PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 18, Number 1 (January 7, 2024) PEN Website: https://planetarynews.org Editor: Alex Morgan Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Matthew R Perry Email: pen_editor@psi.edu Twitter: @pen2tweets o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Passing of Mikhail Marov (1933-2023) 2. Two Positions at University of Oslo 3. LPI Staff Scientist Position 4. Visiting Position in Planetary Science 5. Post-doc Position in Exoplanet Atmosphere Cloud Modelling at the Space Research Institute IWF, Graz (Austria) 6. Openings on the OPAG Steering Committee 7. NASA Postdoctoral Program 8. [NASA] Corrections to ROSES-23 Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology and Volunteer Reviewers Invited 9. [NASA] Reminder - EONS 2024, Appendix 9: MUREP Institutional Research Opportunity 2nd Pre-proposal Webinar 10. [NASA] SMD Inclusion Plan Requirements Town Hall 11. [NASA] Odyssey Data Release 86 12. COSPAR Session B4.2: Venus Science and Exploration 13. COSPAR Session PSW.2: Space Weather at Planetary Bodies in the Solar System 14. EGU2024 Session PS1.3/GD3.3: Venus: Models, Observations, (Ancient) Earth- and Exoplanet Analogue 15. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 16. Earth Science Women's Network Webinar 17. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 18. 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 PASSING OF MIKHAIL MAROV (1933-2023) Dr. Mikhail Marov, a preeminent Russian astronomer and planetary scientist, passed away on November 30, 2023. Born in Moscow, he was a revered member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the International Academy of Aeronautics. Mikhail was a pivotal figure in the Russian space program, from the earliest lunar missions to contemporary projects, playing a pivotal role in the Russian missions to Venus, and serving as Project Scientist and Principal Investigator on landmark missions like VENERA and MARS landers. As a theorist he made seminal contributions in several areas of planetary science including aeronomy and atmospheric modelling. His commitment to education was equally notable, with over 30 years of teaching at the International Space University, influencing several thousand students and professionals and as a Visiting Professor at North Carolina State University. An author of over 250 publications and 20 books. Dr. Marov's passing is a significant loss to the global scientific community. As for us, we know that our very good friend, Mikhail, really did have an incredible life, filled with enormous triumphs and frustrations as the space business always provides. James Green and David Grinspoon 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 TWO POSITIONS AT UNIVERSITY OF OSLO At University of Oslo in the new Centre for Planetary Habitability we have currently two positions available, both have the application deadline on February 15, 2024: Associate Professor in Planetary Sciences: https://tinyurl.com/jda4xchm Researcher in Planetary Sciences: https://tinyurl.com/55wyfzre The envisaged research topics for both positions are quite broad: Exploring the diversity of planetary atmosphere evolution using physical-chemical models, particularly predicting planetary atmospheric structures and/or evolution of the volatile cycles through time for rocky planets (Earth to exo-Earths), the computation of relevant spectroscopic observables for planets other than Earth, or/and the comparison of models with observations for example from the geological rock record on Earth other earth-like planets. Exploring the challenges of planet formation and evolution in the Solar System and exoplanet systems, including fields like the study of properties of planet interiors, planetary building stones in the Solar System, planetary evolution, habitability, planetary system dynamics, comparative (exo)planetology, and physico-chemical models of planet formation. 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 LPI STAFF SCIENTIST POSITION The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX, invites applications for a full-time staff scientist. This position is funded at least half-time for two years. We seek a mid-career, self-motivated scientist with a strong record of outstanding research and a demonstrated record of external funding. We will also consider applications from early career scientists with similar research records and a history of successful research grants. We especially wish to augment and extend our expertise in astromaterials research, specifically the petrology and geochemistry of planetary materials, including extraterrestrial solid and terrestrial analog samples. The successful applicant will maintain and enhance the strong ties between the LPI and the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at NASA Johnson Space Center and will have access to analytical and experimental facilities at both LPI and JSC. For more information about the position, please contact the LPI Director, Dr. Lisa Gaddis, lgaddis@lpi.usra.edu. The complete job description and a link to the application website is available at: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/positions-available/#staffSci1 Review of candidates will begin after March 1, 2024; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 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 VISITING POSITION IN PLANETARY SCIENCE Mount Holyoke College invites applications for a two-year, full-time visiting lecturer position in planetary science beginning Fall 2024 in Astronomy. Teaching responsibilities include 5 courses in some combination of introductory solar systems, planetary science, and advanced seminar courses. The successful candidate must be dedicated to undergraduate education and enjoy working with students. