Editor: Matthew R Perry
Co-Editors: Alex Morgan, Mark V. Sykes
Email: pen_editor@psi.edu
X: @pen2tweets
Bluesky: @planetarynews.bsky.social

o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o

1. OPAG Virtual Community Meeting Reminder and Logistics for April 20 
2. PDS Geosciences Node Virtual Open House - April 21
3. Machine Learning for Planetary Science and Space Physics (ML4PSP)
   Seminar Series 2026 - Relaunch Announcement 
4. Planetary Crater Consortium: Registration and Abstracts are Open 
5. Save the Date: Workshop on the Integrated Science of Comets
6. Postdoc Position at Brown University 
7. Ph.D. Position in Asteroid Modeling and Observations 
8. [EPSC2026] Session EXOA8: Organic Chemistry in the Outer Solar
   System and Beyond 
9. [EPSC2026] Session ODAC7: Diversity and Inclusiveness in Planetary
   Sciences
10. [EPSC2026] Session SB6: Interstellar Targets of Opportunity -
    Science from Interstellar Objects, Past, Present and Future
11. [NASA] SMD: Q&A for the Lunar Science and Technology Payloads RFI
12. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 52: NASA SMD Graduate Student Research
    Solicitation - Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science
    and Technology
13. [NASA] Call for Reviewers: NASA Space Grant - AI Workforce
    Development
14. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
15. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers
16. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers

o---------------------------------------------------------------------o

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OPAG VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING REMINDER AND LOGISTICS FOR APRIL 20

This is a reminder that on Monday, April 20, 2026 we will be hosting a
virtual community meeting starting at 12:30 pm Eastern / 9:30 am
Pacific which will include updates and a Q&A session with our Planetary
Science Division (PSD) Director, Dr. Louise Prockter. Information and
registration can be found here:

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/meetings/april2026/

There is no registration fee, but you must be registered to
participate. We encourage you to submit and upvote questions ahead of
the meeting so we can best utilize our time with Director Prockter.
Please submit questions here:

https://tinyurl.com/OPAG202604

We strongly encourage the community to watch the updates relevant for
the OPAG community from PSD that were presented at the LPSC meeting in
March:

NASA Headquarters Briefing (Dr. Louise Prockter and Dr. Brad Bailey):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srof-LqPqBw&t=824s

NASA Headquarters Planetary Research Briefing (Dr. Kathleen Vander
Kaaden & Dr. Aaron Burton):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8-enBzNwlo&t=321s

Thank you for your continued engagement through this transitional time.
If you'd like to continue to receive emails from OPAG after April, make
sure you've signed up for our OPAG list-serve here:

https://forms.gle/PAmfgibKjZNfpTt3A

All the best, 
Carol & Morgan 
OPAG Co-Chairs


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PDS GEOSCIENCES NODE VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE - APRIL 21

The PDS Geosciences Node will host a virtual Open House on Tuesday,
April 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm Central.

This event is open to all members of the planetary community and is an
opportunity to hear an update from and ask questions of GEO Node
personnel.
 
The Open House will start with a ~40-minute presentation covering an
overview of the Geosciences Node, our tools and services, recent
achievements, our transition of PDS GEO data to the cloud, and
priorities for the year ahead. The presentation will be followed by a
Q&A session.
 
Additional information and meeting connection details may be found
here:

https://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/openhouse/openhouse2026.htm
 
Optionally, you may indicate your interest and receive a meeting
reminder via this link:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/pmvxukzE4Q
 
We look forward to seeing you!


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MACHINE LEARNING FOR PLANETARY SCIENCE AND SPACE PHYSICS (ML4PSP)
SEMINAR SERIES 2026 - RELAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

The Machine Learning for Planetary Science and Planetary Exploration
(ML4PSP) Seminar Series is back for 2026. This seminar series aims to
bring together researchers in planetary science, space physics, machine
learning, and other domain applications of data science. From
hyperspectral data analysis to foundation-model applications on
planetary datasets, ML4PSP highlights emerging methods that are shaping
the future of planetary exploration. We welcome researchers, students,
and practitioners from across disciplines to join, learn, and engage
with this growing community.

