PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 20, Number 43 (October 18, 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. Request for Public Input on Planetary Research Program Metrics 2. Call for Papers for Science Ascend 14th Issue 3. [DPS-58] DPS Workshop: Uranus Solstice Campaign (Time Correction) 4. Postdoctoral Position in the Space Sciences (Washington University) 5. Postdoctoral Scholar, Electrical Engineering for UAV/Spaceflight Sensors, Northern Arizona University 6. Save the Date: Planetary Science Community Workshop 2 7. New Horizons Science Spotlight Webinar - This Week 8. Cast Your Vote: GSA Planetary Geology Division Secretary-Treasurer 9. Announcement of CHEOPS Guest Observers Running Call 10. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 11. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 12. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers 13. Planetary Research - New Papers Commercial/Fundraising Announcements: C1. Announcement of Proposal-Writing Courses for Spring 2027 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 REQUEST FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON PLANETARY RESEARCH PROGRAM METRICS What does a thriving and sustainable planetary science research community look like and how is success measured? At the request of NASA, the National Academies' Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Science (CAPS) will author a short report identifying metrics and strategies that the NASA Planetary Research Program can use to support a vital planetary research community. The study committee is seeking input from a wide range of stakeholders across the planetary research community. Please consider sharing your thoughts by completing this form by October 30. Go to: https://tinyurl.com/36jafujd The CAPS Statement of Task for this report is at: https://tinyurl.com/3xe9z4md 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 14TH ISSUE 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 14th issue will be published at the beginning of January 2027, and include: - Focused recent literature review: A short literature review of the last 6 months in an astrophysics field, - Lecture note: A lecture note in an astrophysics topic, - Opinion article: A piece commenting/criticizing a scientific article, - Interview: Summarizing an interview the author made with an astrophysicist academician/professional, - Outreach: A discussion on astrophysics outreach, - Research report: A report on an observation campaign or a successful/failed hypothesis, - Research process: Elaborating on key points of the study conducted which usually go unpublished in peer-reviewed research papers (how the idea sparked, turning points, etc.). The deadline is December 18 (inclusive), 2026. Please reach out to Editor-in-Chief Guray Hatipoglu via info@fire-ae.org with a title for the work and its summary first. The current issue is at the following link (along with previous issues): https://fire-ae.org/ascend.html 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 [DPS-58] DPS WORKSHOP: URANUS SOLSTICE CAMPAIGN (TIME CORRECTION} The Uranian northern summer solstice in 2030 marks an important transitional period for the planet itself and presents a unique viewing geometry of the planet, its satellites, and its rings. This DPS workshop is a kickoff meeting for the community to identify key observations uniquely attainable during the 5 year time frame leading up to and following solstice in 2030. Science areas include Uranus' atmosphere, ionosphere, rings, satellites, magnetosphere, and more. The workshop will discuss critical needs for modeling efforts and which facilities could be used to acquire the requisite observations. We expect to produce a white paper that captures the results of the kickoff and future community discussions in order to best guide planned observations during the Uranian Solstice period. DPS Workshop details: Name: Uranus Solstice Campaign Time: Wednesday October 28 lunch (11:45 - 12:45 pm PDT) during the DPS Meeting In-person: Room 205 Virtual: https://uidaho.zoom.us/j/83461108253 Contact: Matt Hedman (mhedman@uidago.edu) or Tracy Becker (tracy.becker@swri.org) for questions. 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 THE SPACE SCIENCES (WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY) Washington University in St. Louis invites applicants to conduct independent research as a postdoctoral fellow of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences (MCSS) in the broad field of space sciences. We welcome applicants with interests in Astromaterials, Cosmochemistry, or Meteoritics; Experimental, Theoretical, or Observational Astrophysics; Planetary Science; Particle and Nuclear Physics, Cosmology and Gravitation; and Earth as a Planet. In their application materials, the candidate should describe their research interests and list potential collaborators from among the faculty fellows of the MCSS. The annual salary is supplemented with additional funds for research expenses and travel support. Employment in this fellowship is planned to begin in July 2027 for an anticipated initial one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. Candidates must have a PhD or be a May 2027 degree candidate specializing in one of the fields listed above and have a record of excellent scholarship. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in relevant observational, lab-based, theoretical, and computational methodologies. For more information and to apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/195539 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 POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLAR, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING FOR UAV/SPACEFLIGHT SENSORS, NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY The Radiant Center for Remote Sensing and the Planetary Instrumentation eXperimentation and Exploration Laboratory (PIXEL) at Northern Arizona University seek a Postdoctoral Scholar to design real-time sensor fusion hardware for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). These systems double as prototypes for small spaceflight instruments, so what you build and test in the rugged terrain around Flagstaff is a step toward flight hardware for planetary missions. Join a Research Center that builds instruments for missions to Mars, the Moon, and the asteroid belt. You will develop schematic and multilayer PCB layouts, VHDL/FPGA firmware for real-time acquisition and timing, and embedded C/C++ and Python software, then integrate and flight test payloads on Pixhawk/PX4-class platforms. You will work alongside a full-time electrical engineer, fellow postdocs, and students, and publish the results. Ph.D. in electrical or computer engineering (or a closely related field) required. On-site in Flagstaff, AZ. Salary begins at $70,000. Open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; no immigration sponsorship. Details and application: https://tinyurl.com/3rn8wjkf Lab: https://christopherscottedwards.com Center: https://radiant.nau.edu 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 SAVE THE DATE: PLANETARY SCIENCE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 2 Following a successful inaugural meeting, the