PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 20, Number 39 (September 27, 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. Editorial: Save Irreplaceable, Cross-Disciplinary Data on New Horizons 2. Geosciences Special Issue: New Visions on Classic challenges in Solar System Exploration 3. Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Travel Grant Opportunity 4. Postdoctoral Research Scholars at the Intersection of Planet Formation and Shock Physics 5. Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships Starting in 2027 at the Earth and Planets Laboratory 6. Pan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Position at Rice University 7. ML4PSP September Seminar Announcement 8. [DPS-58] Please Reserve Conference Lodging 9. [DPS-58] Information for Exhibitors and Sponsors 10. [DPS 58] Panel Discussion on AI 11. [DPS-58] DPS Seeks 2 Student Volunteers 12. DPS Seeks a New Secretary 13. DPS Seeks a New Education Subcommittee Chair 14. ExMAG 2026 Annual Meeting 15. [NASA] SMD Seeks Volunteer Reviewers 16. Tenure-Track Position in Hydrologic Sciences at University of Nevada, Reno 17. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 18. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 19. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers 20. Planetary Research - New Papers Commercial/Fundraising Announcements: C1. Life Skills for Young Scientists: A Yearlong Online Mentorship Program C2. Survey on Lunar Data Types 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 EDITORIAL: SAVE IRREPLACEABLE, CROSS-DISCIPLINARY DATA ON NEW HORIZONS As of now, utterly unique data from 65 au away and beyond - the outer heliosphere - will be lost due to the shutting down of the SWAP and PEPSSI instruments on New Horizons. These data, energy spectra of pickup ions, were not and are not measured by Voyager 1 and 2, yet they can reveal cross-disciplinary clues about how the interstellar medium, the heliosphere, planets, and even life interact with each other. Unlike data from heliospheric missions closer to Earth, these data are irreplaceable in our lifetimes. We should not let SWAP and PEPSSI go the way of the terminated-before-its-time Apollo Seismic Experiment, which NASA shut down in 1977 to save a small amount of money. Read more at the Planetary Society with a link to act: https://tinyurl.com/7e7kurhb Kirby Runyon 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 GEOSCIENCES SPECIAL ISSUE: NEW VISIONS ON CLASSIC CHALLENGES IN SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION We invite submissions to a new Special Issue of Geosciences: "New Visions on classic challenges in Solar System exploration". This Special Issue aims to bring together innovative contributions that reassess traditional problems in planetary science and astrobiology from new perspectives. We welcome studies that introduce new observations, reinterpret existing datasets, propose novel theoretical or experimental approaches, or connect apparently distinct research areas to address enduring challenges in the exploration of the Solar System. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Planetary formation, differentiation and long-term geological evolution; comparative planetology of terrestrial planets; geological and geochemical evolution of icy satellites; planetary habitability and the environmental limits of life; biosignatures, their preservation, detection and interpretation; planetary protection and contamination assessment; and advances in remote sensing, in situ analysis, and sample return. For full details and submission instructions, please visit: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences/special_issues/9L61F553P8 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 GERALD A. SOFFEN MEMORIAL TRAVEL GRANT OPPORTUNITY The Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the Fall 2026 Travel Grant application opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in fields of space science and engineering. The Travel Grants enable student recipients to attend professional conferences to present their research. Recipients may use the Grant for either virtual or in-person conferences. The Soffen Fund will award up to $2000 in total, with no individual award greater than $1000, to cover expenses related to presenting research at either a virtual or in-person conference. The Fall 2026 Travel Grant application deadline is October 9, 2026. Jerry Soffen, a biologist by training, led a distinguished career in NASA, including serving as the Project Scientist for Viking and as an architect for the NASA Astrobiology Institute. The Travel Grant continues Jerry's dedication to educating and involving future generations in space science and engineering pursuits. The electronic application materials and instructions are located on the Soffen Fund website: https://soffenfund.org Questions regarding the application or application process may be sent to: ec@nasa-academy.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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLARS AT THE INTERSECTION OF PLANET FORMATION AND SHOCK PHYSICS The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for two postdoctoral research positions to work with Professor Sarah Stewart. The successful candidates will join an active research group working at the intersection of the planet formation and evolution and the high-pressure properties of geologic materials. The positions may involve one or more of the following research areas: (i) High-pressure physics and materials science; (ii) Planetary impact processes; (iii) Planet formation and evolution. These are full-time, benefits-eligible positions with an anticipated start date as early as January 2027. The initial appointment is for one year and may be renewed annually for up to two additional years, contingent upon satisfactory performance, university needs, and available resources. Each position includes an annual salary of $71,000 and a $5,000 relocation allowance. Multiple areas of research may be supported by available funding; the specific goals of the position are subject to agreement between the candidate and PI. Apply through Interfolio: The application deadline is November 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. https://apply.interfolio.com/193463 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 CARNEGIE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS STARTING IN 2027 AT THE EARTH AND PLANETS LABORATORY The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple independent research fellowships are available in our interdisciplinary basic research laboratory dedicated to understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets. Fellows should have an original research plan, but should also share research interests with our scientists who can serve as mentors. