Author: cviewadmin

Issue 21-10, May 9, 2021

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1. NEW NAME CHANGE POLICY FOR AAS JOURNALS
2. RESOURCES FROM THE DPS PROFESSIONAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE
3. DART BOARDERS PROGRAM
4. IN MEMORIAM: JOHN W. (JACK) SALISBURY (1934-2020)
5. SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR ASTRONOMY
6. INSIGHTSEERS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN
7. JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

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NEW NAME CHANGE POLICY FOR AAS JOURNALS

 

The AAS has adopted a new policy that will allow authors to change their names on previously published research. The policy was developed by IOP Publishing, the Society’s partner in journals and ebooks, and reflects both organizations’ commitment to ensuring an open, supportive, and inclusive research environment.

 

The policy covers changes to names, pronouns, author photographs, and contact details. People change their name for a variety of reasons, including gender identity, marriage, divorce, or a change in religion. In many cases, particularly for trans and non-binary authors, changing names needs to be approached with discretion and sensitivity. Respecting authors’ right to privacy is a key tenet, with assurance of full confidentiality and the option to change a name with or without a public notice. The new policy offers a simple and seamless approach, with no requirement to disclose the reason for the request nor the need to provide proof of a legal name change.

 

We offer the following advice for authors who change their names in the AAS-IOP Publishing publication record:

• Make sure that you are registered with ORCID, as your unique ORCID number will identify you independent of your name.

• Note that changing your name with the AAS and IOP Publishing does not guarantee that the change will propagate to the broader universe of article and author databases.

• Accordingly, we recommend that if you change your name with us, you also contact the SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) and any other journals in which you’ve published articles to ensure that your name change is known more widely.

 

Information about how to request a change can be found here:

https://publishingsupport.iopscience.iop.org/questions/name-change-policy/

 

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RESOURCES FROM THE DPS PROFESSIONAL CLIMATE AND CULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE

 

The DPS Professional Climate and Culture Subcommittee (PCCS) wanted to share a few resources with regards to gender diversity and gender-inclusive practices. Note that two of these are letters collecting signatures, but even if you do not want to sign them, we encourage reading the recommended individual and organizational actions that are listed in the letters.

 

1. A letter to NSF on gender diversity within applications/forms includes clear suggestions for language that is more gender inclusive. Signatures of support are also being collected. https://bit.ly/3gY4Mx5

 

2. A letter to USRA/LPI and all conference organizers discusses the importance of correct names being used within the science program. It is helpful to understand the harm that was done by issues with the LPSC program and review the recommendations for all meetings and conferences. Signatures of support are also being collected. https://sites.google.com/view/planetary-sci-conf-org-letter

 

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DART BOARDERS PROGRAM

 

Reminder: Inspired by similar programs on other missions (Dragonfly, Psyche, InSight, and Europa Clipper), the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Investigation Team is organizing a pilot program intended to expose early career scientists to the experience of working on a mission team. We are inviting a select number of senior graduate students and early career scientists (less than 7 years since PhD or Masters’ degree) to be “DART Boarders” to observe our next mission Investigation Team meeting from 14-18 June, 2021. We hope that this will provide valuable insight into the work and team dynamics that take place on missions, help early career scientists make informed decisions about their career paths, and potentially provide opportunities for networking among the DART Boarders and between them and the team. Unfortunately, we cannot offer support for time spent in the program, but we anticipate a time commitment of roughly 16-20 hours spread over the week of the team meeting, with a few introductory hours the prior week.

 

This opportunity is open to advanced graduate students and early career scientists regardless of nationality. We note that the team meeting will be virtual and held during typical North American working hours. Respondents will be selected based upon the anticipated impact to their career path and the alignment of their research interests with the scientific objectives of the mission, while giving preference to candidates who do not have existing connections to the team via existing advisor-student relationships. DART recognizes and supports the benefits of having diverse and inclusive communities and expects that such values will be reflected in this opportunity. Questions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “DART Boarders”.

 

Please indicate your interest by filling out the following form by Tuesday, 11 May, 2021: https://forms.gle/LF3K9vtKMP6xCRwq6

 

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IN MEMORIAM: JOHN W. (JACK) SALISBURY (1934-2020)

 

Jack graduated from Amherst College near the top of his class (Phi Beta Kappa) where he met and married his first wife, Lynne (Trowbridge). They had two sons, John in 1960 and Matt in 1965. Following completion of his PhD and a stint in the US Air Force, he began work with the Air Force Civilian Research Laboratory at Hanscom AFB. There he was part of a small team that helped divine the surface characteristics of the moon by developing new near and mid-infrared remote sensing technologies. This work was integral in the design of the lunar lander for the Apollo 11 mission. He appeared alongside Walter Cronkite on television during the coverage of the lunar landing in 1969 to help explain things.

 

In 1975, Jack started work with the Energy Research and Development Administration and subsequently the US Department of Energy. After many years there, he went on to teach geologic remote sensing at Johns Hopkins University. He retired and moved to Palm Coast, Florida in 1997 with his wife Lynne, who passed away in 2008. His passion for science kept him consulting in remote sensing and spectral interpretation until earlier this year, when at the age of 87 he decided to retire completely.

 

A longer tribute is provided here:

https://www.clymerfuneralhome.com/obituary/john-jack-salisbury

 

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SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR ASTRONOMY

 

Summer School in Software Systems for Astronomy (SSfA-8) will again be offered online this year, and will be spread over 7 weeks, 21-Jun to 30-Jul, 2021. The course covers the design and implementation of software for telescope and instrument control systems, observation planning tools, and software for analyzing and archiving astronomical data.

 

If you are not a University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) student, follow the instructions given at this link:

 

https://astro.uhh.hawaii.edu/ssfa.php#Special_Summer_Note

 

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INSIGHTSEERS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS OPEN 

 

The InSight team is recruiting a second round of **InSightSeers**. This is a program intended to expose early career scientists to the experience of working on an interplanetary mission team. They will be paired with a mentor from the science team and allowed to observe the virtual science team meeting in its entirety from 28 June – 2 July 2021. We hope that this will provide valuable insight (ha) into the work and team dynamics that take place on missions and help early career scientists make informed decisions about their career paths.

