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

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

1. [NASA] Research Security Training Requirement for Federal Financial
   Assistance Funding
2. Call for Papers for Science Ascend 13th Issue (July 2026)
3. OoLEN Early Career Network Conference
4. [NASA] PDS: Mars Science Laboratory Release 41
5. PhD in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) and Star Formation
   (4 years)
6. Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (1
   year)
7. Postdoc in Molecular Astrophysics (Astrochemistry) with JWST (3
   years)
8. NAU's Radiant Center for Remote Sensing Instrument Engineer Hires
   (2-4)
9. Celebration of the Career of Jerry Schubert
10. SpaceCHI 2026 Conference at NASA Ames
11. Science with the Hubble & James Webb Space Telescopes VIII
12. Outer Planets Assessment Group Updates
13. IRTF Call for Proposals Open Until April 1, 5PM HST
14. What Tools, Resources, and Opportunities have been Foundational
    in your Development as an Astrobiologist?
15. Call for Abstracts: ACS 2026 Fall Session on Deep Planetary
    Chemistry
16. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
17. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers
18. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - 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

[NASA] RESEARCH SECURITY TRAINING REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE FUNDING

Grant Information Circular (GIC) 26-02 "Research Security Training
Requirements" states that starting August 5, 2026, covered individuals
on federal financial assistance awards, that is only grants and
cooperative agreements applicants/recipients, must certify to NASA they
have taken research security training prior to submission of proposals.

Go to:

https://tinyurl.com/3ppd8juu

This training requirement and certification does not apply to civil
servants and contractors who propose to or are funded by NASA.

Potential proposers for NASA financial assistance funding are
encouraged to take the training (see #2 below) well in advance of the
proposal due date.

Questions may be directed to:
hq-dl-grants-policy-compliance@mail.nasa.gov and
hq-researchsecurity@mail.nasa.gov.

[Edited for length]


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

CALL FOR PAPERS FOR SCIENCE ASCEND 13TH ISSUE (JULY 2026)

Science Ascend (ISSN: 3062-0090) is a non-peer-reviewed, free-to-submit
and free-to-read scientific journal on astrophysics research, people,
and tools. It began as a weekly journal, but starting with the 11th
issue, it has been published biannually. The 13th issue will be
published at the beginning of July 2026.

This announcement is a Call for Papers with content not published
elsewhere. Relevant paper structures include focused short literature
reviews, lecture notes, opinion articles, interviews, outreach, and
research reports. Further details and previous issues can be found
here:

https://fire-ae.org/ascend.html

Science Ascend will collect finished papers till June 18, 2026.
Before completing a paper and submitting it, it is required to reach
out to Editor-in-Chief Guray Hatipoglu via info@fire-ae.org with a
title for the work and its summary. The same e-mail will be used for
submitting papers.


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

OOLEN EARLY CAREER NETWORK CONFERENCE

To all early career scientists working in the area of origin of life,
early earth, prebiotic chemistry, and related subjects, Origin of Life
Early career Network (OoLEN) is hosting a conference September 9-11 in
Tokyo at the ELSI Institute. Abstract submission is now open:

https://shorturl.at/cPAnd

The deadline is April 15 and is free of charge. Registration is 3000
yen / 17 euro / 19 USD. Travel and accommodations must be covered by the
participant. The objectives are dissemination of research and generation
of collaboration and networking partnerships between early career
scientists and researchers. For questions, please email Anastasia
Yanchilina, ayanchilina@seti.org.


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] PDS: MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY RELEASE 41

The NASA Planetary Data System announces Release of data from the MSL
Curiosity Rover mission to Mars. This release contains raw, calibrated,
and derived data products covering sols 4613 through 4709, July 28,
2025 - Nov 5, 2025. The data are archived at various PDS Nodes. Links
to all the archives can be found at:

https://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/msl/index.htm

For a dataset-oriented perspective go to:

https://pds.nasa.gov/datasearch/subscription-service/SS-20260317.shtml

Data from the following science investigations are included in this
release: APXS, ChemCam, CheMin, DAN, Engineering Cameras, MAHLI,
MARDI, Mastcam, RAD, REMS, SAM, SPICE

The ChemCam RDR release is delayed due to a delay in funding. The
CheMin RDR release also includes data from the release 40 sol range
(sols 4489-4612) that were delayed due to the government shutdown.


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

PHD IN MOLECULAR ASTROPHYSICS (ASTROCHEMISTRY) AND STAR FORMATION (4
YEARS)

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
(DCBP), Universitat Bern (UniBe), Switzerland.

