PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 20, Number 30 (July 26, 2026) PEN Website: https://planetarynews.org 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. [AGU 2026] Session EP019: Hidden Ice and Frozen Ground - Subsurface Glacial and Periglacial Processes across Earth and Planetary Environments 2. [AGU 2026] Session P005: Dual-Spacecraft Exploration of Jupiter's Icy Moons - Synergies from Europa Clipper and JUICE 3. [AGU 2026] Session P022: Processes in the Present-day Atmosphere of Mars 4. Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Sciences/Astrobiology - University of California, Riverside 5. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 65: New Opportunity - C.4 Planetary Science Enabling Facilities 6. PhD Position in Planetary Science and Astrobiology - University of Bern, Switzerland 7. Postdoc Position: Planet-Forming Disks and Astrochemistry 8. [GSA2026] Calling All Students - Travel Grants for the 2026 GSA Connects Meeting 9. [DPS-58] Registration Remains Open 10. [DPS-58] Conference Lodging 11. [DPS-58] Information for Exhibitors and Sponsors 12. DPS Seeks a New Secretary 13. DPS Seeks a New Education Subcommittee Chair 14. Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum 15. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 16. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 17. 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 [AGU 2026] SESSION EP019: HIDDEN ICE AND FROZEN GROUND - SUBSURFACE GLACIAL AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES ACROSS EARTH AND PLANETARY ENVIRONMENTS Buried ice features, including the rock glacier to debris-covered glacier continuum, have been increasingly recognized for their significance in high-mountain ecosystems. Due to their higher resilience to climate change than clean ice, they will be key future water sources. Additionally, some surface ice may be buried and preserved as climate change progresses. As a community, we lack fundamental knowledge about the formation, preservation, mechanics, and impacts on biological systems of these features. The goal of this session is to work towards creating a holistic view of buried ice in cryospheres and its influences on local and downstream environments through an interdisciplinary session. We welcome presentations on scientific results or equipment development targeting buried ice in terrestrial and other planetary environments, such as debris and ice thickness, sub-debris hydrology, water resource management, glacial geochemistry, biology, and buried ice features as planetary analogs and astrobiology studies. https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu26/prelim.cgi/Session/282883 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 [AGU 2026] SESSION P005: DUAL-SPACECRAFT EXPLORATION OF JUPITER'S ICY MOONS - SYNERGIES FROM EUROPA CLIPPER AND JUICE https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu26/prelim.cgi/Session/282402 We herewith invite you to submit an abstract to session P005 on the synergies of JUICE and Europa Clipper for the upcoming AGU26 Fall Meeting (San Francisco, CA | December 7-11, 2026). The submission deadline is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 23:59 EDT (Thursday, August 6 at 05:59 CEST / 03:59 UTC). Jupiter's icy moons are prime targets for understanding the potential for habitable environments beyond Earth. Europa Clipper and Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) are designed to address these questions, with arrivals in the Jovian system in April 2030 and July 2031, respectively. This session invites contributions aligned with these missions' objectives, including investigations of surface properties, internal structures, subsurface ocean dynamics, and implications for habitability. We also welcome studies of interactions with Jupiter's space environment and long-term evolution within the Jovian system. Abstracts on cruise-phase science are also encouraged, including gravity-assist observations, studies of 3I/ATLAS, and heliophysics investigations. As we enter an era of dual-spacecraft exploration, this session will highlight complementary capabilities and the synergistic science enabled by combined observations. Caroline Haslebacher, Shivangi Sharan, Sean Hsu, Michael Stevens, Francesca Furnari 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 [AGU 2026] SESSION P022: PROCESSES IN THE PRESENT-DAY ATMOSPHERE OF MARS Observations from Mars orbiters, landers, and rovers have been providing a wealth of information on the Martian atmosphere. Current assets at Mars include weather stations on Mars rovers as well as Mars orbiters that provide perspectives from various orbits. Their measurements cover atmospheric regions from the near surface to the upper atmosphere and span several Mars years and solar cycles. While observations have led to considerable progress in understanding the structure and variability of the Martian atmosphere, the challenges of today are the identification and quantification of the underlying dynamical, chemical, and radiative processes that govern the Martian atmosphere. This session solicits observational and theoretical contributions that provide deeper insights into these processes in the present-day atmosphere of Mars. This includes studies on the connections between the upper and the lower atmospheres and on processes leading to upper atmospheric escape to space. Submit abstract: https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu26/prelim.cgi/Session/280751 Abstracts are due Wednesday, 5 August at 23:59 EDT / 03:59 UTC. 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 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY SCIENCES/ASTROBIOLOGY - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in planetary sciences and astrobiology. The successful candidate will join the research group of Prof. Fabian Klenner and lead research investigating the habitability of icy ocean worlds. The ideal candidate is highly motivated, proactive, and eager to develop and lead independent research within the broader goals of the group. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences or a related discipline by date of employment. Candidates should have experience in, or demonstrate the ability to quickly learn, practical laboratory work and analytical techniques. Experience with Raman spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and/or mass spectrometry is particularly desirable. Review of applications will begin on August 17, 2026. The anticipated start date is as soon as possible thereafter. The initial appointment is for two years. Further information and application instructions are available at: https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02298 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 [NASA] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 65: NEW OPOERTUNITY - C4. PLANETARY SCIENCE ENABLING FACILITIES C.4 The Planetary Science Enabling Facilities (PSEF) program element solicits proposals for experimental and analytical research facilities to be made available to the community that does research supported by the Planetary Science Division in the Science Mission Directorate of NASA. Proposals must clearly articulate the scientific value of the research facilities that would be made available, as well as demonstrate that there is a significant need and user base for the facility within the community. ROSES-2025 Amendment 65 announces that C.4 PSEF, which was previously listed as not solicited will in fact be solicited in ROSES-2025. Proposals are due November 10, 2026. Neither an NOI nor a Step-1 proposal is requested. Concomitantly, C.1 The Planetary Science Research Program Overview has also been updated. Go to: https://solicitation.nasaprs.com/ROSES2025 Questions concerning C.4 PSEF may be directed to Michael Lienhard at HQ-PSEF@mail.nasa.gov [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 PHD POSITION IN PLANETARY SCINECE AND ASTROBIOLOGY - UNIVERSITY OF BERN, SWITZERLAND Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position at the University of Bern within the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Genesis. The project will develop a computational framework that combines planetary chemistry with microbial metabolism to investigate planetary habitability and the detectability of biosignatures. Working in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bern and ETH Zurich, the successful candidate will apply the framework to the cloud layer of Venus and the subsurface ocean of Enceladus, contributing to the scientific preparation of future planetary exploration missions like ESA's L4 mission. Applicants should have (or be close to completing) a Master's degree in physics, astronomy, planetary science, Earth science, computational science, chemistry, or a related discipline. Earliest start date: November 2026. Review of applications begins at the end of August 2026 and continues until the position is filled. Further information and application instructions: https://tinyurl.com/mv3kvyzh 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 POSITION: PLANET-FORMING DISKS AND ASTROCHEMISTRY The Space Research Institute (IWF) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Graz, Austria, invites applications for a Postdoc position (f/m/x) within the research group led by Priv.-Doz. Dr. Peter Woitke. Your Role: You will prepare archival and new observational data (e.g., ALMA or JWST) for analysis and modelling, including high-quality data reduction, using ProDiMo to analyse and interpret these observations. Additionally, you will support and collaborate with international science teams preparing future ESA space missions. Your Profile: Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Geophysics, Astrophysics, or a related field. You should have proven experience in astrochemistry in protoplanetary disks, ALMA/JWST data reduction, and an excellent publication record. Our Offer & Application: The appointment is initially for 3 years, with potential extensions up to 6 years based on funding and performance. The position starts as early as November 1, 2026, though a later start date can be agreed upon. The application deadline is September 15, 2026, but the position remains open until filled. Apply online at: https://www.oeaw.ac.at/jobs?jh=nkujljvb04425fl0u688i6lz2tk9dw7 Contact peter.woitke@oeaw.ac.at for inquiries. We are looking forward hearing from you! 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 [GSA2026] CALLING ALL STUDENTS - TRAVEL GRANTS FOR THE 2026 GSA CONNECTS MEETING The Planetary Geology Division (PGD) of the Geological Society of America offers at least 3-4 travel grant(s) in the amount of $500 to help defray costs for PGD student members who are traveling to the 2026 GSA Connects meeting in Denver, CO to present first-authored papers. Student applicants must be first author and presenter of a talk (or poster) that has been submitted to and accepted for presentation at GSA Connects, be a Student Member of both GSA and the Planetary Geology Division, and be registered for the meeting before applying for a travel grant. Preference will be given to abstracts in planetary-themed sessions. For additional information on the application and requirements, see: https://community.geosociety.org/pgd/awards/travel-grants The PGD Board encourages community members of all career stages to help spread the word about this opportunity for students. 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 [DPS-58] REGISTRATION REMAINS OPEN https://aas.org/meetings/dps58/registration https://submissions.mirasmart.com/DPS58/Splash.aspx Registration remains open for DPS-58 at the Spokane Convention Center, October 25-30, 2026. DPS-58 will be a hybrid meeting with live-streamed in-person and recorded virtual talks and in-person posters. Three classes of registration include: full in-person, full virtual, and virtual meeting observer for low cost. Regular registration deadline: July 28, 2026 Late registration begins: July 29, 2026 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 [DPS-58] CONFERENCE LODGING Please consider arranging your hotel for DPS-58 at official conference lodging. There is a block of rooms at government rates, and lodging is connected to the conference venue - the Spokane Convention Center - via a covered a walkway. The hotel features an onsite restaurant and other options are located nearby. Utilizing this lodging will cut both cost to attend the conference and carbon footprint to attend the conference by eliminating the need for car rental. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 [DPS-58] INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS The Local Organizing Committee for DPS-58 is soliciting exhibitors and sponsors for the meeting. Exhibitor spaces are located in a heavily trafficked are between the poster sessions and common area in a large shared ballroom. If you are interested, please contact Conor Sherry (conor.sherry@aas.org) at the American Astronomical Society. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY The DPS seeks a successor to Dr. Denise Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at scott.murchie@jhuapl.edu or DPS.chair@aas.org. As Secretary, you would be part of the Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties are to: - Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members; - Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data; - Oversee membership applications and the membership roster; - Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results; - Prepare prize certificates and citations; and - Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers. 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 DPS SEEKS A NEW EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR The DPS seeks a successor to Dr. Sanlyn Buxner as Chair of the DPS Education Subcommittee. If you are interested please contact DPS Chair Scott Murchie and submit a CV at DPS.chair@aas.org or scott.murchie@jhuapl.edu. Regular duties are to: - Maintain the Education portion of the DPS website together with the DPS webmaster - Maintain the searchable database of Research Experiences for Undergraduate students in planetary science - Maintain the searchable database of graduate schools for planetary science - Intermittently, manages DPS Education and Outreach Grants - ($200 to $500) - awarded on rolling basis - Support education-related activities during DPS meetings in coordination with DPS leadership and other committees 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 POSTDOCTORAL EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES FELLOWSHIP AT SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS) in Washington, DC welcomes applications for a postdoctoral fellowship. Scientists in CEPS primarily focus on planetary geologic and geophysical processes that have shaped the surfaces of rocky and icy bodies in the Solar System including the Earth and Moon. CEPS scientists are actively involved in field analog research and many of NASA's and ESA's current and planned planetary robotic missions. The fellowship has a term of two years and a stipend of $80,000 plus up to $5,000 health allowance per year. Required application materials include a CV/resume, project/research proposal, and bibliography. Competitive proposals should demonstrate knowledge and expertise in areas such as quantitative remote sensing analysis, tectonics and tectonophysics, volcanic processes, and quantitative terrestrial and planetary geomorphology. The application deadline is Friday, August 14, 2026. More details and the application process are posted here: https://tinyurl.com/3as9jt67 For questions, email CEPS chair Ross Irwin (irwinr@si.edu). 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 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 27-29, 2026 Astro Society 2026: Astronomy@250 https://astrosociety.org/events-home/2026-conference-astronomy-250.html Online November 2-6, 2026 GrandMagnet 2026: Decoding the Magnetized Dusty Universe https://www.grandmagnet.org/grandmagnet2026 Jeju Island, Korea June 21-25, 2027 European Astronomical Society Annual Meeting https://eas.unige.ch/EAS_meeting/ Vienna, Austria 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 SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Brian Jackson https://psj.aas.org Orbital, Latitudinal, and Diurnal Variations in Meteoroid Influx, Atmospheric Ablation and Ionization, and Micrometeorite Accretion at Venus Juan Diego Carrillo-Sanchez et al. 2026 PSJ 7:176 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae8257 Oxygen Isotope Fractionation in the Martian Atmosphere Induced by CO2 Photolysis and O3 Formation Tatsuya Yoshida et al. 2026 PSJ 7:177 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae8762 Modeling Titan's Planetary Boundary Layer at the Huygens Landing Site: Evidence for the Role of Subsurface Methane Evaporation in Limiting Convective Growth Victoria L. Hartwick et al. 2026 PSJ 7:178 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae809d 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 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 Characterizing Martian Lithospheric Density Distribution Through Bayesian Gravity Analysis Henrietta Rakoczi et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009757 Reproducing Ganymede's Craters With the Melosh Model of Acoustic Fluidization Sowon Lee & B. C. Johnson https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009483 Iron-Silicate Segregation Within a Convecting Magma Ocean via the Multiphase Thermal Lattice Boltzmann Method: Implication on Iron-Silicate Mixing L. Honarbakhsh et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009002 Degradation of Rustic Canyon Crater in Gale Crater, Mars J. A. Grant et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009828 Seismic Reflection Profiling at the Kentland Impact Structure, Indiana: Geophysical Characterization of Impact Induced Damage Brian A. Robitaille et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009630 Mercury's Tectonics Record a Damage Zone From the Caloris Basin-Forming Impact Christian Klimczak et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009708 The Roles of Slope Winds, Regolith, and Clouds in Shaping the Martian Water Vapor Column Unveiled With Mars Global Climate Model Simulations M. Kobayashi et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009758 *********************************************************************** * 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. ***********************************************************************