|
|||||
| About | Archives | Submission Directions | Meeting Calendar | Subscribe | |
Volume 20, Number 5
February 2, 2026
Editor: Alex Morgan
Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Matthew R Perry
Email: pen_editor@psi.edu
X: @pen2tweets
Bluesky: @planetarynews.bsky.social
o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o
1. Open Letter from Planetary Science AG chairs
2. OPAG Email List Signup
3. Draft of SBAG34 Findings Available for Community Comment
4. Postdoc Opportunities In Exoplanet Atmospheres (Taiwan)
5. Submit a Planetary Session to the 2026 GSA Connects Annual Meeting
6. [COSPAR] Session B4.4: Mars Science Results
7. [COSPAR] Session B4.5: Exploration of Mars
8. Rescheduled: Open Meeting for Europa Spatial Data Infrastructure
9. Next SHIELD Webinar: Alan Stern - "My Career in Planetary Science
and Exploration"
10. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 42: Several Changes to F.10 PRISM
11. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 43: New Opportunity - Science Transport
and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration
12. Final Call for Applications: 2026 Schweickart Prize
13. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
14. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers
15. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers
Commercial/Fundraising Announcements:
C1. Commercial: Sponsor Teachers for Continuing Education
C2. Commercial: Planetary and Spaceflight Analog Training
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
OPEN LETTER FROM PLANETARY SCIENCE AG CHAIRS
The recent decision by NASA's Planetary Science Division to cease
financial support for planetary science Analysis/Assessment Groups
(AGs) effective the end of April 2026 is deeply disappointing. That
support enabled, among other things, day-to-day leadership of the AGs,
in-person meetings of the science community (including NASA
officials), and websites for the dissemination of information and
reports to the science community and the public.
Read the full letter here:
https://planetarynews.org/Documents/260201_AG_open_letter.txt
The AG Chairs:
Yang Liu, ExMAG
Ben Greenhagen, LEAG
Julie Stopar, MAPSIT
Vicky Hamilton, MEPAG
Stephen Parman, MExAG
Morgan Cable and Carol Paty, OPAG
Terik Daly, SBAG
Debra Buczkowski, VEXAG
[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
OPAG EMAIL LIST SIGNUP
The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) is working to establish a
new community email list to ensure a smooth transition as some of the
existing infrastructure is sunset in April. We ask that you take a
moment to sign up for continued communication through the OPAG email
list here:
https://forms.gle/BvATP8kreXsyFNGG7
OPAG will continue to hold meetings and issue reports and findings so
that the outer planets community consensus position on relevant issues
are available to anyone who wants them, including NASA. We strongly
believe that a community forum for discussion and feedback continues
to be crucial, and we look forward to your continued involvement as we
move forward.
Thank you, Morgan and Carol, OPAG Co-Chairs
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
DRAFT OF SBAG34 FINDINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT
The draft findings from this month's 34th Meeting of the Small Bodies
Assessment Group are now available for community comment at the link
below:
https://tinyurl.com/43f4j6ru
Community feedback on the draft findings will be taken until Sunday,
February 8. After that date, the findings will be finalized.
Please send feedback on the draft findings to the SBAG Chair at
terik.daly@jhuapl.edu.
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
POSTDOC OPPORTUNITIES IN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES (TAIWAN)
The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA)
invites applications to two postdoctoral research positions in
cosmology and exoplanet science, working with Dr. Tomomi Sunayama and
Dr. Shang-Min Tsai, respectively. The initial appointment for both
positions is for two years, with flexible start date in 2026 and
possible extension for two more years depending on performance.
Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD by the start of
the appointment.
https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/94ba31a8
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
SUBMIT A PLANETARY SESSION TO THE 2026 GSA CONNECTS ANNUAL MEETING
The 2026 Geological Society of America Connects Annual Meeting will
be 11-14 October 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
https://gsameetings.secure-platform.com/connects26/
Meeting Themes:
- Celebrating a Century of Continental Drift: Understanding Earth in
Motion - Honoring a century of discovery that reshaped Earth science
- Riverscapes in Transition: Dynamics, Hazards, and Human Futures:
Science at the intersection of water, climate, landscape, and
society
- Innovations in Exploration from Deep Earth to Deep Space:
From AI to Yttrium - Developing Technologies to Transform Earth
Science
GSA also welcomes proposals for field trips and short courses.
Unlike some planetary meetings, GSA does not censor abstracts!
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
[COSPAR] SESSION B4.4: MARS SCIENCE RESULTS
Mars Science Results session at COSPAR Scientific Assembly 2026,
Florence, Italy, August 1-9
We invite colleagues who are planning to attend the 46th COSPAR
Scientific Assembly to consider submitting abstracts to Event B4.4,
'Mars Science Results'.