Upcoming Seminar: April 21, 2026 at 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Speaker: Jichao Fang (Northern Illinois University)
Title: Planetary-Scale Similarity Search for Mars Orbital Imagery with
       Foundation-Model Embeddings

Full schedule and abstract: 

https://ml4psp.github.io/

Zoom Link: 

https://tinyurl.com/59d489yf

Meeting ID: 935 6088 0593
Passcode: ml4psp

Organized by the ML4PSP Team
Ramana Sankar, Dona Kuruppuaratchi, Indhu Varatharajan


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PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACTS ARE OPEN

It's time to save the date for the upcoming Planetary Crater Consortium
(PCC) Meeting this July:

1) The dates for our 2026 meeting are July 15-17. It will be held at
the USGS-Flagstaff in Flagstaff, AZ, USA; we will still support remote
attendance and speakers. If you would like to consider hosting the PCC
at your organization in future years, please come to the meeting with a
proposal and we will vote on it.

2) Abstract submission and registration for this year's meeting are
officially open! As with last year, Registration and Abstract
submission for this year's meeting will be handled by Google Form:

Abstracts:

https://forms.gle/APaNS8G7ycJxNrQdA

Registration:

https://forms.gle/RpGWUMaK6qdkKWKK6 

3) The deadline for abstract submission is June 17, 2026. Also keep
your calendars open for a potential July 18 field trip in the Flagstaff
area.


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SAVE THE DATE: WORKSHOP ON THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE OF COMETS

The LPI is pleased to announce the Workshop on Integrated Science of
Comets: From Laboratory Studies of Cometary Materials to Remote
Observations, to be held September 22-24, 2026, at the Lunar and
Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. The workshop brings together the
international community working on interplanetary dust particles,
cometary samples, and comet observations. Marking the 20th anniversary
of the Stardust sample return, it will highlight two decades of
advances in cometary sample science while integrating new insights from
space and ground-based observations across optical, infrared, and radio
wavelengths, including JWST, Hubble, and major ground-based
observatories. By connecting laboratory analyses, multi-wavelength
remote sensing, and mission science, the workshop aims to develop a
cohesive understanding of cometary materials and their role in Solar
System formation, and to define key science priorities for future comet
exploration and sample return missions. To submit an indication of
interest and learn more, visit:

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/integratedsciencecomets2026/


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POSTDOC POSITION AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown
University invites applications for a University Fellowship in Earth,
Environmental and Planetary Sciences. This competitive postdoctoral
fellowship will be awarded for a one-year period, with possible
extension for a second year. Postdoctoral associates will conduct
independent research in association with Brown faculty in Earth,
Environmental and Planetary Sciences. For more information and to
apply, please visit:

https://apply.interfolio.com/183852


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PH.D. POSITION IN ASTEROID MODELING AND OBSERVATIONS

The Centro de Estudios de Fisica del Cosmos de Aragon (CEFCA) offers a
four-year PhD position at the interface of observations and numerical
modeling of asteroids.

The observational component involves working with new and archival
imaging data to derive astrometric and photometric measurements,
identify fast-moving and potentially active objects, and support their
rapid characterization. The candidate will contribute to developing
analysis tools and selecting targets for follow-up observations.

The numerical component focuses on modeling the dynamical and thermal
evolution of asteroids. This includes applying and extending existing
models, investigating objects with limited observational constraints,
and developing improved methods to estimate physical properties and
their uncertainties.

The exact PhD program will be tailored to the candidate's background
and interests, with flexibility in the balance between observational
and modeling components, and carried out under the supervision of Dr.
Bojan Novakovic. 

The position is based in Teruel, Spain, and includes salary, and
standard employment benefits in accordance with Spanish regulations,
with flexible working hours.

