PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 17, Number 56 (December 24, 2023) PEN Website: https://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Matthew R. Perry, Alex Morgan Email: pen_editor@psi.edu Twitter: @pen2tweets o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. 2024 Pierazzo International Student Travel Award Winners 2. EGU2024 Session PS5.1 Exploring the Trappist-1 System Through Observation and Modeling 3. EGU2024 Session PS6.1: Prebiotic Chemistry in a Geochemical Context 4. AbSciCon 2024 Session: Chemical Cycling in Ocean Worlds 5. AbSciCon 2024 Session: Planetary Protection, the Limits of Life and the Moon to Mars Program 6. AbSciCon 2024 Session: Pushing the Limits of In Situ Instrumentation - Developing Tools for Planetary Exploration and Life-detection Applications on Icy Ocean Worlds 7. Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Planetary Science 8. Mars Exploration Science Program Newsletter for December 2023 9. [NASA] Science Mission Directorate Quarterly Community Town Hall 10. [NASA] MSR IRB Response Team (MIRT) Update Town Hall 11. University of Edinburgh, Ph.D.s and Study 12. University of Edinburgh School of Engineering, Elisabeth Georgeson Fellow 13. Postdoctoral Position in Space Physics at the Swedish Institute of Space Physics 14. SETI Institute Baruch S. Blumberg Fellowship and the William J. Welch Fellowship 15. [NASA] ROSES-23 Amendment 75: D.10 TESS General Investigator Program Final Text and Due Date 16. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 17. 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 2024 PIERAZZO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD WINNERS The Pierazzo International Student Travel Award was established by PSI in memory of Senior Scientist Betty Pierazzo to support and encourage graduate students to build international collaborations and relationships in planetary science. Salvatore Buoninfante (Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II") will receive the award as a non-U.S.-based graduate student going to a planetary-related conference within the U.S., and Pa Chia Thao (University of North Carolina) and Kiersten Boley (Ohio State University) will receive awards as U.S.-based graduate students going to a planetary-related conference outside of the U.S. Buoninfante will be attending the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands, Texas, March 11-15, 2024. His research title is "Relationship between tectonic and crustal structures of Mercury". Thao will be attending Exoplanets V in Leiden, The Netherlands, June 16-21, 2024. Her research title is "Probing the Atmosphere of the 17 Myr, Gas Giant, HIP 67522b with JWST". Boley will be attending Extreme Solar Systems V in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 16-21, 2024. Her research title is "The First Evidence of a Metallicity Cliff in the Formation of Super-Earths". For more information about the 2024 award winners go to: https://www.psi.edu/news/pierazzo2024 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 EGU2024 SESSION PS5.1: EXPLORING THE TRAPPIST-1 SYSTEM THROUGH OBSERVATION AND MODELING Convener: Michael Way Co-conveners: Emeline Bolmont, Elsa Ducrot The Trappist-1 system is one of the most exciting nearby planetary systems discovered in recent years. With 7 transiting terrestrial sized worlds we have been able to estimate both size and density giving us a unique plethora of data in a single system where several of the planets may be in the habitable zone. A number of planetary formation studies indicate that substantial water delivery to the planets is possible, yet atmospheric escape and tidal dissipation may play roles in desiccating many of these worlds. Recent JWST observations of planets 1b and 1c imply the lack of any substantial atmosphere, but additional observations are needed to be sure. In addition, the planets beyond 1c have yet to be observed with JWST and remain promising candidates. We invite modeling and observational based presentations related to the formation, evolution and habitability of the worlds in this system. https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/session/48151 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 EGU2024 SESSION PS6.1: PREBIOTIC CHEMISTRY IN A GEOCHEMICAL CONTEXT The abstract deadline is 10 January, and abstracts can be submitted here: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/sessionprogramme We invite chemists, geologists, astronomers, biologists and planetary scientists together to discuss this trans-disciplinary collaborative research area. We are especially interested in contributions that focus on ways to combine geochemistry and prebiotic chemistry, and contributions that aim to empirically test origins of life scenarios. Find out more details about the session here: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/session/48155 Kind regards, Paul B. Rimmer Claire Rachel Cousins Inge Loes ten Kate 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 ABSCICON 2024 SESSION: CHEMICAL CYCLING IN OCEAN WORLDS https://agu.confex.com/agu/abscicon24/prelim.cgi/Session/215434 Thanks to recent observations by spacecraft and large telescopes (e.g., Cassini, Dawn, JWST) at icy moons and dwarf planets, and a better understanding of geophysical processes operating on these bodies, it becomes possible to outline the cycling of major life-building elements in these bodies. Future missions in development or in operation (e.g., Europa Clipper and JUICE) and missions featured in the Origins, Worlds, and Life decadal survey (e.g., Enceladus Orbilander, Ceres sample return, Uranus Orbiter and Probe) will bring new insights into the chemical and physical processes governing the distribution of major elements in ocean worlds throughout their history. Conveners: Julie Castillo-Rogez, Elizabeth Spiers, and Jessica Weber Abstract Deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 AbSciCon 2024 will take place in Providence, RI, USA and online on May 5-10, 2024. 