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. For full listing, please see: https://tinyurl.com/59emdfrz Mount Holyoke College is an active member of the Five College Astronomy Department, which provides multiple opportunities for research collaborations. The successful candidate must be dedicated to undergraduate education and enjoy working with students. Include a letter of interest, CV, and statements covering (1) research interests, (2) teaching philosophy, (3) the mentoring of a diverse student body, and (4) contact information for three references. Applications must be made online at careers.mtholyoke.edu and review will begin on January 15, 2024. Questions can be directed to Darby Dyar at mdyar@mtholyoke.edu. 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 POST-DOC POSITION IN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERE CLOUD MODELLING AT THE SPACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE IWF, GRAZ (AUSTRIA) The Space Research Institute (IWF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW), is offering a Post-Doc Position in Exoplanet Atmosphere Cloud Modelling. The successful candidate will join the IWF research group "Exoplanets: Weather & Climate (Complex Atmosphere Modelling)" led by Prof. Christiane Helling as part of the OeAW's efforts to expand the theme of exoplanet research at the IWF in Graz, Austria. The post holder will play a crucial role in extending our kinetic cloud formation model as part of our efforts in providing physical interpretations of observational data for space missions, for example, CHEOPS, JWST, PLATO, and ARIEL. The applicant must hold a PhD in the relevant fields of astrophysics. The appointment begins as early as April 1, 2024 and will be for 2+2 years. Applications must include (1) CV, (2) publication list, (3) research experience statement (max 2 pages) and research plan (max 1 page), (4) academic certificates, and (5) two references letters. Please send the application as one PDF file, mentioning Job ID: IWF143PD123 to Cosima Muck, cosima.muck@oeaw.ac.at, no later than February 29, 2024. Further information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/4rm44z9c 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 OPENINGS ON THE OPAG STEERING COMMITTEE The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Steering Committee is excited to announce several upcoming openings on the OPAG Steering Committee (SC). We welcome applications from candidates at any career stage who are interested in supporting OPAG's strategic mission, and who have a desire to support the community, as well as those who fill any topic area gaps in the SC. Through the search process, we will strive to ensure representation across multiple axes to foster an interdisciplinary, diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible community. Applications will be accepted through 1/30/24 and selected new members should plan to start their service in time for the OPAG Spring 2024 meeting (TBD ~June). Please see the full announcement and application submission information here: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/committee/openings/ 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 NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM 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, planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, biological and physical science, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration systems, space operations, space technology, and astrobiology. Search for NPP research opportunities in planetary science here: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/opportunities.html Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. Please see current eligibility requirements: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/eligibility.html Stipends start at $70,000 per year, with supplements for higher 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 travel and professional development. Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.orau.org/applicants/index.html. Questions: npp@orau.org 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] CORRECTIONS TO ROSES-23 FUTURE INVESTIGATORS IN NASA EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND VOLUNTEER REVIEWERS INVITED ROSES-2023 Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST F.5) solicits proposals for graduate student research projects. The proposal must present a well-defined research problem/activity and a justification of its relevance to NASA. FINESST awards are research grants for up to three years and up to $50K per year. Proposals due February 6, 2024. The following are corrections to FINESST: - Section 2.5 "Biological and Physical Sciences Research Program" makes clear that proposals relevant to other program elements that are not mentioned specifically in 2.5 are solicited. - Section "5.1 Review" has been updated to include a direct reference to the assessment of the Open Science Data Management Plan. - A new section number 12.39: "Ancillary information for proposers" explains period of performance options, pre-award costing limitations, and the expected timing for award funding to reach the institution. - Section 13.15, "Ancillary information for awardees" adds a URL that points to instructions that explain uploading a manuscript