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged. New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 28 staff and research scientists. Our postdoctoral fellows have access to: world-class laboratory, computational and observing facilities. At EPL, we foster an exceptionally collegial research environment and emphasize mentoring, including professional development opportunities specifically for postdocs. More information about our research and facilities can be viewed at: https://carnegiescience.edu/epl Information for our postdoctoral fellowships and postdoctoral experience is at: https://carnegiescience.edu/about/working/postdocs/epl See complete instructions and submit your application online at: https://apply.interfolio.com/189651 Address any questions to eplfellowship@carnegiescience.edu. Applications are due November 1, 2026. 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 PAN POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP POSITION AT RICE UNIVERSITY The Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (EEPS) at Rice University (eeps.rice.edu) invites applications for the Pan Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. We seek candidates with independent research interests that intersect with one or more faculty within our department and who contribute positively to the Rice EEPS community, including its education and outreach efforts. Both domestic and international applicants are welcome. Upon starting the position, candidates must have received their PhD within the last three years. The research fellowship will be supported for two years, pending satisfactory progress during the first year, and includes an annual stipend of $68,000 with a benefits package, an annual discretionary research allowance of $5,000, and an allowance for re-location expenses. Applicants are requested to develop a proposal of research to be undertaken during the fellowship. The proposed research should explore new directions beyond the applicant's Ph.D. Preference will be given to applicants whose proposals demonstrate independence and originality, along with the potential for collaboration with one or more EEPS faculty. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/mdcyae3s [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 MLRPSP SEPTEMBER SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT The ML4PSP seminar series is happy to host our next talk which will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 9:00 AM PT/Noon ET, featuring: Speaker: Sourabh Shubham (University of Maryland, College Park). Title: "Decoding the Moon with Machine Learning: Global Spectral Mapping Reveals Surface Mixing and Crustal Stratigraphy" The full abstract is available here: https://ml4psp.github.io/schedule Zoom details are at: https://tinyurl.com/mr4yrbza Meeting ID: 935 6088 0593 Passcode: ml4psp We also now have a dedicated Slack channel. You are encouraged to join to share your work, collaborate, exchange data and ideas, and stay engaged with the community. To streamline communication, we have transitioned from MailChimp to Google Groups. Future announcements will be distributed through this platform. We look forward to seeing you there. Best regards, ML4PSP Organizers Dona Kuruppuaratchi, Ramana Sankar, Indhu Varatharajan 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 [DPS-58] PLEASE RESERVE CONFERENCE LODGING Please arrange 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. Visit: https://aas.org/meetings/dps58/accommodations 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] 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 Rod Nenner (rod.nenner@aas.org) at the American Astronomical Society. 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] PANEL DISCUSSION ON AI At the upcoming DPS meeting at the Spokane Convention Center, the DPS Committee will host and moderate a panel discussion/town hall on the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in planetary science on Thursday, October 29, in room 111B at 4:30-5:30 PM PDT. We will touch on opportunities, potential pitfalls, and ethical and environmental concerns. If you wish to contribute topics for discussion or participate as a panelist, contact Steven.D.Vance@jpl.caltech.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 [DPS-58] DPS SEEKS 2 STUDENT VOLUNTEERS The International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA), one of the DPS exhibitors, is looking for 1 or 2 students or early career scientists who may be interested in helping staff their exhibit booth for an afternoon or two. If you are interested in stellar occultations and making connections with professionals who use that technique, please contact Joan Durham (iotatreas@yahoo.com). Mark Chen, Visual Artist + Science Communicator will be taking free professional headshots for early career scientists. We seek 1 or 2 students who can help while he does double-duty taking photos of the meeting. If you are interested and want your own headshot, please contact Scott Murchie (scott.murchie@jhuapl.edu). 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 EXMAG 2026 ANNUAL MEETING The Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG) cordially invites you to attend our 2026 Annual Meeting scheduled on November 3 (US time) or November 4 (Asia time). The goals of this annual meeting are to: i) connect the sample community with curations in different countries; ii) discuss issues that the sample community is facing; iii) summarize the findings to advocate for solutions to high-priority issues. The 2026 Annual Meeting will be fully virtual. It is divided into an Asia optimized portion and an US/Europe optimized portion, each is about 3 hr 30 min. The draft agenda is at: https://tinyurl.com/22cs5tnz If you are interested in attending, please register at: https://tinyurl.com/yb97bunh Please mark your calendar and attend the session that best suits your time zone. 