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 ABSCICON 2024 SESSION: PLANETARY PROTECTION, THE LIMITS OF LIFE AND THE MOON TO MARS PROGRAM https://agu.confex.com/agu/abscicon24/prelim.cgi/Session/215755 This AbSciCon 2024 Session invites presentations on topics and issues related to, and particularly at the intersection of, the three title discipline areas. Of especial interest are: (1) papers describing ground-based research, or flight-based research/research concepts in the Earth-Moon vicinity or at Mars, relating to preparation for eventual crewed exploration of Mars, and; (2) concepts for instrumentation, approaches, and experiments on returned Mars samples, related to life detection and preparation for Mars exploration in the crewed Mars mission era. Conveners: J Andy Spry (SETI Institute); J Nick Benardini (NASA HQ) Abstract Deadline: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 AbSciCon 2024 will take place in Providence, RI, USA and online on May 5-10, 2024 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 ABSCICON 2024 SESSION: PUSHING THE LIMITS OF IN SITU INSTRUMENTATION - DEVELOPING TOOLS FOR PLANETARY EXPLORATION AND LIFE-DETECTION APPLICATIONS ON ICY OCEAN WORLDS https://agu.confex.com/agu/abscicon24/prelim.cgi/Session/215599 Analytical technologies for the search for signatures of life on icy ocean worlds require novel, unconventional design ideas for sample acquisition, processing, and in-situ analysis. Numerous approaches for astrobiological biosignature detection are currently being developed, working within a stringent mass, volume, power consumption envelope. Commonly pursued instrumentation designs in this field utilize analytical chemistry techniques, including optical microscopy, microchip capillary electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, embedded electrochemical probes, and fluorescence- and Raman-based optical methods, often coupled with dedicated sample acquisition systems. Our session aims to explore and discuss the various in-situ analytical instrumentation techniques tailored for extracting scientific data from icy ocean worlds. We welcome contributions aimed at biosignature detection technologies from across the development spectrum: from early concept designs to modified flight-heritage instrumentation, and sample acquisition and handling equipment. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to submit for a potential oral presentation. Conveners: Chinmayee Govinda Raj (NASA ARC/ORAU), Morgan Cable (JPL/Caltech), Melissa Trainer (NASA GSFC) Abstract Deadline: January 10, 2024 AbSciCon 2024 will take place in Providence, RI, May 5-10. For information and to submit abstracts: https://www.agu.org/abscicon 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 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OR ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN PLANETARY SCIENCE The Department of Physics (physics.ucf.edu) at the University of Central Florida invites applications for two full-time, 9-month, faculty positions at the rank of assistant professor (tenure earning) or associate professor (tenured), anticipated to begin in August 2024. We seek candidates whose experience and plans emphasize fundamental research in the fields of space resources, planetary and remote-sensing instrumentation, analysis and modeling of mission datasets, planetary surface processes, and SmallSat mission development. We are especially interested in candidates that have skills and research expertise to successfully propose for flight hardware projects, including commercial missions, as well as flight instruments, mission science teams, and mission leadership. Successful candidates are expected to establish vigorous, externally funded research programs and have a strong commitment to graduate and undergraduate education. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in physics, planetary sciences, or a closely related discipline and a substantial record of independent research. For appointment as a tenured associate professor, the candidate must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty at the rank of associate professor. Review of applications will begin on January 16, 2024, and continue until the positions are filled. https://tinyurl.com/pxdrxccx 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE PROGRAM NEWSLETTER FOR DECEMBER 2023 On behalf of Vicky Hamilton (MEPAG Chair), Michael Mischna, Brandi Carrier and Jonathan Bapst of the Mars Program Science Office, attached is the December 2023 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter. Previous editions can be found at: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/mepag/newsletter Please send your Mars community announcements and calendar items for inclusion in the newsletter to Barbara Saltzberg at: Barbara.A.Saltzberg@jpl.nasa.gov 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] SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE QUARTERLY COMMUNITY TOWN HALL Date: January 31, 2024 Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern Time Location: WebEx NASA's Science Mission Directorate will hold a quarterly community town hall meeting with Associate Administrator for Science Nicky Fox and her leadership team at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Participants are invited to submit their questions below and/or vote up questions already posted. Members of SMD, the science community, academia, the media, and the public are invited to participate by joining by WebEx: https://tinyurl.com/59pjccv3 Event number: 2760 893 2496 Password: xpNXRAA@674 (97697221 from phones) Participants are invited to submit their questions and/or vote up questions already posted at: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/cwj4/#!