The abstract submission deadline is 13 February 23:59 CET. Conference
information is available and abstract submission is possible via the
meeting website:
https://cospar2026.org/
Session information:
https://www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/session_cospar.php?session=1418
Our collective knowledge of Mars' evolution, and the present state
and dynamics, of its atmosphere, surface and interior, is based
principally on the wealth of observations made by science instruments
aboard orbiters, landers and rovers.
This session will address new science resulting from data returned
from completed and current missions, including studies that are
reliant on theory, modelling, laboratory analyses, and terrestrial
analogue work. This session will include a combination of solicited
and contributed presentations, with a focus on international diversity.
Kind regards,
Elliot Sefton-Nash and Varun Sheel (Session Organisers)
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
[COSPAR] SESSION B4.5: EXPLORATION OF MARS
February 13 abstract deadline, COSPAR session B4.5: Exploration of Mars
COSPAR is in Florence, Italy, 1-9 August 2026. Submit by February 13
to session B.5 Exploration of Mars:
Mars continues to be a compelling planetary exploration target. This
session focuses on forward planning for the exploration of Mars
including: (1) future hypothesis-driven or discovery-driven science
instruments or missions, (2) Mars Sample Return, (3) precursors to
prepare future human missions, (4) Science that can be carried out by
human explorers on Mars. Topics of interest include the primary
scientific drivers that require future missions to Mars (either
robotic or human), recent developments in our engineering and
technological capabilities related to missions to Mars, an updated
understanding of current mission concepts, planning related to Mars
Sample Return science, and candidate instrumentation for future
missions. The session will consist of a mixture of solicited and
contributed presentations. The program will be developed with a
special regard to achieving international representation.
For full description and to submit:
https://www.cospar-assembly.org/assembly.php
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
RESCHEDULED: OPEN MEETING FOR EUROPA SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE
Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is the set of standards, formats,
policies, data and people that enables the efficient use of spatial
datasets. A community-based Europa SDI was initiated by the USGS to
make recommendations that improve the interoperability of existing
datasets, and the rapid integration of data returned by future
missions:
https://planetary-sdi.astrogeology.usgs.gov/
To broaden participation, we are now holding a series of biannual
community meetings to discuss the ESDI. Topics can include new spatial
data products, challenges to using existing products, appropriate
datums and other standards and formats, improving adherence to FAIR
data principles, and potential new collaborations. The first meeting
has now been rescheduled to Wednesday February 25, from 9-11 am PST.
We encourage those who use or produce spatial data for Europa to
attend. Agenda items will include an introduction to the SDI concept,
an overview of the current ESDI effort, an update on current work in
the community, and known data issues. Join at the link below.
Join: https://tinyurl.com/5n6d53p2
Meeting ID: 245 640 538 936 59
Passcode: Fu7bq65d
Please direct questions or comments to:
Michael Bland (mbland@usgs.gov)
Cynthia Phillips (cynthia.b.phillips@jpl.nasa.gov)
Paul Schenk (schenk@lpi.usra.edu)
Ross Beyer (rbeyer@seti.org)
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
NEXT SHIELD WEBINAR: ALAN STERN - "MY CAREER IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AND
EXPLORATION"
Friday February 13 at noon ET
Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/5n6nkeen
Dr. Alan Stern is an aerospace executive, a suborbital astronaut, and
planetary scientist with experience on 30 space mission teams. Among
those are the New Horizons mission which has explored Pluto and the
Kuiper Belt-the farthest exploration of worlds in History.
In 2007 and 2008 Dr. Stern directed NASA's entire science program. He
currently serves as an executive in the Southwest Research Institute
(SwRI) and serves on the board of several space science organizations
and companies.
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] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 42: SEVERAL CHANGES TO F.10 PRISM
F.10 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon
(PRISM) solicits development and flight of a science-driven suite of
instruments and supporting technology demonstration payloads tailored
to complete scientific investigations at a lunar landing destination,
that address the science goals of 1) any SMD division, e.g., Planetary
Science, Earth Science, Heliophysics, Astrophysics, and Biological and
Physical Sciences, 2) objectives of the Exploration Systems
Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), and 3) any technology
demonstration goals of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
that advance capabilities for science, exploration, or commercial
development of the Moon.
Payloads will be delivered on a Commercial Lunar Payload Services
(CLPS) lander to a location the lunar surface that is identified and
justified in the proposal, including the South Pole region but
excluding the North Pole region.
ROSES-2025 Amendment 42 makes several changes to F.10 PRISM. Also, we
expect the FAQ posted under "Other documents" on the NSPIRES page for
F.10 PRISM to be updated soon.
Questions may be directed to HQ-PRISM@mail.nasa.gov.
[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] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 43: NEW OPPORTUNITY - SCIENCE TRANSPORT AND
ROBOTIC INNOVATION FOR DEPLOYMENT AND EXPLORATION
C.13 Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and
Exploration (STRIDE) solicits proposals from U.S. industry to conduct
design studies of advanced robotic surface and aerial mobility systems
with payload transportation and deployment capability for Mars surface
operations, and, where applicable, early-stage prototyping of hardware
for the same purpose.
