PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 14, Number 48 (November 22, 2020) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Elisabeth Adams, Georgiana Kramer Email: pen_editor@psi.edu Twitter: @pen2tweets o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. In Memoriam: Roger Jay Phillips (1940-2020) 2. Pierazzo International Student Travel Award Suspended for 2021 3. [NASA] Planetary Advisory Committee Meeting November 30 4. [NASA] Independent Review Board for PDE Seeks Input 5. [NASA] EXOPAG Calling for Nominations to the Executive Committee 6. EXOPAG Science Interest Group 3 Organizing Tutorial Talks 7. Planetary Geomorphology at EGU 8. P/2019 LD2 Observing Campaign Coordination 9. FIB-SEM Lab Manager Position at the University of Arizona 10. [NASA] Call for VEXAG Steering Committee Members 11. Report of the Independent Review Board for Mars Sample Return 12. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 13. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 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 IN MEMORIAM: ROGER JAY PHILLIPS (1940-2020) Roger Jay Phillips, American geophysicist, planetary scientist and professor emeritus at the Washington University in St. Louis, passed away on November 19, 2020. Phillips contributed broadly to our understanding of the geophysical structure and evolution of the Moon, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. He was the team leader for the Apollo 17 Lunar Sounder Experiment, producing the first radar imaging of the lunar subsurface. He was team co-leader for the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) experiment on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter that imaged the internal stratigraphy of martian polar layered deposits. He played key roles on the science teams for the Magellan mission to Venus, the Mars Global Surveyor mission, the MESSENGER mission to Mercury, and the GRAIL mission to the Moon. Phillips is well known for contributions to understanding the impact crater distribution and resurfacing history of Venus. He demonstrated that growth of the huge Tharsis volcanic province on Mars shaped the entire planet and influenced the distribution and direction of martian valley networks. Phillips was a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, received the 2003 G.K. Gilbert Award from the Geological Society of America, and honored with the Whipple Award from the AGU in 2008. 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 PIERAZZO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD SUSPENDED FOR 2021 Because of the interruption of meeting travel by COVID, the Pierazzo International Student Travel Award for 2021 has been suspended. We will be seeing how meetings evolve to see how best to promote the goals of this award, starting in 2022. For more information about the Pierazzo International Student Travel Award, go to: https://www.psi.edu/pista Mark V. Sykes, Director, Planetary Science Institute 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] PLANETARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 30 The next Planetary Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting will be held, via WebEx, on November 30, 2020 (10AM to 6PM Eastern time). Connection information: https://science.nasa.gov/science-red/s3fs-public/atoms/files/FRN-PAC-2020-24365.pdf 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] INDEPENDENT REVIEW BOARD FOR PDE SEEKS INPUT The NASA Planetary Science Division is conducting an independent review of the Planetary Data Ecosystem (PDE), defined as the ad hoc connected framework of activities and products that are built upon and support the data collected by planetary space missions and research programs which are primarily NASA funded. Many familiar tools and databases are part of the PDE, including (but not limited to): ADS, AstroMat, DAPs, data policies & standards, JMars, JPL Horizons, MAPSIT, NASA Github, PDS, Planetary Geologic Mapping, Planetary Photojournal, Quickmap, RPIFs, and USGS Astrogeology ISIS3. The PDE Independent Review Board will review the current state of the PDE and provide findings and prioritized, actionable recommendations that will be used to develop an optimal PDE long-term strategy. To this end, NASA is seeking information and gathering community feedback on the PDE via a Request for Information (RFI), with responses due November 9, 2020. We encourage the planetary sciences community to provide input via this RFI. The full text of the RFI and response instructions can be found at: https://bit.ly/3813VYa 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] EXOPAG CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The SMD Astrophysics Division is pleased to issue this open call for nominations to serve on the Executive Committee (EC) of NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG). In the coming months, NASA anticipates making three new three-year appointments to the ExoPAG EC. New appointments will start in the Spring of 2021. The ExoPAG is an open, interdisciplinary forum that provides a conduit for community input into NASA's Exoplanet Exploration Program (ExEP), and for conducting analyses in support of ExEP science objectives and their implications for planning and prioritization of Program activities. Together, the ExoPAG Chair and Executive Committee are responsible for capturing and organizing community input, overseeing ExoPAG analyses, reporting ExoPAG findings and inputs to the Astrophysics Division Director, and keeping the scientific community apprised of ongoing activities and opportunities within NASA's ExEP. Detailed information about the structure and function of the ExoPAG, including the current and past membership of the EC, can be found at: http://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exopag Send a nomination cover letter and one-page CV summarizing relevant background to: douglas.m.hudgins@nasa.gov Deadline: January 22, 2021 To recieve the selection announcement, go to: http://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exep/exopag/announcementList [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 EXOPAG SCIENCE INTEREST GROUP 3 ORGANIZING TUTORIAL TALKS The ExoPAG Science Interest Group 3 on Exoplanet Solar System Synergies is organizing Tutorial Talks aimed at introducing field newcomers to important topics or methods in planetary and exoplanetary science. The talks include a 30-minute tutorial from an expert to introduce the topic, followed by a 30-minute group discussion of a recent paper in which the topic/method features. They are held by zoom the 2nd Thursday of each month 11 AM PST/ 2 PM EST and recorded so that anyone who can't make it can watch them later (or rewatch them since they are so informative). We have hosted three talks so far. These talks are hosted at our new informational space on the NExSS website: https://nexss.info/community/exoss-synergy All are welcome, so feel free to share this announcement and the link to the recording of the first tutorial. Also feel free to suggest topics you'd like to hear future tutorials on. Vikki Meadows (meadows@uw.edu), Mark Marley (mark.s.marley@nasa.gov) and Laura Schaefer (lkschaef@stanford.edu) are collecting suggestions for future tutorials. [Edited for length] 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY AT EGU Please consider submitting an abstract to the session on Planetary Geomorphology (GM11.1/PS7) at