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 [NASA] SMD SEEKS VOLUNTEER REVIEWERS NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is seeking volunteer reviewers for its research proposals. Please refer to the recently posted volunteer reviewer forms for: - Accelerating Earth Solutions (ROSES A.13) - Atmosphere (ROSES A.14) - Biosphere (ROSES A.15) - Hydrosphere (ROSES A.17) - Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) CAN - Theoretical and Computational Astrophysics Networks (TCAN D.4 of ROSES) - Habitable Worlds Observatory Precursor Science Investigations (ROSES D.8) - Solar System Science Program (ROSES C.2) - Earth Surface and Interior and Space Geodesy Programs The general landing page for all SMD volunteer reviewer forms is: https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels Questions regarding individual ROSES programs should be directed to the points of contact for those programs. General questions about the volunteer reviewer page may be directed to SARA@nasa.gov. 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 TENURE-TRACK POSITION IN HYDROLOGIC SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO The Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering (DGSE) at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) invites applications for a full-time, 9-month contract tenure-track faculty position in the hydrologic sciences, broadly defined, which could include a combination of groundwater hydrology (hydrogeology), hydrogeophysics, aqueous geochemistry, geothermal applications, mining hydrology, surface water hydrology, hydraulic engineering and civil engineering that focus on interactions with the natural environment, or other related fields. The position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Applicants must have a PhD at the time of appointment and demonstrate commitment to both undergraduate and graduate instruction as well as development and vision of an externally-funded program of research in their specialty. For more information and to apply, please use this link: https://tinyurl.com/a563eua3 Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026. 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 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 No new wmeetings. 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Brian Jackson https://psj.aas.org Nanoparticle-assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Applications in Astrobiology Nikita J. Boeren et al. 2026 PSJ 7:217 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae9c2d The Preimpact Search for Further Didymos Natural Satellites Using DART and LICIACube Images Ivano Bertini et al. 2026 PSJ 7:218 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae99e5 Lunar Polar Dichotomy: Insights from Crater Morphometry Sachana Sathyan et al. 2026 PSJ 7:219 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/aea15c Long-term Mid-infrared Photometry and Spectroscopy of (1) Ceres with SOFIA FORCAST Anicia Arredondo et al. 2026 PSJ 7:220 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae9ec4 19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19 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 Investigating Galactic Cosmic Ray Ionization's Contribution to Aerosol Formation on Neptune and a Potential Link to the Relationship Between Brightness and Solar Activity Martin B. B. Enghoff et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009520 Surface Change Detection on Venus: An Inter-Mission Comparison Framework Between Magellan and Future Radar Images Yao Gao et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009994 Visible to Near-Infrared Properties of Felsic Rocks: Plagioclase Detection Limits and Applications to Mars Orbital Spectra Hunter Vannier et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009705 Martian Sand Dunes as Natural Ice Sensors: How to Identify Ice Composition From Dune-Ice Morphology Jacob M. Widmer, Mackenzie Day, Serina Diniega https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009760 Coupled Gas and Mineral Chemistry in a 60-Day Venus Weathering Experiment at the Glenn Extreme Environments Rig (GEER) Alison R. Santos et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009457 20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20 PLANETARY RESEARCH - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Diamond Open Access Papers Editor-in-Chief, Mark A. Wieczorek https://planetary-research.org No new papers this week. 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: LIFE SKILLS FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS: A YEARLONG ONLINE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Do you ever feel that a scientific career involves challenges that academic training doesn't prepare you for? Join the club! To address this, PSI Senior Scientist Jonathan Lilly started Life Skills for Young Scientists (LiSYS). In this unique program, we study essential - and overlooked - skills for a happy life and productive career: mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, assertiveness, and conflict resolution. These skills are particularly relevant for the turbulence and uncertainty we face today. Past participants have called LiSYS life-changing. Registration for the fourth iteration, which will run through all of 2027, is now open and closes on October 31. For full details, visit the web site: https://lisys.ing 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: SURVEY ON LUNAR DATA TYPES Cabeus Explorer, powered by Potomac Database Systems, is once again inviting lunar scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders across the space sector to participate in our survey examining key issues driving the data debate in North America, Europe, and beyond. We invite anonymous responses from those of you who care about the future of lunar exploration and industry. The survey will close October 15, 2026 and is available here: https://forms.gle/Eg27a9Dwe6LSGjFL9 *********************************************************************** * 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. ***********************************************************************