 

This opportunity is open to graduate students in or beyond their third year of postgraduate studies (PhD or Master’s) and early career scientists within seven years of receiving their post-graduate degree. Respondents will be selected based upon the anticipated impact to their career path and the alignment of their research interests with the scientific objectives of the mission. InSight recognizes and supports the benefits of having diverse and inclusive communities and expects that such values will be reflected in this opportunity. Questions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line **InSightSeers**. For more details and to apply, fill out this form by Friday 28 May 2021: https://forms.gle/QvSUMfr5gWb7Mdrt8

 

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JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

A. Postdoctoral researcher position, U. Maryland College Park

 

Modeling rarefied gas drag on cometary dust.

http://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/82169

 

Any questions regarding this position should be addressed to Dr. Christine Hartzell ([email protected]).

 

B. Hess Research Fellowship in Earth, Ocean, Astronomy and Environmental Sciences, U. Victoria, Canada

 

content/hess-research-fellowship-earth-ocean-astronomy-and-environmental-sciences

 

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Send submissions to:

 

Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You’re receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

Issue 21-09, April 25, 2021

 

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. DART BOARDERS PROGRAM
2. EPSC 2021 ICE GIANT SYSTEM SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION
3. SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) STEERING COMMITTEE POSITIONS OPEN
4. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
5. NEW PLANETARY SOCIETY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
6. NASA COMMUNITY COLLEGE NETWORK INVITES SCIENTISTS TO PARTICIPATE
7. JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

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1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

 

DART BOARDERS PROGRAM

 

Inspired by similar programs on other missions (Dragonfly, Psyche, InSight, and Europa Clipper), the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Investigation Team is organizing a pilot program intended to expose early career scientists to the experience of working on a mission team. We are inviting a select number of senior graduate students and early career scientists (less than 7 years since PhD or Masters’ degree) to be “DART Boarders” to observe our next mission Investigation Team meeting from 14-18 June, 2021. We hope that this will provide valuable insight into the work and team dynamics that take place on missions, help early career scientists make informed decisions about their career paths, and potentially provide opportunities for networking among the DART Boarders and between them and the team. Unfortunately, we cannot offer support for time spent in the program, but we anticipate a time commitment of roughly 16-20 hours spread over the week of the team meeting, with a few introductory hours the prior week.

 

This opportunity is open to advanced graduate students and early career scientists regardless of nationality. We note that the team meeting will be virtual and held during typical North American working hours. Respondents will be selected based upon the anticipated impact to their career path and the alignment of their research interests with the scientific objectives of the mission, while giving preference to candidates who do not have existing connections to the team via existing advisor-student relationships. DART recognizes and supports the benefits of having diverse and inclusive communities and expects that such values will be reflected in this opportunity. Questions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line “DART Boarders”.

 

Please indicate your interest by filling out the following form by Tuesday, 11 May, 2021: https://forms.gle/LF3K9vtKMP6xCRwq6

 

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EPSC 2021 ICE GIANT SYSTEM SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION

 

Abstract submission open until May 26

 

Conveners: D.H. Atkinson, O. Mousis, S.K. Atreya, T. Cavalie, K.E. Mandt, A. Probst, M. Hofstadter, L.N. Fletcher, J.-P. Lebreton

 

This session will cover all aspects of ice giant (IG) systems including (but not limited to) the atmospheric structure and composition, magnetospheres, interiors, satellites, and rings of the IGs. Interdisciplinary, cross-cutting themes of ice giant planet exploration, such as the relationship to exoplanetary science and connections to heliophysics are also included in the session. The session will comprise a combination of solicited and contributed oral and poster presentations on new, continuing, and future studies of the ice giant systems and the importance of the ice giants to  models of the formation and evolution of the giant planets and solar systems.

 

For more information, please email [email protected]

 

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SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) STEERING COMMITTEE POSITIONS OPEN

 

We are seeking applications for four positions for the Steering Committee of the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG), with three-year terms starting in August 2021.

 

The SBAG Steering Committee organizes SBAG meetings, writes the official SBAG findings, and takes a leadership role in other activities where community input on topics of interest is needed. The application requires a) a two-page CV, which should include a description of participation in SBAG or other small bodies community organizations, and b) a one-page statement of interest. Previous participation in SBAG is preferred, but not required. Please send your applications by email to Bonnie Buratti ([email protected]) by May 17, 2021, 8:00 PM Eastern time. The current Steering Committee will select new members prior to the 25rd Meeting of SBAG, June 7-8, 2021.

 

Bonnie Buratti, SBAG Steering Committee Chair

Website: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/

 

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ARECIBO OBSERVATORY QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE

 

The Spring 2021 Arecibo Observatory Newsletter is now available! Each newsletter features science highlights and updates about the telescope, staff, and current education programs. The newsletter also includes articles about recent AO planetary science observations and publications. You can subscribe to receive future newsletters via email: Join AO Newsletter list.

 

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NEW PLANETARY SOCIETY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

 

The Planetary Society invites proposals to its new grants program, Science and Technology Empowered by the Public (STEP) Grants. These are planetary science or technology grants chosen from an open, international, competed proposal process. Proposals must fit within one or more of The Planetary Society’s core enterprises (Explore Worlds, Find Life, Defend Earth). All funding will come from Planetary Society members and donors. Grant winners need to provide regular, short project updates and be willing to support The Planetary Society’s efforts to share the content and excitement of the project with members and the public. Preliminary proposals (pre-proposals) are due May 26, 2021. Based on the pre-proposal submissions, a small number of proposers will be invited to submit full proposals from which grant selections will be made. For this first round of STEP Grants, the nominal expectation is two awards at approximately the US $50,000 level each.

For more information, visit http://planetary.org/stepgrants

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NASA COMMUNITY COLLEGE NETWORK INVITES SCIENTISTS TO PARTICIPATE

 

The NASA Community College Network (NCCN), operated by the SETI Institute through funding from NASA’s Science Activation program, is recruiting 25 NASA-funded scientists to participate from April 2021 through June 2022 to help shape the development of their network. This program will bring NASA subject matter experts, research findings, and educational resources into the science classrooms of the United States’ community college system. NCCN is accepting applications which will be considered to ensure broad-scale representation from across the United States for this pilot cohort.