How chemically complex do molecules in star-forming regions get and how
do they form? Unbiased spectral surveys executed with the most powerful
interferometers such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter
Array (ALMA) allow us to robustly identify 100s of molecules and
constrain their abundances in regions containing infant stars.

The first goal is to observationally study star-forming regions with
ALMA, in order to identify chemically complex molecules, their
isotopologs, and their abundances. The second goal is to model the
physical processes of star and protoplanetary disk formation
alongside chemical process that produce and destroy complex organic
molecules. ALMA data and initial modelling framework are already
available. By the end of the project, you are expected to defend your
PhD thesis and emerge with dual expertise in, both, radio observations
and physicochemical modelling. You will immediately become part of
international consortia with ample opportunity to collaborate and
build your network. This is a fixed-term, 4-year position funded by
the European Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG).
Apply by March 31, 2026 for full consideration.

https://eas.unige.ch/jobs.jsp?type=phd&id=2145

[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

POSTDOC IN MOLECULAR ASTROPHYSICS (ASTROCHEMISTRY) WITH JWST (1 YEAR)

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
(DCBP), Universitat Bern (UniBe), Switzerland

What is the chemical composition of interstellar ices in molecular
clouds, protostellar regions, and protoplanetary disks? With JWST, this
can now be determined at an unprecedented accuracy.

The idea is to assemble an inventory of interstellar ice species and
their abundances across the full evolutionary range of star- and
planet-forming regions. Upon agreement, a specific evolutionary stage
and corresponding JWST data set will be selected for a focused project
achievable within the 1-yr timeframe. This is a short-term (1-yr with
a potential extension depending on funding) postdoc opportunity.
Ample support will be provided for such pursuits of independent
funding. As a more senior member of the group, you will be given
significant autonomy and will help develop future research areas. You
will have the opportunity to become part of international consortia
with many opportunities to collaborate and expand your network. The
initial fixed-term, 1-year position is funded by the European Research
Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG). Apply by March 31, 2026
for full consideration.

https://eas.unige.ch/jobs.jsp?type=job&id=2146

[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

POSTDOC IN MOLECULAR ASTROPHYSICS (ASTROCHEMISTRY) WITH JWST (3 YEARS)

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
(DCBP), Universitat Bern (UniBe), Switzerland

What sets the chemical composition of planet-forming materials? By
studying the composition of the earliest sites of star and planet
formation with JWST, we can begin to unravel how natal environments
predetermine planetary composition.

The goal is to observationally study prestellar cores and protostellar
environments with JWST, in order to obtain a chemical inventory of
the interstellar ices therein. To start, NIRCAM and NIRSpec data are
already available for reduction and analysis. Of particular interest
to the project are complex organic species and their precursors. Over
the course of the project, emphasis will be placed on securing
statistically significant samples. As a postdoctoral researcher, you
will be given significant autonomy and will help develop future
research areas. You will immediately become part of international
consortia with ample opportunity to collaborate and expand your
network. This is a fixed-term, 3-year position funded by the European
Research Council (ERC) 2025 Consolidator Grant (CoG). Apply by March
31, 2026 for full consideration.

https://eas.unige.ch/jobs.jsp?type=job&id=2147


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

NAU'S RADIANT CENTER FOR REMITE SENSING INSTRUMENT ENGINEER HIRES (2-4)

The Radiant Center for Remote Sensing, Northern Arizona University's
hub for instrument development and remote sensing research, is seeking
to hire a team of 2-4 instrument engineers at the Intermediate, Senior,
or Lead level. These on-site positions in Flagstaff Arizona will
support the full development cycle of remote sensing instruments
across multiple currently funded NASA programs. The team will span
complementary disciplines including systems engineering, safety and
mission assurance, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering, and
electrical/software engineering, with individual candidates expected to
bring depth in one or more of these areas. Candidates with prior
experience in spacecraft or airborne instrument development, NASA
program environments, and assembly, integration, and test campaigns are
strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, submit a CV, a 1-2 page cover letter identifying your
specific areas of expertise and experience level, and contact
information for three references. The application deadline is April 6,
2026. Full details and the application portal can be found at:

https://bit.ly/NAURadiantInstrumentEngineers

Questions: Christopher.Edwards@nau.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

CELEBRATION OF THE CAREER OF JERRY SCHUBERT

The Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences will host an
event to celebrate the remarkable career of Professor Jerry Schubert on
May 8, 2026, at UCLA. This all-day celebration will feature talks
spanning the breadth (some!) of Jerry's contributions to Geophysics and
Planetary Science, panels of former students and collaborators, and an
opportunity to share reminiscences. Please let us know if you plan to
attend (in person or remotely) by completing this Google form.