Full further information and application instructions:

https://www.cefca.es/cefca_en/reference_0144


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[EPSC2026] SESSION EXOA8: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IN THE OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM
AND BEYOND

The "Organic Chemistry in the Outer Solar System and Beyond" session at
EPSC 2026 in The Hague, Netherlands, looks to bring together the outer
Solar System and astrochemistry communities for discussions on carbon
chemistry and implications for astrobiology. This symposium will
explore our understanding of carbon chemistry in the outer Solar System
and beyond. 

We invite contributions related to icy ocean worlds (core, seafloor,
ocean, surfaces, gas-phase), cosmic dust (interstellar, interplanetary,
circumplanetary, etc.), ring systems, comets, asteroids, surfaces,
Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), protoplanetary disks, and the
interstellar medium (ices, molecules, ions, and gas-phase).

We welcome submissions that present results derived from space mission
data, detections of organic molecules through telescopic observations,
laboratory experiments predicting or characterizing chemical processes,
and theoretical approaches including quantum chemistry and geochemical
modeling. Contributions in astrobiology and related astrochemical
implications are also encouraged.

Session details:

https://www.epsc2026.eu/session/59288

Abstract submission information:

https://www.epsc2026.eu/programme/how-to-submit.html

The abstract deadline is the 13 May 2026 (13:00 CEST).
 
Convenors: Thomas R. O'Sullivan, Melissa K. McClure, Grace Richards,
Partha P. Bera, Nozair Khawaja


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[EPSC2026] SESSION ODAC7: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVENESS IN PLANETARY
SCIENCES

The benefits of diversity and inclusiveness in the scientific community
are incontrovertible. Following the success of previous years, this
session aims to foster debate within the planetary sciences community
about the reasons behind the under-representation of different groups
(gender, cultural, ethnic origin, national, and ableism) and best
practices to make the research environment more inclusive identifying
and addressing barriers to equality.

We invite abstracts focusing on under-representation (gender, cultural,
ethnic origin, national, and ableism) supported by statistics and data;
outreach and education activities to reach broad and diverse audiences,
best practices to support inclusiveness; and case studies on mentoring
and bias-concerned activities.

Please, submit you abstract here:

https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EPSC2026/session/59317

The deadline for the abstract submission is 13 May 2026, 13:00 CEST.

We look forward to welcoming you in The Hague in September,

The conveners
Arianna Piccialli, Solmaz Adeli, Ann Carine Vandaele


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[EPSC2026] SESSION SB6: INTERSTELLAR TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY - SCIENCE
FROM INTERSTELLAR OBJECTS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
 
6-11 September 2026 in The Hague, The Netherlands
 
This session invites presentations on science results from terrestrial
and spacecraft observations of all three known Interstellar Objects
(ISO), on how the lessons learned from their observation can be applied
to future interstellar targets of opportunity, and on plans for future
ISO interceptor missions.
 
Session details:

https://www.epsc2026.eu/session/59163
 
Deadline: 13 May 2026 (13:00 CET).
 
Conveners: Thomas Marshall Eubanks, Michael Kuppers, Quanzhi Ye,
Andreas Hein, Olivier Witasse


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[NASA] SMD: Q&A FOR THE LUNAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PAYLOADS RFI
 
A Questions and Answers (Q&A) document for the Lunar Science and
Technology Payloads for Expanded Lunar Landing Opportunities Request
for Information (RFI) has been posted on the NASA Solicitation and
Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES). To see the
Q&A document and the full RFI text, please visit:

https://go.nasa.gov/ploadsrfi 
 
Responses to the RFI are still due 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 23,
2026. Additional questions may be emailed to the RFI's points of
contact Drs. Zachary Pirtle and Brad Bailey at the shared address
HQ-RFILunarPayloads@mail.nasa.gov. Please use "PLoads RFI" in the
subject line of an inquiry email. Do not use this email address for RFI
submissions because emailed submissions will not be considered.


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[NASA] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 52: NASA SMD GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH
SOLICITATION - FUTURE INVESTIGATORS IN NASA EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY

Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology
(FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S.
universities and other eligible organizations for graduate
student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to
SMD's science, technology, and exploration goals. The Future
Investigator, i.e., the student, shall have the primary initiative to
define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary
author, with input or supervision from the proposal's Principal
Investigator, as appropriate.
 
