PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 51 (November 6, 2011) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Melissa Lane, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Exploring the Planetary Science Achievable from a Balloon-Based Observatory 2. Postdoctoral Fellowships at ASU-SESE 3. [NASA] Earth and Space Science Fellowship (NESSF) Program 4. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 5. November 2011 Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter Available 6. [NASA] Postdoctoral Fellowships 7. Gilbert Award Nominations Sought 8. RFI Released on Public Access to Federally Funded Research 9. News from VEXAG 10. Student Opportunity: Nininger Meteorite Award 11. Proposal Writing Workshop 12. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 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 EXPLORING THE PLANETARY SCIENCE ACHIEVABLE FROM A BALLOON-BASED OBSERVATORY Can new capabilities in high altitude balloons open the door for new planetary science? Could this platform achieve high-value science, offer more flight opportunities, and at drastically lower costs? These, and similar questions will be explored in an upcoming workshop, Exploring the Planetary Science Achievable from a Balloon-Based Observatory, at the NASA Glenn Research Center on January 25-26, 2012 in Cleveland Ohio. The primary purpose of the workshop is to determine the level of planetary science support there may be for a balloon-based planetary observatory. Balloon platform SOA will be presented. PIs will provide highlights and share experiences from recent missions. Following the informative sessions, break out panels will explore the science that can be achieved. More information will be available and questions will be answered during a virtual meeting scheduled for November 16, 2011 at 11AM Eastern. Please see details at: http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/SSPO/SP/Balloon_Platform/ 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS AT ASU-SESE The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for the Exploration Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This program provides opportunities for postdoctoral research on cutting-edge topics with an emphasis on inter-disciplinary collaboration. Research areas within SESE encompass theoretical and observational astronomy, cosmology, astrobiology, earth sciences, climate science, planetary sciences, exploration systems engineering, astronomical instrumentation and science education. Applications must include a brief research proposal that has been discussed with two prospective faculty mentors at ASU. Potential research topics span the full range of research interests of our faculty: http://sese.asu.edu/focus_areas When a topic of mutual interest is identified, the applicant will prepare and submit a 5-8 page research proposal. A full description of the application process is found at: http://sese.asu.edu/opportunities Applications are due by December 31, 2011 and three reference letters by January 5, 2012 via email to exppd@asu.edu. We expect to award up to 2 fellowships. These 2-year appointments will typically start between July 1 and September 1, 2012. Evaluation of applications begins January 1, 2012. Decisions will be announced in early February. ASU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that actively seeks diversity among applicants and promotes a diverse workforce. 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 [NASA] EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP (NESSF) PROGRAM This call for fellowship proposals solicits applications from accredited U.S. universities on behalf of individuals pursuing Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in Earth and space sciences, or related disciplines. The purpose of NESSF is to ensure continued training of a highly qualified workforce in disciplines needed to achieve NASA's scientific goals. Awards resulting from the competitive selection will be made in the form of training grants to the respective universities. The deadline for NEW applications is February 1, 2012, and the deadline for RENEWAL applications is March 15, 2012. Instructions are found at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ click on "Solicitations" then "Open Solicitations" then "NESSF 12". Also refer to "Proposal Submission Instructions" and "Frequently Asked Questions" listed under "Other Documents" on the NESSF 12 solicitation index page. All proposals must be submitted in electronic format only through the NASA NSPIRES system. The advisor, the student, and the university must all register in NSPIRES. For further information contact: Ming-Ying Wei 202-358-0771 mwei@nasa.gov or Dolores Holland 202-358-0734 hq-nessf-Space@nasa.gov [Edited for length.] 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 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The November 'Image of the Month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/Nov11Image.html This Month's topic is on "The Periglacial Landscape of Utopia Planitia, Mars" Images and caption contributed Antoine Sejourne, Univ. Paris-Sud XI, CNRS, Laboratoire IDES, France Past images and captions are available at: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/index.html Mary Bourke Coordinator of the IAG Working Group on Planetary Geomorphology 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 NOVEMBER 2011 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE On behalf of Dave Des Marais, the MEPAG Chair, Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Charles Budney of the Mars Program Science Office, the November 2011 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Regards, Joyce Pulliam 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 [NASA] POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers scientists and engineers unique opportunities to conduct research at NASA Centers. Each NPP fellowship opportunity is designed to advance NASA research in a specific project related to space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, or astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. U. S. citizens and foreign nationals who hold Lawful Permanent Resident status or who are eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply. An H-1B Visa status is not acceptable because the NPP is not an employment program. Stipends for Postdoctoral Fellows start at $50,000 per year, with moderate supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Funds are available for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit, and health insurance is available through the program. Fellows also receive $8,000 per appointment year to support travel to conferences, meetings, and other activities that directly support their research. Applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program are accepted: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For information and to apply visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Send questions to nasapostdoc@orau.org [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 GILBERT AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT Please consider nominating one of your peers in the planetary geosciences for the 2012 G. K. Gilbert award offered by the Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America. The G. K. Gilbert Award is presented annually for outstanding contributions to the solution of fundamental problems in planetary geology in the broadest sense, which includes geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, geologic mapping, and remote sensing. Such contributions may consist either of a single outstanding publication or a series of publications that have had great influence in the field. The award is named for the pioneering geologist G. K. Gilbert. The award consists of an engraved plaque and an appropriate certificate, which is recommended by the management board of the Division, and approved by the GSA Council. A person selected by and familiar with the Recipient's work presents a citation reviewing the contributions of the Recipient. The nomination deadline for the G. K. Gilbert Award is December 1, 2011. Nominations should be sent directly to PGD Past Chair, David Williams (david.williams@asu.edu). Electronic submissions are preferred. With thanks, Simon Kattenhorn 2011-2012 PGD Chair 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 RFI RELEASED ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH In the Federal Register today the White House Office for Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released two requests for information regarding increasing public Access to results of federally funded research: 1. Request for Information: Public Access to Peer-Reviewed Scholarly Publications Resulting From Federally Funded Research and 2. Request for Information: Public Access to Digital Data Resulting From Federally Funded Scientific Research Since publishing papers and generating data are the major tangible products of the grants given by SMD we want to encourage our communities to know about these RFIs. To make it easier to share with others I have created these tiny URLs Publications RFI: http://tinyurl.com/3t66vtn Digital Data RFI: http://tinyurl.com/434ln62 Max Bernstein, NASA Senior Advisor for Research and Analysis 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 NEWS FROM VEXAG VEXAG will begin publishing an intermittent newsletter for the scientific community interested in Venus. The first issue is posted at: www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag For contributions to the newsletter please contact Sanjay Limaye SanjayL@ssec.wisc.edu or Tommy Thompson thomas.w.thompson@jpl.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 STUDENT OPPORTUNITY: NININGER METEORITE AWARD The Center for Meteorite Studies at Arizona State University is pleased to announce the 2011 application opportunity for the Nininger Meteorite Award for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing research in meteoritical sciences. The Nininger Meteorite Award recognizes outstanding student achievement in the meteoritical sciences as embodied by an original research paper. Papers must cover original research conducted by the student and must have been written, submitted, or published between November 16, 2010, and December 15, 2011. The 2011 Nininger Award application deadline is December 15, 2011. Applicants must be the first, but not sole, author of the paper and must be studying at an educational institution in the United States. The Nininger Award recipient receives $1000 and an engraved plaque commemorating the honor. Further information about the Nininger Award and application instructions are located on the Center for Meteorite Studies website: http://meteorites.asu.edu/nininger Questions regarding the application or application process may be sent to: nininger@asu.edu 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PROPOSAL WRITING WORKSHOP Most planetary scientists depend on competitive NASA research grants from the Planetary Science Division (PSD) to fund their work, and each year NASA receives thousands of proposals and selects only ~1/3 of them. How will you fare in this competition? Do you know how to write a NASA proposal? Do you know where to submit it? Do you know the lessons your competitors have gleaned after years of writing their own proposals? If you are unsure of the answers to any of these questions please plan on attending an upcoming Proposal Writing Workshop. The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution for Science and will be given by Curt Niebur, a program scientist in the PSD at NASA Headquarters. The workshop is open to all and will focus on understanding NASA's research programs, including information on how to write a research proposal, where to apply for funding, and pathways for participation on missions. Workshop details: Tuesday, December 13, 1:00 to 5:00 pm Carnegie's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism 5241 Broad Branch Rd. NW Washington DC 20015 Please RSVP to Jan Dunlap (dunlap@dtm.ciw.edu) to reserve a place and get other logistics details. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html January 25-26, 2012 Planetary Science from a Balloon-Based Observatory http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/SSPO/SP/Balloon_Platform/ Cleveland, OH April 23-28, 2012 19th Young Scientists' Conference on Astronomy and Space Physics http://ysc.kiev.ua Kyiv, Ukraine [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which your colleagues should be aware, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.] *********************************************************************** * The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. * Current and back issues are available at http://planetarynews.org * * To subscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_subscribe.html, or * send a request to pen_editor at psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor at psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor at psi.edu. * Announcements and other messages should be brief with links to URLs * for extended information, including detailed descriptions for job * announcements. 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