 

Participants will work with NCCN to bring accessible content to community colleges. This might involve refining and developing materials or directly connecting with community college instructors and their students. The NCCN team will facilitate and coordinate interactions and activities with participating community college instructors. Participants will also attend a total of 10 hours of virtual project meetings, and sessions discussing best practices for sharing NASA science content and resources with community college instructors and students. Flexible options will be offered to fit your schedule. Participants will also contribute to the assessment of the NCCN program by participating in occasional surveys and interviews conducted by the program’s external evaluator.

 

If you are interested in this program and can make the commitment, please complete the participant information form at

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUJrte3BB_6L5jYMPzKtQqok7D09-Frd7qROr3LO0kzzuSsw/viewform

 

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JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

 

A. Preceptor in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University

 

https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/80a2ed41

 

B. Postdoctoral research scientist at The Planetary Science Institute

 

https://www.psi.edu/about/hr

 

C. Ph.D. position in exoplanetary science at U. Central Florida

 

For more information, reach out to Prof. Ramirez at [email protected]

 

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Send submissions to:

 

Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You’re receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

Issue 21-08, April 11, 2021
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1. DAIS (Disabled for Accessibility In Space)
2. 12TH ANNUAL LUNGRADCON
3. PROOFING PLANETARY 2020 AUTHOR METADATA FOR WHITEPAPERS
4. DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE APR 15
5. SPECIAL ISSUE OF SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS: ICE GIANTS IN SITU
6. DUAL-ANONYMOUS PEER REVIEW TOWN HALL FOR NASA PLANETARY AND EXOPLANET RESEARCH PROGRAMS
7. COMMUNICATING WITH POLICY MAKERS
8. JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

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DAIS (DISABLED FOR ACCESSIBILITY IN SPACE)

DAIS is a support, networking, and advocacy group welcoming all disabled and chronically ill people working in or associated with space-related fields. Some people may be unsure whether they identify as disabled. If you have a disease or physical/cognitive condition that creates personal obstacles and permeates your life at work and at home, then you belong here regardless of how you describe it. We’re using a platform called Mighty Networks, which works similar to a Facebook group but with no ads or selling data. It’s simple to use in a browser or on mobile. Use the link below or contact me for an invite, and spread the word!

Landing page: https://spacedais.mn.co
Contact: [email protected]

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12TH ANNUAL LUNAR AND SMALL BODIES GRADUATE CONFERENCE

The 12th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2021) is to be held virtually on Thursday and Friday, July 15-16th 2021, preceding the combined NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF) and European Lunar Symposium (ELS), July 20-23rd). LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career postdocs studying all aspects of the moon or other small bodies to present their research in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In addition to pre-recorded virtual presentations, the conference will feature Q&A panels with SSERVI leadership and other groups to help grad students navigate the paths to careers in space science. Students who are interested in small body space science are encouraged to register and attend. Even if you choose not to give a talk, LunGradCon is a great opportunity to meet and network with other upcoming space scientists. Registration and abstract submission info can be found on the conference website at http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/ 

The deadline for LunGradCon abstract submission is May 14th, 2021, 11:59 PM PDT.

For more details, please visit:
http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/
or email any questions to: [email protected]

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PROOFING PLANETARY 2020 AUTHOR METADATA FOR WHITEPAPERS

Deadline Monday April 26

Before we assign DOIs to the whitepapers and upload their information to scholarly publishing indexes like NASA ADS, we invite authors to review “proof” versions of their submissions. Because the final published documents must represent what was actually reviewed by the Decadal Survey committees, we can only accept critical updates to the whitepaper metadata, such as missing, incorrect, or mis-ordered author names. Different groups chose whether to include “endorsers” or “co-signers” on their author lists, and the BAAS metadata reflect the choice that was made at submission time.

To submit a correction, please download a personal copy of the following spreadsheet and fill it out with your corrected metadata:
http://bit.ly/psabds-baas-metadata

Then email this spreadsheet by April 26 with a copy of your whitepaper updated to match the corrected metadata to [email protected]. Please do not make any other changes to the whitepaper content.

Julie Steffen, AAS Chief Publishing Officer & Peter Williams, AAS Innovation Scientist

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DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE APR 15

A few days are left! The deadline for all DPS prize nominations is April 15. Please see prizes for more information.

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SPECIAL ISSUE OF SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS: ICE GIANTS IN SITU

On 25 – 27 February, 2019, an international workshop on “In Situ Exploration of the Ice Giants: Science and Technology” was convened at the Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille, France. Co-sponsored by CNRS, CNES, and JPL, the workshop was dedicated to scientific and technology topics relevant to future in situ exploration of ice giant planet atmospheres, including the overall need for and requirements of ice giant system exploration in the context of future ice giant, gas giant, solar system, and exoplanetary studies. The Workshop comprised 65 presentations separated into sessions dedicated to the context for ice giant exploration (giant planets, exoplanets, and origins), ice giant atmospheres (composition, structure, and dynamics), ice giant interiors, needed technologies (entry systems, and radioisotope power systems), instrumentation, and mission concept options.

A special issue of Space Science Reviews was recently published comprising papers based on presentations and discussions from the Marseille 2019 meeting. The special issue includes timely and comprehensive reviews of the status of science, instrumentation, mission concept, and technology topics relevant to the exploration of ice giant planet atmospheres with entry probes, including key scientific questions, how to achieve them, and technology challenges.

The special issue of Space Science Reviews on In Situ Exploration of the Ice Giants: Science and Technology can be found at 

https://bit.ly/3dPUagC

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DUAL-ANONYMOUS PEER REVIEW TOWN HALL FOR NASA PLANETARY AND EXOPLANET RESEARCH PROGRAMS 

On April 28, 2021 at 3 PM Eastern, NASA’s Planetary Science Division (PSD) will host a webinar to discuss the implementation of Dual-Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR) for the following programs under ROSES-2021: Cassini Data Analysis Program, Discovery Data Analysis Program, Exoplanet Research Program, New Frontiers Data Analysis Program, Lunar Data Analysis Program, and the Mars Data Analysis Program.

In Dual-Anonymous Peer Review, not only are proposers unaware of the identity of reviewers, but the reviewers do not have explicit knowledge of the proposing teams and institutions during the scientific evaluation of the proposal.  The webinar will: (1) discuss the motivation for switching to dual-anonymous peer review, (2) describe important changes to proposal writing to be compliant with dual-anonymous peer review, and (3) explain how dual-anonymous peer reviews will work.