to the NASA-designated publication repository. https://go.nasa.gov/FINESST23 Questions may be directed to HQ-FINESST@mail.nasa.gov To volunteer as a reviewer: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels [Edited for length] 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] REMINDER - EONS 2024, APPENDIX 9: MUREP INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY 2ND PRE-PROPOSAL WEBINAR The second pre-proposal teleconferences for MUREP Institutional Research Opportunity (MIRO) will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 from 4:00-5:00 pm Eastern Time. During this session, the MIRO team will give an abbreviated overview of the opportunity and information contained in the EONS 2024 document regarding proposal preparation and requirements. Proposers may also receive technical assistance from project staff at this time, including tips and guidance for submitting proposals. Prior to the webinar, participants are strongly encouraged to: - become familiar with the contents of the EONS-2024 omnibus and the Appendix 9: MIRO solicitation - read through the current "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" document - review the slides and recording from the December 7, 2023 webinar All the items listed above are available on the MIRO landing page in NSPIRES: https://tinyurl.com/37b842ak Registration for the pre-proposal webinar is required. When your registration is approved, you'll receive an invitation to join. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5f846r45 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] SMD INCLUSION PLAN REQUIREMENTS TOWN HALL February 20, 2024, 3 - 4:30 pm Eastern Time On February 20, 2024, starting at 3 PM Eastern, NASA will host a webinar to discuss requirements for and evaluation of Inclusion Plans in ROSES-2024. Inclusion, defined as the full participation, belonging, and contribution of organizations and individuals, is a core NASA value and SMD has been piloting the addition of Inclusion Plans for some program elements in ROSES. At their core, Inclusion Plans are designed to raise awareness of barriers to creating and sustaining positive, inclusive working environments and to get proposers actively thinking about ways to foster diverse and inclusive practices for their research and mission teams. For more resources for Inclusion Plans: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/inclusion The webinar will (1) discuss the motivation and goals of Inclusion Plans, (2) describe Inclusion Plan requirements and how they differ from previous years, and (3) discuss how Inclusion Plans will be evaluated. Webinar questions may be submitted and upvoted at: https://nasa.cnf.io/sessions/ceeq/#!/dashboard Webinar information: https://tinyurl.com/mryc89kf Webinar number: 2760 659 2964 Webinar password: aTpACZi2*26 (28722942 from phones and video systems) Join by phone: +1-929-251-9612 United States Toll (New York City) +1-415-527-5035 United States Toll Access code: 276 065 92964 [Edited for length] 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] ODYSSEY DATA RELEASE 86 The NASA Planetary Data System announces Release 86 of data from the MarsOdyssey Orbiter. This release contains raw, calibrated, and derived data products nominally covering the time period April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023, for the GRS/HEND/NS suite, and March 2, 2023, through June 1, 2023, for THEMIS. GRS/HEND/NS is delayed for this data release. Since the previous Mars Odyssey release, one raw Radio Science data volume has been released, with data covering the period September 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023. GRS/HEND/NS and Radio Science data are archived at the PDS Geosciences Node, THEMIS data at the THEMIS Data Node, and SPICE data at the PDS NAIF Node. The data may be accessed from https://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/odyssey/ or from a dataset-centered view https://pds.nasa.gov/datasearch/subscription-service/SS-20240102.shtml Odyssey releases occur every three months. The next release is scheduled for April 1, 2024. To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/datasearch/subscription-service/SS-Release.shtml All available PDS data may be found at: https://pds.nasa.gov/datasearch/data-search/ For further information, see the PDS Home Page: https://pds.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 COSPAR SESSION B4.2: VENUS SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION COSPAR2024, 45th Scientific Assembly, will be held in Busan, S. Korea, July 13-21, 2024: https://cospar2024.org/ This session invites presentations on all aspects of Venus, including its interior, surface, and atmosphere, with a focus on recent findings and insights. We welcome diverse approaches, such as model calculations, laboratory experiments, theoretical estimations, revisiting past data, and new ground/space-based measurements, to help better characterize Venus. Our goal is to provide international discussion opportunities to understand ongoing efforts toward solving significant scientific questions about Venus, along with current, confirmed, and planned Venus space missions. The deadline for the abstract submission: February 9, 2024. More information can be found from the link below: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/session_cospar.php?session=1194 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 COSPAR SESSION PSW.2: SPACE WEATHER AT PLANETARY BODIES IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Significant perturbations of