ROSES-2025 Amendment 52 releases final text and due dates for Future
Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST)
F.5 of ROSES-25, which was previously TBD. For more information, please
visit:

https://go.nasa.gov/FINESST25.
 
Neither a notice of intent nor a Step-1 proposal should be submitted.
Proposals are due July 14, 2026.
 
Questions concerning F.5 FINESST may be directed to
HQ-FINESST@mail.nasa.gov.

[Edited for length]


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[NASA] CALL FOR REVIEWERS: NASA SPACE GRANT - AI WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

NASA Research and Education Support Services (NRESS) is seeking peer
reviewers for the NASA Space Grant Augmentation for AI Workforce
Development opportunity.
 
Proposal requirements and evaluation criteria are available in NSPIRES
at:

https://tinyurl.com/y7aw69z3
 
Peer review is a critical part of NASA's selection process. Reviewers
with diverse backgrounds and expertise help identify high-quality
projects.
 
The peer review process is completed in two stages: 
 
Stage 1: Online individual review, currently scheduled for May 22 -
         June 1, 2026.
Note: Mandatory training for selected online reviewers will be held on
      May 20, 2026.
 
Stage 2: Virtual Panel Review, currently scheduled for June 8-11, 2026.
Note: Mandatory training for selected virtual panelists will be held on
      June 4, 2026.
 
If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest
form by April 24, 2026:

https://tinyurl.com/2uknc7vf
 
Submitting your interest does not guarantee selection. Reviewers will
be chosen based on the subject matter of proposals received. If
selected, you will receive an email with detailed instructions.
 
Inquiries should be submitted via email to SpaceGrant@nasaprs.com

[Edited for length]


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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

October 25-30, 2026
AAS Division for Planetary Sciences Conference
https://aas.org/meetings/dps58
Spokane, WA


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PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS

Direct Links to Open Access Papers

Editor, Brian Jackson
https://psj.aas.org

The Evolution in Coma Molecular Composition of Comet C/2017 K2
(PanSTARRS) across the H2O Sublimation Zone: ALMA Imaging of a
H2O-dominated Coma
Nathan X. Roth et al. 2026 PSJ 7:74
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4d40

Constraints on Paleohydrological Activities on Mars Derived from Delta
Formation
Yaowen Luo et al. 2026 PSJ 7:77
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae53dd

Morphometric Properties of the CP-21 Landing Site on the Moon at Mons
Gruithuisen Gamma
Jean-Pierre Williams et al. 2026 PSJ 7:78
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae523b

Carbon Cycle Imbalances on Arid Terrestrial Planets with Implications
for Venus
Haskelle T. White-Gianella and Joshua Krissansen-Totton 2026 PSJ 7:79
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4faa

The Population of Craters that Host Permanently Shadowed Regions Near
the Lunar South Pole: Implications for Typical Cold-trap Lifetimes
Caleb I. Fassett et al. 2026 PSJ 7:80
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae5526

The Effects of Propane on Nitrogen-Hydrocarbon Mixtures Relevant to
Titan's Lakes and Seas
Cecilia Thieberger et al. 2026 PSJ 7:81
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4fb3


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JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: PLANETS - NEW PAPERS

Direct Links to Open Access (OA) Papers

Editors-in-Chief, Amanda Hendrix & Debra Buczkowski
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21699100

https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009447

New Climatology of Martian Water Vapor Column Abundance Derived From
NOMAD LNO Nadir Observations Over Martian Years 34-38
F. Hendrick et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009592

Characterization of the Outer Uranian Rings in the Visual and Near-IR
Using Keck, JWST, and HST Observations
Imke de Pater et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009404

Amapari Marker Band Metal-Enrichments: Potential Mechanisms and
Implications for Surface and Subsurface Water and Weathering in Gale
Crater
P. J. Gasda et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009153

Strong Variability of the Modeled Venus NO Nightglow
N. Streel et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009316


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