In advance of the webinar, questions may be submitted and upvoted on at:
https://arc.cnf.io/sessions/tgwj/

The webinar will be broadcast live via WebEx. Connection details follow:
Join from the meeting link
https://nasaenterprise.webex.com/nasaenterprise/j.php?MTID=mc0083f862cf0d9ce33b27fc0391dd6f0

Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 199 756 1176
Meeting password: DaPR-2021

Join by phone
+1-929-251-9612 USA Toll 2
+1-415-527-5035 US Toll
Global call-in numbers

For more information on dual-anonymous peer review, please visit:
https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/dual-anonymous-peer-review

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COMMUNICATING WITH POLICY MAKERS 

LPI’s Sharing Planetary Science seminars are for planetary scientists (including early-career scientists and planetary engineers) interested in engaging public audiences. Join us on Tuesday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m. CDT to learn how to reach out to and communicate your research and issues effectively with legislators. Experts from AGU’s Public Affairs team will share an overview and tips and respond to your questions. Registration fees are not being collected for this seminar, but registration is required. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XvB-AqFmQ0aIG4LhPBa7EQ.

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JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

A. Constraining the Love number k2, h2 of exoplanets (Berlin, Germany)

content/constraining-love-number-k2-h2-exoplanets

B. Lecturer in Planetary Science, Open Universe

https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/3dc03a30

C. Faculty position in Exoplanets and Planetary Science, Universidad Adolfo Ibanez

https://jobregister.aas.org/

D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow on Exoplanetary Atmospheres, SAO

https://jobregister.aas.org/

E. Postdoctoral Research Position in Exoplanet Imaging and AO, UA

https://jobregister.aas.org/ad/cdb43d1f

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You’re receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters 

Issue 21-07, March 27, 2021
+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE APR 15
2. NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
3. EXTRATERRESTRIAL MATERIALS ANALYSIS GROUP (EXMAG) SPRING MEETING AND CALL FOR MEMBERS 
4. NEOWISE 2021 DATA RELEASE AVAILABLE MARCH 24, 2021
5. EXMAG IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR OPEN POSITIONS
6. JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

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DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE APR 15

Reminder that the deadline for all DPS prize nominations has been extended to April 15. Please see prizes for more information.

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

The Planetary Science Advisory Committee (PAC) supports the advisory needs of the Planetary Science Division (PSD), the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), and other mission directorates as required, as well as the NASA Administrator. The advisory scope of the PAC includes all aspects of NASA’s planetary science program, including scientific research; considerations of the development of near-term enabling technologies, systems, and computing and information management capabilities; and developments with the potential to provide long-term improvements in future mission operational systems.

NASA’s PSD is extending an invitation for nominations for service on the PAC. Interested members of the community are invited to review the charter and to submit nominations (including self-nominations) for consideration to fill vacancies on the Committee. Additional details can be found at https://www.lpi.usra.edu/planetary_news/2021/03/22/nasas-psd-is-accepting-nominations-for-the-pac/

and more information on the PAC at https://science.nasa.gov/nac/science-advisory-committees/pac

Stephen Rinehart
Director, Planetary Research Programs

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EXTRATERRESTRIAL MATERIALS ANALYSIS GROUP (EXMAG) SPRING MEETING AND CALL FOR MEMBERS 

The ExMAG Spring Meeting will be held April 7 and 8, 2021 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. EDT. The focus will be on curation of extraterrestrial materials, their allocation, and upcoming sample return missions. The meeting will include NASA HQ and Curation updates, reports on the collections, briefs on sample returns in progress and planned, and talks on advanced curation methods.

Registration fees are not being collected for this virtual meeting, but registration is required by April 4, 2021. https://www.hou.usra.edu/meeting_portal/registration/index.cfm?mtg=exmagspring2021

ExMAG is also recruiting five new members. Applications are due March 31. Please see details here: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/captem/meetings/captemspring2021/ExMAG_Call-for-members_2021.pdf

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NEOWISE 2021 DATA RELEASE AVAILABLE MARCH 24, 2021

The Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) and IPAC at the California Institute of Technology announce the NEOWISE 2021 Data Release.

The 2021 Data Release includes all data acquired during the seventh year of the NEOWISE Reactivation mission (Mainzer et al. 2014, ApJ, 792, 30), 13 December 2019 to 13 December 2020. These data are combined with the Year 1-6 NEOWISE data into a single archive that contains approximately 17.8 million sets of 3.4 and 4.6 micron images and a database of over 133 billion source detections extracted from those images.

NEOWISE scanned the sky nearly fourteen complete times during the first seven years of survey operations, with approximately six months between survey passes. With twelve or more independent 3.4 and 4.6 micron exposures made on each point of the sky during each survey epoch, the NEOWISE archive is a time-domain resource for extracting multiple, independent thermal flux and position measurements of solar system small bodies, as well as background galactic and extragalactic sources.

A quick guide to the NEOWISE data release, data access instructions and supporting documentation is available at http://wise2.ipac.caltech.edu/docs/release/neowise/.

Access to the NEOWISE data products is available via the on-line and API services of the NASA/IPAC Infrared Science Archive (IRSA) at https://irsa.ipac.caltech.edu.

NEOWISE is a joint project of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology and the University of Arizona, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Planetary Science Division.

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EXMAG IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR OPEN POSITIONS
The Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG, formerly CAPTEM) is seeking applications for open positions starting in April 2021. ExMAG is a community-based, interdisciplinary group providing a forum for discussion and analysis of matters concerning the collection, curation, and analysis of extraterrestrial samples, including planning future sample return missions. Applications for open positions are due March 31, 2021. Details and application instructions can be found at: https://bit.ly/39kOwl3

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JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

A. Faculty position in Exoplanets and Planetary Sciences, Santiago, Chile

content/faculty-position-exoplanets-and-planetary-sciences

B. Postdoctoral Research Associate in cometary science, Edinburgh

The successful candidate will join the research group led by Dr Colin Snodgrass and Dr Cyrielle Opitom at the University of Edinburgh.