Professor Emeritus Gerald Schubert passed away at 86 years of age on
Sunday, August 31, 2025. Jerry was one of the pre-eminent geophysicists
of his generation and a leading light in developing the mathematical
and physical framework of plate tectonics and the mantle convective
processes that underlie it. His text 'Geodynamics', with Don Turcotte,
remains the essential textbook for all upper-level undergrad and grad
courses on applying physics to a broad swath of geologic processes. His
following text, 'Mantle Convection', written with Turcotte and Olson,
is again the definitive text in the field.

Jerry was an incisive and elegant thinker who left no stone unturned.

[Edited for length]


10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10

SPACECHI 2026 CONFERENCE AT NASA AMES

We are happy to announce the return of SpaceCHI - the first research
conference dedicated to advancing Human-Computer Interaction in the
field of space exploration.

Following the success of last year's event at the European Space
Agency in Germany, SpaceCHI 2026 will be hosted at the NASA Ames
Conference Center in Mountain View, California - in the heart of
Silicon Valley - on September 24-25, 2026.

Once again, the conference will feature keynote talks from astronauts
and other world-leading space experts, offering a unique venue to
connect with enthusiasts from around the world and help pioneer the
next generation of space technology.

Call for Submissions:

SpaceCHI maintains a broad, interdisciplinary focus and welcomes
contributions from researchers and practitioners across diverse
fields, including aerospace engineering, design, AI, robotics,
psychology, medicine and space architecture.

Submission Deadline: July 17, 2026

Notification: July 27, 2026

Conference Dates: September 24-25, 2026

For submission guidelines and further information, please visit our
official website:

https://spacechi.media.mit.edu/

We look forward to your contribution and to seeing you - in person
or online - at NASA Ames.

Warm regards,

Jean, Valentina, Leonie & Tommy
SpaceCHI Conference Chairs


11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11

SCIENCE WITH THE HUBBLE & JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPES VIII

Virtual registration closing soon

We are delighted to announce the latest in the series of ESA-sponsored
conferences, in collaboration with STScI, which highlight the
scientific impact of the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. With
both missions in science operations, we are unlocking many of the
mysteries of the Universe, in what is a tremendously exciting time for
astronomy. A key topic that underpins a broad range of current
research is the chemical evolution of the Universe, from the
production of heavy elements in the first stars, the enrichment over
successive generations of star-formation and stellar death in galaxies,
and the complex chemistry in the interstellar medium and stellar
environments which build-up the molecules we are now probing in
exoplanet and Solar System planetary atmospheres.

The Science with the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes VIII
conference will be held April 13-16, 2026, at the Parkhotel Schonbrunn
in Vienna, Austria. The scientific program is now available on the
meeting webpage, and virtual registration is open until March 27. For
more information, please contact the organizing committee:
HubbleWebb8@stsci.edu

Go to:

https://tinyurl.com/58fsdjvd

[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

OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP UPDATES

NASA has suggested a virtual meeting with OPAC later in April. We will
notify the community as soon as the date and time are finalized! In the
preparation, please watch the relevant updates from PSD that were
presented at the LPSC meeting earlier this week:

NASA Headquarters Briefing (Dr. Prockter & Dr. Bailey):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srof-LqPqBw&t=4895s

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8-enBzNwlo

You can also livestream more NASA updates next week (March 23-27,
2026) from the National Academies Space Science Week, Committee on
Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences (CAPS):

https://www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DEPS-SSB-16-08/event/46347

An update and a request for feedback from the Ocean Worlds Working
Group: The draft traceability matrix is now available for community
comment. Please provide comments on the science goals and
investigations, and any additional suggested measurements, instruments,
or technology gaps to Cynthia Phillips and Mike Bland. OWWG activities,
contact information, and the draft traceability matrix can be found at:

https://workforce.psi.edu/owwg/

Please return all comments by Wednesday, April 8.

We appreciate you and appreciate your patience and continued engagement
through this transitional time. We will provide updates as soon as
plans are finalized.

