nasa.gov. Apologies, and Thanks! 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 MERCURY 2018 MEETING: ABSTRACT DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15, 2018 The abstract deadline for the Mercury 2018 Meeting: Current and Future Science of the Innermost Planet is a few weeks away, on February 15, 2018. This meeting will focus on all scientific aspects of the planet Mercury, including both the current state of knowledge and the prospects for future endeavors. All scientific topics related to the planet Mercury are welcome at this meeting. In particular, we wanted to specifically note that contributions related to the future exploration of Mercury beyond BepiColombo are also sought. This meeting seeks to enable the Mercury science community to have productive discussions, building on MESSENGER's results and preparing for BepiColombo's new discoveries, while also considering what are the top priorities for the next steps in the scientific exploration of Mercury. Thus, abstracts on the speculative future scientific exploration of Mercury are encouraged, and authors are allowed more than one first-authored abstract to encourage such submissions. For more information and to submit an abstract, visit the meeting website: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/mercury2018/ For additional questions, please feel welcome to contact the lead scientific organizer Nancy Chabot (Nancy.Chabot@jhuapl.edu) 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 JOB OPENING: EXOSPHERE/PLANETARY SCIENTIST AT GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER The Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory of the Solar System Exploration Division (SSED) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) located in Greenbelt, Maryland has a U.S. civil service position open for a Planetary Scientist, with expertise in exospheres, at the GS-13 (Junior) level. The Solar System Exploration Division conducts theoretical and experimental research to explore the solar system and understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems. For more information about the duties of this position and requirements or to apply please see http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489402400 More Information about the SSED can be found at: http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem The job opening closes on 9 February. Specific questions about the SSED and this position can be directed to Michael.e.purucker@nasa.gov. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 ANNOUNCEMENT OF ROSALY LOPES AS THE NEW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF ICARUS Dr. Rosaly Lopes will be the new Editor-in-Chief for the journal Icarus effective February 1st. We welcome Rosaly to her new role. Her broad planetary science expertise and organizational experience (DPS Chair and managerial experience at JPL) will serve her well as Editor-in-Chief of Icarus. With this change in leadership, we also have the opportunity to applaud and to sincerely thank Phil Nicholson once again for his 20 years of service as Editor-in-Chief of Icarus. Thank you for your commitment to and guidance of Icarus over the last two decades, Phil! Please join me in welcoming Rosaly and thanking Phil on behalf of the Planetary Science community. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 INVITATION TO SUBMIT ABSTRACT TO THE JAPAN GEOSCIENCE UNION (JPGU) MEETING At the Japanese Geoscience Union meeting near Tokyo, Japan, we will convene an international session titled: "Outer Solar System Exploration Today and Tomorrow" http://www.jpgu.org/meeting_2018/SessionList_jp/detail/P-PS01.html We invite abstracts that address a wide range of topics encompassing the giant planets and their moons, including their origins, interiors, atmospheres, compositions, surface features, and electromagnetic fields. To advocate for current and future outer planets exploration (Cassini, Juno, New Horizons, JUICE, and beyond), we also call for discussions on future missions to explore giant planet systems, including how to develop better international cooperation. Discussion in this latter category will include progress in developing a solar sail mission concept for observing the Jupiter system and its trojan asteroids. JpGU will be held on May 20 - 24 in Makuhari, Chiba. http://www.jpgu.org/meeting_e2018/index.php Early Abstract deadline (discounted rate): February 5th, 2018 Regular Abstract Deadline: February 19th, 2018 Early Registration Deadline: May 8, 2018 Current AGU Members can register at the JpGU member rate. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY SESSIONS AT THE MAY GSA CORDILLERAN-ROCKY MOUNTAIN JOINT MEETING May 15-17, 2018 Flagstaff, AZ We invite contributions to the following planetary sessions: T21. Recent Advances in Planetary Geoscience. How the volume and diversity of recent data sets have significantly advanced our understanding of the geologic character and evolution of bodies in the Solar System. T22. Earth as a Stepping Stone for Planetary Exploration. Terrestrial research in the field and in the laboratory is necessary for advancing planetary exploration. T23. Integrating Composition and Morphology: Keys to Constraining Planetary Surface Processes from Spacecraft Data. Compositional interpretations critically augment geomorphological and/or sedimentological studies to yield a refined understanding of geologic context and surface processes. T24. Understanding Basin Environments and Evolution Beyond Earth. Though topographic and structural basins exist beyond Earth, lack of direct access makes deciphering exposed units a challenge. There also will be a full-day post-conference field trip on May 18 to planetary analog sites in northern Arizona (The Holey Tour). Abstract deadline is February 20, 2018. More information can be obtained at the meeting website: http://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Events/Section_Meetings/GSA/Sections/rm/ 2018mtg/home.aspx [Edited for length] 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 UPCOMING MEPAG MEETINGS VM1 Virtual MEPAG meeting February 20, 2018, 1-3 p.m. EST and Spring 2018 / 36th MEPAG Meeting April 3-5, 2018 Washington DC region (Crystal City) Members of the Mars community, I cordially invite you to participate in two upcoming Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) meetings: a) on February 20, 2018, 1-3 p.m. EST will be a virtual meeting (VM1), while b) on April 3-5, 2018, will be the annual face-to-face MEPAG Meeting (#36). Details for both of these meetings are given on the attached pages, and posted at: https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/meetings.cfm These meetings are open to all members of the Mars science community including our international colleagues. I look forward to your participation. Dr. Jeffrey R. Johnson MEPAG Chair Important Dates Friday, January 26: 1st Meeting 36 Informational Circular released Sunday, February 11: Meeting 36 Early Career Travel Grant application deadline Tuesday, February 20: MEPAG Meeting VM1 (virtual), includes Q&A about Meeting 36 Thursday, February 22: Forum presentation abstract deadline Early March: 2nd Meeting 36 Informational Circular released, including draft agenda Friday, March 23: Registration deadline (not required, but requested for logistics planning) Tuesday-Thursday, April 3-5: MEPAG Meeting 36 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR IN MARS ATMOSPHERIC STRUCTURE, DYNAMICS, AND AEROSOLS (CALTECH) We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position in JPL's Planetary and Exoplanetary Atmospheres Group (Requisition ID 2018-9117). Dr. Armin Kleinboehl of JPL's Science Division will serve as postdoctoral advisor to the selected candidate. The appointee will carry out research in collaboration with the JPL advisor and the MCS team, resulting in publications in the open literature. The research will involve analysis and modeling of data collected by the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) instrument on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft. Study topics may include the structure of the aphelion cloud belt and its relation to atmospheric dynamics, the distribution and properties of mesospheric clouds, and the distribution of water ice and CO2 ice in the polar regions. Applicants should apply through the website: https://postdocs-jpl.icims.com/jobs/9117/postdoctoral-scholar-in-mars- atmospheric-structure-dynamics-and-aerosols/job and submit a curriculum vitae and a letter describing their research interests. Applicants must also arrange reference letters from three references to be sent to: armin.kleinboehl@jpl.nasa.gov. Applications will be reviewed starting Feb. 16, 2018. [Edited for length] 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html April 18-20, 2018 New Views of the Moon 2 - Asia https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/newviews2018/ Aizuwakamatsu City, Japan May 15-16, 2018 Closing Planetary Protection Knowledge Gaps for Future Human Missions https://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/COSPARHumans2018 Houston, TX [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop that you think your colleagues should be aware of, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor@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@psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor@psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor@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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