The research goal of this position is to advance our understanding of the formation, evolution, and composition of comets. The successful candidate will work together with Dr Snodgrass and Dr Opitom on a variety of projects in this area, depending on their experience and research interests. Potential areas of interest include (but are not restricted to):

https://elxw.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/722 for more information, or contact [email protected][email protected]> and/or [email protected][email protected]>

C. Tenure-track asst professor in planetary science, U. Washington, Seattle 

The University of Washington Department of Earth and Space Sciences seeks an outstanding scientist working at the forefront of research in one of more of the following areas: planetary geology, geomorphology, geochemistry, glaciology, or geophysics. They may focus on observations, experiments, and/or modeling of surfaces, atmospheres, or interiors of planets, exoplanets, or moons. We seek a colleague who can provide high quality teaching and contribute collaboratively within the department, college, and across campus. 

Preference will be given to applications received before May 7th, 2021. For full details, please see: apply.interfolio.com/85329

D. Hess Research Fellowship in Earth, Ocean, Astronomy and Environmental Sciences, Victoria, BC

node/2334

E. Staff Scientist at NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI)

node/2329

F. POSITIONS IN THE PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION (PSD) AT NASA HEADQUARTERS

NASA Program Scientists tackle a wide variety of challenges. These include: developing, operating, and maintaining Research & Analysis grants programs; serving as the Headquarters scientific lead for one or more Planetary Science missions; and helping implement and communicate the Planetary Science Division’s strategic goals. Program scientists can have substantial influence on strategic planning and can help shape the long-term scientific direction of missions and programs that they Oversee.

The Planetary Science Division (PSD) anticipates hiring one or more new program scientists, either as civil or through a detail or the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). More information on both types of positions can be found at:

https://science.nasa.gov/about-us/job-opportunities

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You are receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

Issue 21-06, March 16, 2021

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS
2. ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ICARUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF POSITION
3. 2021 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL
4. CONFERENCE ON APPLICATIONS OF STATISTICAL METHODS AND MACHINE LEARNING IN THE SPACE SCIENCES
5. SBAG EARLY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
6. JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

 

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DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS

 

The deadline for all DPS prize nominations has been extended to April 15. Please see prizes for more information.

 

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ICARUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF POSITION

 

The DPS Committee and its Publications Subcommittee are accepting applications for the position of Icarus Editor-in-Chief. We will use these applications to make a recommendation to representatives of Elsevier, the publisher of Icarus. The application, consisting of a cover letter with a 5-year vision statement and a list of skills and experience brought to the position, and a Curriculum Vita and publications list, should be submitted to the Chair of the Publications Subcommittee, Dr. Catherine Neish ([email protected]). Review of the applications will begin on April 1, 2021; the anticipated start date is May 1, 2021.

 

The Editor in Chief of Icarus is responsible for overseeing the peer review process alongside a team of Editors and working with the Editorial Advisory Board. The role includes working with the Publisher and the DPS to shape the strategy and direction of the journal as well as commissioning research articles, review articles, and special issues. We are therefore looking for a person who is committed to publication excellence and who has broad knowledge of planetary science. Ideally, the candidate will have a track record of contributing to Icarus either as an author, reviewer, guest Editor, Editor, or Advisory Board Member and should have a strong publication record. Other forms of peer reviewing expertise, such as grant review panels would also be considered as relevant experience. Elsevier will pay the Editor-in-Chief an honorarium and expenses to cover journal-related travel.

 

We thank Rosaly Lopes for her service over the past three years and wish her the best in her new role at JPL.

 

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2021 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL

 

Applications Due April 1, 2021

 

Offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, PSSS is a 3-month long career development experience to learn the development of a hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, life cycle, costs, schedule & the trade-offs inherent in each.

 

Science & engineering doctoral candidates, recent PhDs, postdocs, certain engineering MS students, & junior faculty who are U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents (and a very limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated counties) are eligible. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

 

Session 1: May 24-Aug 6

 

Session 2: May 24-Aug 20

 

With workload of a rigorous 3-hour graduate-level course, participants spend the first 10 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, & spend the final culminating week mentored by the JPL Advance Project Design Team to refine their planetary science mission concept design & present it to a mock expert review board. The culminating week is typically at JPL, however in 2021 it is likely to be virtual due to Covid-19 pandemic conditions.

For more information and to apply, visit https://go.nasa.gov/2Q1RrZ9

 

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CONFERENCE ON APPLICATIONS OF STATISTICAL METHODS AND MACHINE LEARNING IN THE SPACE SCIENCES

 

17-21 May 2021, Virtual

 

Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, is hosting a virtual conference with the goal to bring together academia and industry to leverage the advancements in statistics, data science, methods of artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning and deep learning, and information theory to improve the analytic models and their predictive capabilities making use of the enormous data in the field of space sciences.

 

Conceived as a multidisciplinary gathering, this conference welcomes researchers from all disciplines of space science: (solar physics, planetary sciences, geology, exoplanet and astrobiology, galaxies), from the fields of AI, statistics, data science and from industry who make use of statistical analysis and methods of AI.

 

There will be limited funds for waiving the registration fee for students and early careers. Please indicate if you are requesting registration fee waiver when you submit your abstracts.

 

Abstract submission and registration opens: 15 February 2021

 

Abstract submission closes: 31 March 2021

 

Registration closes: 30 April 2021

 

Further details of the conference can be found at: http://spacescience.org/workshops/mlconference2021.php.

 

For questions, please email: [email protected] or reach out to any member on the SOC.

 

Bala Poduval

 

On Behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee: M. Balikhin, J. Borovsky, R. D’Amicis, M. Dainotti, M. Georgoulis, J. Johnson, K. Pitman, B. Poduval, R. Shuping, O. Verkhoglyadova, S. Wing, P. Wintoft.