vEGU21: Gather Online. vEGU21 is a fully virtual replacement for the EGU General Assembly, and will take place April 19-30, 2021. The Planetary Geomorphology session aims to bring together geomorphologists who study the Earth with those who work on other bodies such as Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Moon, icy satellites of the outer solar system, comets, and/or asteroids. Studies applicable to landscapes on any scale on any solid body are welcome. We particularly encourage those who use Earth analogues or laboratory/numerical simulation to submit their work. Considered processes could include aeolian, volcanic, tectonic, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, or "undetermined" ones. We especially welcome contributions from early-career scientists and geomorphologists who are new to planetary science. Session details: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU21/session/40278 Abstract instructions: https://egu21.eu/abstracts_and_programme/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html The abstract deadline is January 13, 2021 (13:00 CET). Best wishes, Planetary Geomorphology convenors: Susan Conway, Stephen Brough, Frances Butcher, Tjalling de Haas, and Nikolaus J. Kuhn 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 P/2019 LD2 OBSERVING CAMPAIGN COORDINATION P/2019 LD2 (ATLAS) is a recently discovered active centaur, on an unstable orbit that is evolving towards the inner solar system and a potential future as a Jupiter Family Comet. This object presents a unique opportunity, which enables us to monitor a Centaur as its activity evolves and it transitions to an inner solar system object for what is likely the first time. LD2 is currently (and starting April/May 2021) observable as a northern hemisphere nighttime object at ~18th visual magnitude. It is a high priority target for characterization of composition, continuous activity and outbursts. We encourage the community - those with planned, scheduled or completed observations - to participate in a observing campaign coordination, through the following webpage: https://observe-ld2.blogspot.com The webpage includes a short observing record form. Note that signing up here does not commit anyone to sharing their data, but we hope this will become a natural gathering place for researchers to see who else will be at the telescope and when, and perhaps initiate some new collaborations. Sincerely, G. Sarid, L. Woodney, M. Womack 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 FIB-SEM LAB MANAGER POSITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA The Kuiper Materials Imaging and Characterization Facility (KMICF) at the University of Arizona invites applications for the position of Researcher/Scientist III. They will work with the instrument scientist and will be responsible for managing daily operations of the focused-ion-beam and scanning electron microscope laboratories. The Researcher/Scientist III will have access to world-class electron- and ion-beam instrumentation and the opportunity to work in a dynamic research environment. The successful candidate will be a highly organized individual with knowledge of electron and ion-beam instrumentation and laboratory practices. A professional demeanor and demonstrated interpersonal skills are required for working with all levels of users including: students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, other staff scientists, their guests and visitors, as well as the general public. Additional information about the position and application can be found at: https://arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/4/home/requisition/3156?c=arizona 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] CALL FOR VEXAG STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS VEXAG (NASA's Venus Exploration Analysis Group) is seeking four new volunteers for the VEXAG Steering Committee to replace Members at Large, who have successfully completed their service to the Venus community. New Steering Committee members will start in January and July 2021 for terms that will run for three years. Nominations and self-nominations are welcome, and will need a short statement of interest and vision for Venus, and a CV no later than Friday, December 4, 2020. Please submit these to Darby Dyar and Noam Izenberg, VEXAG Chair and Deputy Chair, at mdyar@mtholyoke.edu, Noam.Izenberg@jhuapl.edu In addition to sponsoring regular and topical meetings, VEXAG activities for the next three years are expected to focus on supporting the 2023-2032 Planetary Decadal Survey and fostering the next generation of Venus researchers. Volunteers for VEXAG’s Early Career Venus Scholars Focus Group are particularly welcome. VEXAG is a community-based forum established in July 2005 to assess scientific priorities and strategies for NASA's exploration of Venus. For more information, go to: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/ 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REVIEW BOARD FOR MARS SAMPLE RETURN NASA, ESA and the worldwide science community are about to embark on one of the most complex and challenging robotic science campaigns ever attempted, Mars Sample Return (MSR). MSR was the highest priority for flagship missions of the 2011 Planetary Decadal Survey (Visions and Voyages, 2011). MSR requires samples to be carefully selected and cached by NASA's Perseverance rover, now on its way to Mars, and returned to Earth for intensive analyses. To assess whether the next phase of MSR is ready to go forward, NASA initiated a series of reviews. A Standing Review Board (SRB) conducted a Mission Concept Review in October 2020 as part of the process to determine whether to move the next MSR flight projects into Phase A. That report is expected sometime this month. In an unusual step, NASA also convened an Independent Review Board (IRB) in this pre-Phase A period to evaluate the technical, programmatic, and scientific readiness of what is not a single project, but rather a campaign consisting of multiple discrete and tightly coupled major space projects. That report and NASA's response is at: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/nasa_esa_mars_sample_return_irb_report.pdf [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 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html December 1-3, 2020 Refining Planetary Protection Requirements for Human Missions to Mars https://bit.ly/338EFvF Online [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] 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 SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Editor, Faith Vilas http://psj.aas.org How Good is "Good Enough?" Major Element Chemical Analyses of Planetary Basalts by Spacecraft Instruments Allan H. Treiman et al. 2020 PSJ 1:65 http://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/abbc05 Lunar Exploration as a Probe of Ancient Venus Samuel H. C. Cabot and Gregory Laughlin 2020 PSJ 1:66 http://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/abbc18 *********************************************************************** * 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@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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. All PEN * submissions will be tweeted @pen2tweets. Please submit a 234 (or * fewer) character tweet to accommodate the PEN tag. 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