To be eligible, the primary proposing organization must be a
"for-profit U.S. organization" of any size that may result in the
award of firm-fixed-price contracts, subject to the availability of
funds, programmatic priorities, and the merit of submitted proposals.
Proposals in response to this program element are limited to those
submitted by for-profit U.S. organizations, although partnership with
and/or subcontracts to other types of organizations (e.g., academia,
non-profits, or University Affiliated Research Center) are permitted.
NASA anticipates selecting multiple awards but reserves the right to
make no awards.
The primary points of contact may be reached via
HQ-STRIDE@mail.nasa.gov. The secondary POC may be reached at
shana.n.faris@nasa.gov.
[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
FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2026 SCHWEICKART PRIZE
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Schweickart Prize is fast
approaching. Graduate students and recent postgraduate fellows are
invited to submit innovative proposals that advance planetary defense
and deepen our understanding of near-Earth objects. Projects may
explore asteroid detection and mitigation, space policy and
governance, impact risk analysis, or public engagement around
planetary hazards. Applications are due February 4, 2026.
The selected winner will receive a $10,000 USD award, a museum-quality
prize, public recognition through a dedicated press campaign, and
mentorship from members of the Schweickart Prize Selection Committee,
including Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart.
Learn more:
https://www.schweickartprize.org/
Sign up for updates:
https://bit.ly/3PKJvqJ
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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS
February 25, 2026
Open Meeting for Europa Spatial Data Infrastructure
https://planetary-sdi.astrogeology.usgs.gov/
Online
October 19-22, 2026
GSA Connects Annual Meeting
https://connects.geosociety.org/
Denver, CO
14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS
Direct Links to Open Access Papers
Editor, Brian Jackson
https://psj.aas.org
The Effect of Colored Noise on Doppler Measurements for Planetary
Geodesy: Application to the VERITAS Gravity Science Experiment
Flavia Giuliani et al. 2026 PSJ 7:22
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae1fda
Nucleus Ice Associations in Comets Derived from Spatially Resolved
Properties of Volatile Gases in the Coma
N. Dello Russo et al. 2026 PSJ 7:23
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2790
An Integrated Framework for Global Detection and Quantification of
Lunar Pyroclastic Deposits
Dibyendu Misra et al. 2026 PSJ 7:24
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae317c
Photochemistry in Jupiter's Ionosphere: Insights from Simultaneous
H3+ and Electron Density Observations during Juno Perijove 54
Luke Moore et al. 2026 PSJ 7:25
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2f49
Col-OSSOS: Investigating the Origins of Different Surfaces in the
Primordial Kuiper Belt
Laura E. Buchanan et al. 2026 PSJ 7:26
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2fc1
15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15
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
On the Possibility of Melting Water Ice During the Recent Past of
Mars: Implications for the Formation of Gullies
L. Lange & F. Forget
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009512
A Study on CO2 Supersaturation in the Martian Southern Polar Night
Using Mars Global Surveyor Radio Occultation Profiles Rederived With
Mars Climate Sounder Temperature Climatology
Katsuyuki Noguchi, Armin Kleinbohl, Sylvain Piqueux
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009354
Origin of the Bulge Topography Within Caloris Basin, Mercury
G. Schmidt, V. Galluzzi, A. Sepe, S. Buoninfante, B. De Toffoli, L.
Ferranti, P. Palumbo
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009233
***********************************************************************
COMMERCIAL/FUNDRAISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
***********************************************************************
C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1
COMMERCIAL: SPONSOR TEACHERS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Teachers teach best when they teach from experience. Many of our
teachers who train in planetary and spaceflight analogs in New Mexico
receive sponsorship. For less than $2K, a teacher can have a
career-enhancing experience benefiting hundreds of students over years.
Consider sponsoring a teacher for the Earth and Space Experience for
Educators, March 27-29. Gifts given directly to schools may be tax
deductible. More information is at:
https://www.areslearning.com/earthandspace
Contact Kirby Runyon for more information: kirby@planex.space
C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2
COMMERCIAL: PLANETARY AND SPACEFLIGHT ANALOG TRAINING
Seats are filling up for this season's Earth and Space Experience,
where anyone can get a primer on planetary analog field geology and an
introduction to human spaceflight operations at the Challenger
Learning Center and Spaceport America's launch operations facility.
We've trained our fellow research scientists, students, educators, and
of course, general space enthusiasts. Student pricing starts at $999.
This season we're running a special on parent-child pairs who register
together. This could be a way to hook your kids on space science!
Register at:
https://www.areslearning.com/earthandspace
Contact Drs. Mark Wagner (mark@areslearning.com) or Kirby Runyon
(kirby@planex.space) for more information.
***********************************************************************
* 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. Go to
* https://planetarynews.org/submission.html for complete submission
* directions.
*
* PEN is a service provided by the Planetary Science Institute
* (https://www.psi.edu) using no NASA funds. All editorial work is
* volunteer.
***********************************************************************