 

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SBAG EARLY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

 

The 25th Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) meeting will be virtual on 7 – 8 June 2021. We have two opportunities at this upcoming SBAG meeting specifically for the early career small body community:

 

Invited early-career speakers: We plan to select up to two early-career researchers to give invited 15-minute talks (including Q&A). Interested undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and other early career scientists (within 5 years of terminal degree) should submit a letter and a two-page CV to the SBAG Early-Career Secretary, Terik Daly ([email protected]), via email by COB (5 pm Eastern time) on 9 April 2021. The letter, which must not exceed 2 pages, should explain how the applicant’s work relates to the purposes of SBAG, how the applicant plans to contribute to the meeting, and how the opportunity will advance the applicant’s career. The letter and CV should be combined into a single PDF attached to the email. We encourage applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

 

Lightning Talks: We will provide time on the agenda for early-career scientists and engineers attending the meeting to introduce themselves and their research to the community. The talks will be ~3 minutes, with the exact length depending on the number of presenters. If you are interested in giving a lightning talk, please email the Early-Career Secretary, Terik Daly ([email protected]) by COB (5 pm Eastern time) on 7 May 2021. Attach a single slide, in PDF format, with your name, affiliation, slide title, and a figure or two that highlight your research. We encourage presenters from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

 

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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

 

A) Staff Scientist at NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI)

 

node/2329

 

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

 

You are receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

 

Issue 21-05, March 7, 2021
+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. CALL FOR DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS 
2. ICARUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHANGE COMING
3. NASA PLANETARY DATA SYSTEMS PROVIDES NEW RESOURCES
4. APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2021 JOSEP COMAS I SOLA INTERNATIONAL  ASTROBIOLOGY SCHOOL 
5. EMERGING RESEARCHERS IN EXOPLANET SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM 
6. LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS DIVISION VIRTUAL MEETING JUN 7-9, 2021
7. 2021B NASA IRTF CALL FOR PROPOSALS
8. JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

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CALL FOR DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS
 
Deadline: April 1, 2021

Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. Please consider nominating a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes. 

The DPS sponsors five prizes:

The Gerard P. Kuiper Prize [prizes/kuiper] recognizes and honors outstanding contributors to the field of planetary science.

The Claudia J. Alexander Prize [prizes/alexander] recognizes excellence and achievements by a mid-career scientist. 

The Harold C. Urey Prize [prizes/urey] recognizes and encourages outstanding achievements in planetary research by an early-career scientist.

The Harold Masursky Award [prizes/masursky] recognizes and honors individuals who have rendered outstanding service to planetary science and exploration through – but not limited to – engineering, managerial, programmatic, editorial, or public service activities.

The Carl Sagan Medal [prizes/sagan] recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to the general public.

The Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award [prizes/eberhart] recognizes and stimulates distinguished popular writing on planetary sciences.

DPS members and the planetary science community-at-large are encouraged to submit nominations for DPS prizes.

A complete nomination submitted by the deadline will be considered by the DPS Prize subcommittee for 3 years (i.e. for this year’s award, next year’s award, and the year after that), or for the duration of a candidate’s eligibility, whichever is less. Please fill out the nomination form [prizes/eberhart#Nomination], and it will be submitted to the prize subcommittee. The Eberhart Award has different rules and procedures than the other DPS Prizes, please see its page [prizes/eberhart-nomination-form] for more information.

Scroll to the bottom of prizes for rules and procedures.
Questions: Email [email protected]

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ICARUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHANGE IN NEAR FUTURE
 
After over 3 years as Editor-in-Chief for Icarus, I am stepping down from this role and DPS will be working with Elsevier to appoint my replacement. I have greatly enjoyed my term but decided to step down due to my increased responsibilities as Chief Scientist for the Planetary Science Directorate at JPL. I thank DPS and Elsevier for the fantastic opportunity and will remain as Icarus Editor-in-Chief until my replacement is appointed.
 
My work during the last 3 years was made easier by the helpful and supportive Elsevier staff and, in particular, by the Icarus Managing Editor, Eva Scalzo. Most of all, I thank the authors, reviewers, members of the Advisory Board, the Consulting Editors, and the very hard-working and dedicated Associate Editors.
 
Rosaly Lopes

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NASA PLANETARY DATA SYSTEMS PROVIDES NEW RESOURCES

NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS) announces new web pages designed to provide a comprehensive set of resources for R & A proposers who are considering archiving their data in the PDS: https://pds.nasa.gov/home/proposers/. These pages cover the how and why of archiving in the PDS, from requesting letters of support for proposals to the entire archiving process. Proposers are encouraged to consult these pages as a first stop for seeking information about data archiving, followed by making contact with the relevant PDS node(s). We welcome your input on the usability of this new resource for the planetary community; please send all feedback to Nancy Chanover ([email protected]).

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APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR THE 2021 JOSEP COMAS I SOLA INTERNATIONAL ASTROBIOLOGY SCHOOL 

Searching for Life on Mars: Techniques and Challenges

The 2021 International Summer School in Astrobiology will review and assess the types of techniques that are necessary for detection of biosignatures on Mars, including Raman spectroscopy, the isotopic and chirality analyses that Rosalind Franklin rover will perform, and the advanced techniques needed to analyze samples both in-situ and in Earth-based laboratories. The central question will be “how can we unequivocally detect biosignatures on Mars?” and the discussions will involve in-situ rovers, sample collecting and return, laboratory analyses on Earth, and the experiments that future human explorers may be able to perform. The lectures will be focused on instrumentation and techniques. In addition to lectures, during the week the students will participate in discussions about the theme, prepare and present group projects, and take part in an excursion to a relevant geological site near Santander.

Dates: Monday, September 6 through Friday, September 10, 2021

The application deadline is Thursday, April 1, 2021, and selections will be made by May 1, 2021

The school is primarily aimed at graduate students in science or engineering, but is open to anyone interested in the origin of life and astrobiology. Applicants requesting NASA Astrobiology Program support must be students affiliated with US institutions. Instructions for how to apply found at this site:

https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/career-funding/astrobiology-summer-school/

Questions can be directed to Melissa Kirven at [email protected].

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EMERGING RESEARCHERS IN EXOPLANET SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM 

We are pleased to announce the sixth Emerging Researchers in Exoplanet Science Symposium (ERES), to be held May 24-26, 2021. ERES is aimed at early career scientists (graduate student, postdoc, advanced undergraduate) working in all branches of exoplanetary science and related disciplines. Its purpose is to give these emerging researchers the opportunity to present their research to an interested audience, to provide opportunities to network with peers, and to enhance collaborations within the exoplanet community. ERES has been held annually on a rotating basis between partner institutions since 2015 (see 1,2,3,4,5). Current partners include Cornell, Penn State, Princeton, and Yale.