Planetary Science Community Workshop will return next year. PSCW 2 will be held at the University of Iowa on Thursday and Friday, April 15 and 16, 2027, with a welcome reception the evening of Wednesday, April 14. More details to come here and at: https://planetaryworkshop.org Valerie Payre Chase Million Paul Byrne (paul.byrne@wustl.edu) 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 NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR - THIS WEEK Join us on 22 October 2026, 2:30-3pm EDT (11:30-12 PDT,12:30-1pm MDT, 1:30-2pm CDT) New Horizons continues its operation, now at 65au from the Sun. Since 2015 it has made ground-breaking discoveries of the Pluto-Charon system, flown past the small contact KBO binary Arrokoth and collected phase and light curve data for some three dozen additional KBOs and the ice giants. It has also been sampling dust density throughout the Solar System and studying the cosmic optical background. Please join us for our spotlight webinar this week (30 min, fourth week each month), or watch recorded at your convenience. Our speaker will be Parisa Mostafavi (JHU/APL) and she will be speaking on: "New Horizons Contributions to Planetary Magnetospheres and PUIs" Connection Link: https://tinyurl.com/4hpmaexp Meeting ID: 973 1769 7636 Passcode: ExtendedKB Calendar for future seminars: https://tinyurl.com/27b57u3z Recordings are archived and posted at: https://pluto.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/index.php#Spotlight-Presentations For questions, contact New Horizons CoI Susan Benecchi, susank@psi.edu 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 CAST YOUR VOTE: GSA PLANETARY GEOLOGY DIVISION SECRETARY-TREASURER Dear Planetary Geology Division members, Your participation in our division election process is a great way to stay involved and help shape the future of our community. We encourage you to take part and vote for the officer who will represent us in the coming years. We invite you to cast your vote today for the new division Secretary-Treasurer, and make your voice heard. https://tinyurl.com/4c8aerbx Deadline: 28 October 2026 For assistance with your member number, please contact GSA at gsaservice@geosociety.org or +1-303 357-1000 or toll free +1-800-472-1988. Please remember you may need to clear your cookies and restart your browser. Thank you for voting, and we look forward to seeing you at GSA Connects 2026 in Denver! Regards, PGD Management Board 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 ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHEOPS GUEST OBSERVERS RUNNING CALL The ESA CHEOPS Guest Observer Programme accepts proposals monthly through its Running Call, offering the worldwide astronomical community access to high-precision space-based photometry for observations from 2027-2029. Large Programmes - Deadline: 31 October 2026 Researchers can request Large Programmes of up to 500 CHEOPS orbits for scientifically compelling projects requiring substantial observing time. Extensive observations, population studies and coordinated observing programmes are particularly encouraged. HST/JWST Fast Track - Monthly deadline PIs of active HST or JWST Guest Observer programmes may request complementary CHEOPS observations through the Fast-Track route. These proposals bypass scientific evaluation by the CHEOPS Time Allocation Committee and undergo technical feasibility assessment, providing an expedited route to complementary CHEOPS photometry. Broad Scientific Opportunities CHEOPS supports a wide range of time-domain science, including: - Exoplanet transits, occultations, phase curves and transit timing - Eclipsing binaries and stellar variability - Stellar activity, rotation, and flares - Coordinated observations with other facilities The programme is open worldwide, with no previous CHEOPS experience or Consortium membership required. Only 20 targets are reserved by the Guaranteed Time Observations programme, while CHEOPS can observe more than 75% of the sky. For information and proposal support, contact cheops-support@cosmos.esa.int. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 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 December 14-16, 2026 WST UK Community Workshop https://indico.ast.cam.ac.uk/event/11/ Cambridge, United Kingdom February 15-19, 2027 Expanding Horizons in High Angular Resolution Astronomy https://sites.google.com/inaf.it/interferometry-florence-2027/home Florence, Italy April 19-23, 2027 High Resolution Spectroscopy - Towards the Extremely Large Telescopes https://meetings.iac.es/HRS2027/ Tenerife, Canary Islands May 19-20, 2027 Global Summit on Advances in Astrophysics, Gravitation and Cosmology (ASTROPHYSICS2027) https://astrophysics2027.researchconnects.org Florence, Italy 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Brian Jackson https://psj.aas.org No new papers this week. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 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 How Large Are Marsquakes? Revisiting Magnitude Scaling and Implications for Marsquakes and Meteoroid Impacts Jung-Hun Song et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009988 The Effects of ICME Composition on the Sputtered Component of the Lunar Exosphere A. R. Poppe et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009972 Thermal Conductivity of Iron at the Conditions of Small Planetary Cores Eric Edmund et al. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009205 Active Dust Devils in the Rosalind Franklin Rover Landing Site in Oxia Planum, Mars P. M. Grindrod, E. A. Favaro, M. R. Balme, M. R. Patel https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE010056 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 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: ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROPOSAL-WRITING COURSES FOR SPRING 2027 Register your interest for either of two intensive, instructor-led courses for Spring 2027, designed to help break down barriers faced by early-career researchers as they seek independent funding. Course 1: Getting Your Message Across - A proposal-writing bootcamp for early career researchers This course focuses on effective communication of an existing proposal concept; best for those who have a proposal partly or fully written, or wish to resubmit a previously-submitted proposal. 6 live 2-hour sessions; limited to 8 participants; cost: $1975 Course 2: From idea to submission - How to develop a research proposal This course focuses on developing a proposal concept from scratch; best for those who are new to proposal-writing, or who want to improve their ability to write proposals in a systematic and timely fashion. 8 live 2-hour sessions; limited to 6 participants; cost: $2495 You can find detailed information and FAQ at: https://www.writetrack.co Use the contact form or email info@writetrack.co to register interest in Spring 2027 courses. Come visit us in the Fall AGU meeting exhibit hall from Monday, December 7 to Thursday, December 10! We'll be at Booth #1741 in the Academic Showcase: https://tinyurl.com/WriteTrackBooth *********************************************************************** * 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. 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