Best always,
Carol & Morgan, OPAG co-chairs

[Edited for length]


13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13

IRTF CALL FOR PROPOSALS OPEN UNTIL APRIL 1, 5PM HST

The Call for Proposals for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF)
is open March 1 until April 1, 5pm Hawaii Standard Time.

https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callforproposals/

Proposals can be submitted to utilize a range of instruments spanning
0.4mu to 25mu, providing a range of spectroscopic modes with low
resolution of 50 to high resolution of 85,000, and imaging modes with
broad and narrow band filters. IRTF supports many planetary science
programs covering all kinds of Solar System bodies, investigating the
atmospheres of giant planets, characterizing small bodies and much
Sore.


14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14

WHAT TOOLS, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN FOUNDATIONAL IN YOUR
DEVELOPNENT AS AN ASTROBIOLOGIST?

Focus Area 8 (Early Career and Workforce Development) of NASA Decadal
Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy Task Force 2 invites
feedback on the tools, resources, and opportunities that have shaped
your trajectory as an astrobiologist.

Share your feedback by April 30, 2026:

https://forms.gle/9q7zLzRRoRufdm389

Feedback will be used to guide discussions of the Early Career and
Workforce Development Focus Area. This feedback will be used in
aggregate to inform NASA about communication, support structures, and
community awareness of tools and resources that enhance workforce
development.

Please contact Focus Area 8 Lead, Dr. Christina Richey, if you have
any questions: crichey@seti.org


15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: ACS 2026 FALL SESSION ON DEEP PLANETARY CHEMISTRY

The American Chemical Society will host a session on Deep Planetary
Chemistry at the Annual Fall Meeting to be held in Chicago, IL, from
August 23-27, 2026. The session will explore novel phases and reaction
pathways in planetary interiors and may be of interest to members of
this community.

We welcome contributions from experimental, theoretical, and
computational researchers, including work on:
- High-pressure mineral physics and geochemistry
- Transport properties and dynamical behavior of deep planetary
  materials
- Ab initio simulations, machine-learning potentials, and multiscale
  modeling of extreme environments
- Laboratory and shock-compression studies relevant to planetary
  conditions

Students and early-career researchers are especially encouraged to
submit.

Confirmed Invited Speakers:
- Prof. Lars Stixrude (UCLA)
- Dr. Sebastien Hamel (LLNL)
- Dr. Mungo Frost (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Abstract submission link:

https://callforabstracts.acs.org/acsfall2026/GEOC

Abstract due date: March 30, 2026

When/where: August 23-27, 2026, in Chicago, IL

If your work connects high-pressure chemistry, planetary science, or
materials at extreme conditions, we would love to hear from you. Please
feel free to share this with colleagues who may be interested.


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: Many face-to-face meetings going forward will have online
components. Check their websites for details.

Posted at https://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

August 23-27, 2026
American Chemical Society
https://www.acs.org/events/fall.html
Chicago, IL

September 9-11, 2026
Interdisciplinary Origin of Life Meeting for Early Career Researchers
https://www.oolen.org/news-and-events/in-person-meetings/iool2026/
Tokyo, Japan

September 24-25, 2026
SpaceCHI 2026
https://spacechi.media.mit.edu
Moffett Field, CA


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

Variability of Europa's Optical Aurora on Orbital and Multiyear
Timescales
Zachariah Milby et al. 2026 PSJ 7:60
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae47f4

Carbonated Chondrites during Giant Impacts
Adrien Saurety and Razvan Caracas 2026 PSJ 7:63
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4488

Variations in Lunar Crater Populations due to Target Properties and
Secondary Craters
Jean-Pierre Williams et al. 2026 PSJ 7:64
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae47f8

Space Weathering Age of Itokawa and Eros by Machine Learning
Lakshika Palamakumbure et al. 2026 PSJ 7:65
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4749

Vertical Temperature Structure in Io's Atmosphere from ALMA SO2
Observations
Timothy N. Proudkii et al. 2026 PSJ 7:66
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4721

Optical Spectroscopy of the Uranian Moons from Equinox to Northern
Summer
Riley A. DeColibus et al. 2026 PSJ 7:67
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae4a1b


18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18

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

Asymmetric Crater Relaxation on an Ice-Rich Ceres Driven by Insolation
I. F. Pamerleau,  M. M. Sori,  J. E. C. Scully
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009374

Effects of Hydrogen on Fe-S Alloys and Their Implications for the
Martian Core
Xuehui Wei et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009217

Characterization of Mercury's Atomic and Molecular Hydrogen Exosphere
and the First Detection of H2 Ions
F. Weichbold et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009197

Mineralogical Classification of CRISM Hyperspectral Data Under
Uncertainty With Hybrid Neural Networks
Robert Platt,  Rossella Arcucci,  Cedric M. John
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009473


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