In 2021, we had hoped to organize an in-person conference at Princeton. We expect however that the online format will provide many benefits. Along with plenary sessions, the event will include discussion panels, focused on career development and public engagement respectively. There will also be a virtual poster session, and time for lightly structured interaction via gather.town. The event is scheduled for 1-5pm Eastern, May 24-26, 2021. It will be live and synchronous. The abstract submission deadline is April 2, 2021, at 5pm Eastern. Additional information is available at: https://eres2021.com/

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LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS DIVISION VIRTUAL MEETING JUN 7-9, 2021

Contributed Oral and Poster Abstract Submission – Now OPEN (Deadline March 16, 2021)
 
Dear Planetary Sciences and Astrophysics Colleagues,
 
We invite you to submit abstracts (Deadline March 16, 2021) to the Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) meeting, held together with 238th AAS Virtual Meeting (June 7-9, 2021) for contributed Oral and iPoster-plus (also oral) presentations. Abstracts from any area of Laboratory Astrophysics (which includes Planetary Sciences) are accepted. Important details are given below. Please mark your calendar and join us from your home virtually!
 
Room has been left in the schedule for several contributed talks and iposter-plus talks! Please plan to attend and present your latest results at what will be one of top meetings for Laboratory Astrophysics in 2021!
 
We encourage observers and modelers who use laboratory data to present your work and form collaborations with the laboratory researchers. Similarly, if you are a laboratory researcher, showcase your work and meet observers and modelers for potential future collaborations.
 
Laboratory astrophysics is the Rosetta Stone that enables astronomers to understand and interpret the cosmos. 
 
Please go to https://aas.org/meetings/aas238 for abstract submission, registration, etc. 
 
For the LAD Executive Committee,
 
Murthy Gudipati
Vice-chair
Laboratory Astrophysics Division
American Astronomical Society

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2021B NASA IRTF CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The due date for the 2021B semester (August 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022) is Thursday, April 1, 2021. See our online submission form http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/applicationForms.php, which is available for proposal submission from 12:00AM on March 01, 2021 until 5:00PM on April 01, 2021 HST. Available instruments include: (1) SpeX, a 0.7 – 5.3 micron cross-dispersed medium-resolution spectrograph (up to R=2,500) and imager; (2) MORIS, a 512×512 pixel Andor CCD camera (60″x60″ field-of-view) mounted at the side-facing window of the SpeX cryostat that can be used simultaneously with SpeX; (3) iSHELL, a 1.1 – 5.3 micron cross-dispersed echelle spectrograph (up to R=75,000) and imager. Information on available facility and visitor instruments and performance can be found at: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/instruments. Exposure time calculators for SpeX and iSHELL are available on the respective instrument webpages.
Please see http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callForProposals.php for the full text.

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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

A) Deputy Director for Science at Lowell Observatory

content/deputy-director-science

B) ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme

content/esa-archival-research-visitor-programme

C) NanoSIMS Research Scientist

content/nanosims-research-scientist

D) Postdoctoral Researcher (Visiting) (Urey Fellowship) 

The Urey Post-doctoral Fellowship recognizes and promotes excellence in research for scientists who are at least two years past their doctorate and have a strong publication record. The Urey Fellow is expected to define their own research directions and foci within the planetary sciences. More information is found here: bit.ly/LPIUrey

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You are receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

Issue 21-04, February 21, 2021
+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. SAVE THE DATE FOR DPS 2021 MEETING
2. BLACK HISTORY MONTH: DPS AND NSBP 
3. PLANETARY AND ASTROBIOLOGY DECADAL SURVEY SESSION
4. INSIGHTSEERS PROGRAM
5. ROCK, DUST AND ICE: INTERPRETING PLANETARY DATA
6. ASTROMETRY REQUEST FOR TNO OBSERVERS
7. 2021B NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS
8. ORCAS SCIENCE CASE WITH KECK: CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS
9. JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

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SAVE THE DATE FOR DPS 2021 MEETING

The DPS committee is planning to have a meeting in 2021, so please save the date: 3-8 October, 2021. The DPS Committee is working toward making a go/no go decision on whether to hold the 2021 DPS meeting in person in Providence, RI or as a virtual meeting (similar to the 2020 meeting). In conjunction with the AAS staff, we have established a schedule for making the decision in an effort to allow timely planning for the community and the meeting organizers. After receiving a final risk assessment from the AAS leadership, the DPS Committee will make a decision in spring, and this will in turn enable the AAS staff to complete necessary logistics work and negotiations. After this work by AAS is complete, we anticipate being able to give a final decision to the DPS community by late spring.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: DPS AND NSBP

In celebration of Black History Month, the DPS Planetary Culture and Climate Subcommittee and the National Society of Black Physicists would like to advertise online features that call attention to contributions from members of the Black community in astronomy and physics.

The NSBP publishes blog posts profiling the lives and contributions of prominent figures, such as Dr. Edward Bouchet, Dr. Willie Hobbs Moore, Dr. Elmer Imes, Mary Jackson and Dr. George Carruthers, among others:

https://nsbp.org/blogpost/1914810/Black-History-Month-2021

Check back throughout the month as more profiles are added!

In its Black History Month feature, the American Astronomical Society has also released a set of current member profiles: https://aas.org/BHM2021-member-profiles

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PLANETARY AND ASTROBIOLOGY DECADAL SURVEY SESSION

We would like to call the community’s attention to an upcoming session of the Planetary and Astrobiology Decadal Survey on planetary research and analysis programs. Members of the DPS leadership and white paper lead authors have been invited to make presentations to the panel on behalf of the DPS community. If there are specific concerns you would like us to raise with the panel, please send feedback to the DPS Chair, Amy Mainzer ([email protected]). The panel will be held on March 3, 2021, and a portion of the session is open to the public. Connection information and the day’s agenda has not been posted yet but will be found here:
https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/03-03-2021/planetary-science-and-astrobiology-decadal-survey-2023-2032-meeting-10

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INSIGHTSEERS PROGRAM

Inspired by the success of similar programs on other missions (Dragonfly, Psyche, and Europa Clipper), the InSight team (http:mars.nasa.gov) is organizing a pilot program intended to expose early career scientists to the experience of working on a mission science team. We are inviting a select number of senior graduate students and early career scientists to be InSightSeers to observe our next mission science team meeting in March. They will be paired with a mentor from the science team and allowed to observe the virtual science team meeting in its entirety from 8-12 March 2021. We hope that this will provide valuable insight into the work and team dynamics that take place on missions and help early career scientists make informed decisions about their career paths.