/dashboard Users must provide their first and last name and organization and can submit their own questions or vote up questions submitted by others. The meeting leaders will try to answer as many of the submitted questions as possible. Presentation materials will be available for download and a recording will be available later that day at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/virtual-townhall If you are unable to join the WebEx, we will be live streaming the town hall to YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NASAScience/streams Kirsten Petree kirsten.petree@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 [NASA] MSR IRB RESPONSE TEAM (MIRT) UPDATE TOWN HALL Date: January 17, 2024 Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET NASA's Mars Sample Return (MSR) Independent Review Board (IRB) Response Team (MIRT) will hold a town hall meeting with Deputy Associate Administrator for Science Sandra Connelly and the MIRT Team leads to discuss MIRT process and progress, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Participants are invited to submit their questions below and/or vote up questions already posted. Members of SMD, the science community, academia, the media, and the public are invited to participate by joining the WebEx link at: https://tinyurl.com/cx5mys37 Event number: 2761 757 5013 Event password: ZVePBjA@528 (98372521 from phones). Participants are invited to submit their questions and/or vote up questions already posted at: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/f9fs/#!/dashboard Users must provide their first and last name and organization and can submit their own questions or vote up questions submitted by others. The meeting leaders will try to answer as many of the submitted questions as possible. A recording will be available later that day at: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/virtual-townhall If you are unable to join the WebEx, we will be live streaming the town hall to YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NASAScience/streams Kirsten Petree kirsten.petree@nasa.gov 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, PH.D.S AND STUDY These positions include those concerning planetary science research questions with the School of Geosciences' Earth and Planetary Sciences Institute. E4 Doctoral Training Partnership: https://tinyurl.com/3w36xbra Geology and Geophysics Ph.D.: https://tinyurl.com/p8a7xxk8 Deadline: January 4, 2024 For other opportunities for students, including therein for alternative funding/scholarship options, refer to: https://tinyurl.com/5xs5u9ts https://tinyurl.com/57b23fk6 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ELISABETH GEORGESON FELLOW Open across engineering subjects, including as applies to relevant areas of planetary exploration +/- robotics. This three-year Fellowship specifically supports early-career (postdoctoral) researchers from backgrounds that are under-represented in engineering research and academia (e.g. gender, minority ethnicity, disability, disadvantaged circumstances, etc.) and enables them to develop their research profile so as to establish an independent academic career. Deadline: 15 January, 2024. https://tinyurl.com/yn929w8n 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN SPACE PHYSICS AT THE SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS Applications are invited for investigations of plasma heating and particle acceleration associated with magnetic reconnection. The PhD student will work with state-of-the-art experimental data from NASA's multi-spacecraft Magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) and ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter missions. For more information, go to: https://www.irf.se/jobb 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 SETI INSTITUTE BARUCH S. BLUMBERG FELLOWSHIP AND THE WILLIAM J. WELCH FELLOWSHIP These prestigious fellowships will focus on innovation in astrobiology and exploration and engineering the future of cosmic exploration. For more information, go to: https://tinyurl.com/2p98k2wt 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 [NASA] ROSES-23 AMENDMENT 75: D.10 TESS GENERAL INVESTIGATOR PROGRAM FINAL TEXT AND DUE DATE The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) General Investigator (GI) Program solicits proposals for the acquisition and analysis of scientific data from the TESS mission. The primary purpose of the TESS GI Program is to enhance and maximize the science return from TESS. ROSES-2023 Amendment 75 releases final text and due date for D.10 TESS General Investigator (GI), which had been listed as "TBD". Phase-1 proposals are due by 4:30 pm Eastern time on March 21, 2024, via the Astrophysics Research Knowledgebase Remote Proposal System. Go to: https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2023 Technical questions concerning D.10 TESS GI may be directed to Christina Hedges at christina.l.hedges@nasa.gov. Programmatic information may be obtained from Hannah Jang-Condell at hannah.jang-condell@nasa.gov. 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 Note: Most face-to-face meetings going forward will have online components. Check their websites for details. Posted at https://planetarynews.org/meetings.html June 24-July 5, 2024 JWST Data Analysis and Processing Workshop (South East Asia) https://indico.narit.or.th/event/203/ Chiang Mai, Thailand September 24-27, 2024 Born in Fire: Eruptive Stars and Planet Formation https://fireborn2024.github.io/ Santiago, Chile [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.] 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Faith Vilas https://psj.aas.org Dust Properties of Comets Observed by Spitzer David E. Harker et al. 2023 PSJ 4:242 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad0382 X-Ray Energy Deposition Model for Simulating Asteroid Response to a Nuclear Planetary Defense Mitigation Mission Mary T. Burkey et al. 2023 PSJ 4:243 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad0838 *********************************************************************** * The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. * Current and back issues are available at https://planetarynews.org * * To subscribe, go to https://planetarynews.org and click on Subscribe. * * An unsubscribe option is available at the end of every PEN email. Or * 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. Alternatively, the editorial staff will * create one for you. 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