particle fluxes and electromagnetic fields throughout the Solar System are known as space weather effects. Being able to predict the propagation of such effects and their impact on various planetary environments, and to design missions around the study of these effects is crucial for successful planetary explorations. We invite descriptions of space weather effect measurements in interplanetary space or planetary environments, as well as models, comparisons, and methods that can aid in understanding the fundamental plasma processes and improving predictions. Moreover, we welcome the presentations that explore how the space weather environment at Solar System bodies may affect the design criteria for instruments and missions in exploratory programs. In addition, we also encourage presentations that examine the topic of planetary space weather in light of the recent COSPAR space weather roadmap. The deadline for abstract submission is February 9, 2024. More details about the session can be found via the COSPAR website: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/session_cospar.php?session=1314 Zhonghua Yao, Insoo Jun, Hermann Opgenoorth, and Christina Plainaki 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 EGU2024 SESSION PS1.3/GD3.3: VENUS: MODELS, OBSERVATIONS, (ANCIENT) EARTH- AND EXOPLANET ANALOGUE Abstract deadline: 10 January 2022, 13:00 CET In June 2021, NASA and ESA selected a fleet of three international missions to Venus. Moreover, the ISRO orbiter mission Shukrayyan-1 and VOICE (Chinese Academy of Sciences) are currently proposed for launch in the mid 2020s. Although Venus is one of the most uninhabitable planets in the Solar System, understanding our nearest planetary neighbor may unveil important lessons on atmospheric and surface processes, interior dynamics and habitability. Beyond the Solar System, Venus' analogues are likely a common type of exoplanets, and we likely have already discovered many of Venus' sisters orbiting other stars. This session welcomes contributions that address the past, present, and future of Venus science and exploration, and what Venus can teach us about (ancient) Earth as well as exo-Venus analogues. Moreover, Venus mission concepts, new Venus observations, Earth-Venus comparisons, exoplanet observations, new results from previous observations, and the latest lab and modelling approaches are all welcome to our discussion of solving Venus' mysteries We hope that you will consider submitting an abstract to this session, we are looking forward to it! https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU24/session/48103 [Edited for length] 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The January image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: https://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com This month's topic is "Newly Discovered Volcanoes of Unusual Appearance on Mars", contributed by Dr. Eng. Bartosz Pieterek from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and Polish Geological Institute - National Research Institute. You can follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on X (former Twitter): @PlanetGeomorpho or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology Best wishes, Lonneke Roelofs (Chair, IAG Planetary Geomorphology working group) 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 EARTH SCIENCE WOMEN'S NETWORK WEBINAR The Earth Science Women's Network is hosting a webinar later this month which might be of interest to you. Join us for a virtual workshop on Monday January 22 2024, at 19:00-20:30 UTC! (2:00-3:30pm ET, 1:00-2:30 pm CT, 12:00-1:30 pm MT, 11:00-12:30 pm PT) Register: https://forms.gle/PxzSJzCkmZVrQhyv7 Get your questions answered by National Science Foundation Program Officers! How can you craft a strong proposal? What makes a strong Broader Impact? How do you find a program that fits your work? This virtual workshop is open to all and will be particularly helpful to early-career to mid-career participants, especially graduate students, post-docs, researchers, and tenure-track faculty thinking about applying for NSF funding for the first time. Any questions, please email: events@eswnonline.org Hope to e-see you soon! The Earth Science Women's Network Member Events Committee 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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Note: Many face-to-face meetings going forward will have online components. Check their websites for details. Posted at https://planetarynews.org/meetings.html June 8-14, 2024 21st International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW 2024) https://www.ippw2024.org/ Williamsburg, VA [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.] 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Faith Vilas https://psj.aas.org The Variability of Lunar Mare Basalt Properties from Surface Rock Abundance Catherine M. Elder et al. 2023 PSJ 4:244 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad06a8 An Efficient Numerical Approach to Modeling the Effects of Particle Shape on Rubble-pile Dynamics Julian C. Marohnic et al. 2023 PSJ 4:245 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad0467 Deep Dielectric Breakdown of Silicates: Microstructural Damage and Implications for Lunar Space Weathering Morgan L. MacLeod et al. 2023 PSJ 4:246 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ad04e1 *********************************************************************** * 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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