This opportunity is open to graduate students in or beyond their third year of earning their post-graduate degree (PhD or Master’s) or early career scientists within seven years of receiving their post-graduate degree. Because of ITAR concerns, at this time the opportunity is limited to U.S. citizens and green card holders. Interested candidates should fill out the form at this link: https://forms.gle/DAyvLHZR8JKMZ7Gj8 and include a short description of their background and research interests, how such an experience could be of benefit to them, and any special interests in particular areas of the InSight mission. Respondents will be selected based upon the anticipated impact to their career path and the alignment of their research interests with the scientific objectives of the mission. InSight recognizes and supports the benefits of having diverse and inclusive communities and expects that such values will be reflected in this opportunity. Questions can be sent to [email protected] with the subject line InSightSeers. This form indicating your interest must be filled out by Wednesday 24 February 2021: https://forms.gle/DAyvLHZR8JKMZ7Gj8 

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ROCK, DUST AND ICE: INTERPRETING PLANETARY DATA

How can we leverage multi-wavelength observations, radiative transfer theory and laboratory work to characterize planetary solids? This 4-day virtual workshop will bring together observers, modelers and laboratory astronomers to discuss the interpretation of observations of rocks, ices and dust on and around Solar System objects. A large variety of complementary observational techniques will be featured, via invited and contributed presentations, as well as different methods to constrain fundamental properties such as composition, porosity, thermal inertia and grain size distribution. The workshop is organized by the SOFIA Science Center, and a special emphasis will be put on mid- and far-IR data. Each daily 3-hour session will include ample time for moderated interdisciplinary discussions. The fourth day will be dedicated to a moderated discussion on databases, archives and public codes.

We welcome attendance from scientists at any career level, especially early career scientists. Attendees are encouraged to submit contributions for posters and short talks, with an abstract submission deadline of March 9, 2021. Registration is free but necessary to attend.

For more information and to register, please see:
https://sofia-science-series.constantcontactsites.com/

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ASTROMETRY REQUEST FOR TNO OBSERVERS

Following on the successful exploration of the dwarf planet Pluto, its small satellites, Charon, and the classical TNO Arrokoth, new spacecraft mission concepts are being studied to again target the dwarf planets and minor bodies of the trans-Neptunian region. One such mission concept is the Interstellar Probe, currently being studied by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), to explore the outer heliosphere and the local interstellar medium, and it could include a planetary flyby. The following TNO dwarf planets are high-priority exploration targets for their size, likely geophysical complexity, compositional heterogeneity, and their relatively low ecliptic latitude, which makes them easier to target than higher latitude targets. 
2002 MS4
Eris
Gonggong (2007 OR10)
Ixion
Orcus
Pluto
Quaoar
Sedna
Varda
Varuna

Due to the fast speed of an Interstellar Probe, and thus the difficulty in changing trajectories en route, it is imperative that orbit solutions for these potential targets be well-constrained by the potential start of a mission in the early 2030s. To this end, we ask you to consider the following:

— Process imaging data in-hand and submitting astrometry to the Minor Planet Center (MPC). Filling in gaps in the MPC astrometry of these targets would further decrease their orbital uncertainties.
— Image these targets as back-up observations for your future observing programs. Such observations could fill time while waiting for a target to rise or while waiting for usable weather conditions. Astrometry from these observations would help to extend the time baseline and thus decrease orbital uncertainties.
— Astrometry from occultations are high-priority measurements. New, high-precision observations represent the best means of reducing orbital uncertainties.

For the Interstellar Probe Concept Study,
Kirby Runyon, Bryan Holler
Lead and Deputy Lead for Planetary Science on Interstellar Probe
[email protected], [email protected]

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2021B NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute is soliciting proposals to use NASA’s portion of time on the Keck Telescopes for the 2021B observing semester (August 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022). All proposals are due by March 18, 2021 at 4 pm Pacific. 

NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic in support of on-going space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals. Proposals are sought to support the science goals and missions in all of the following discipline areas:
OUR OWN SOLAR SYSTEM
EXOPLANET EXPLORATION
PHYSICS OF THE COSMOS
COSMIC ORIGINS
DIRECT MISSION SUPPORT PROPOSALS IN ANY OF THESE AREAS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED

The opportunity to propose as a Principal Investigator for NASA time on the Keck Telescopes is open to all U.S.-based astronomers (a U.S.-based astronomer has their principal affiliation at a U.S. institution). Investigators from institutions outside of the U.S. may participate as Co-Investigators on proposals for NASA Keck time.

Please read the Call for Proposals for complete information, instrument availability, and application guidelines. We also have a short video on How to Apply for NASA Keck Time to get you started.

Key Dates:
March 4: deadline to request General Mission Support letter from NASA HQ
March 18: all proposals and supporting letters due to NExScI by 4 pm Pacific

Call for Proposals: https://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/
Questions: [email protected]

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ORCAS SCIENCE CASE WITH KECK: CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS

We are soliciting White Papers describing breakthrough science cases that would utilize a proposed ORCAS (Orbiting Configurable Artificial Star) adaptive optics (AO) system with the W. M. Keck Observatory. The preliminary science team has come up with a few unique cases including – accessibility to bright extended objects with AO, resolving small bodies throughout the solar system, and integral field spectroscopy of solar system objects. The capabilities of the coupled ORCAS system with Keck AO will enable a pixel size on the order of at least 5.2 mas (at 0.5 micron). White paper contributions will provide valuable input to help define both the scientific program and the instruments to support them. There will be a workshop on ORCAS to discuss potential science cases on March 12, 2021. White papers should be submitted by April 5, 2021 and details/templates can be found here: https://asd.gsfc.nasa.gov/orcas/events/white_papers/ . 

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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

A) Webb Fellowships: Closing Date 4th March 2021

An exciting opportunity will be advertised this week by STFC to exploit the science from the Webb space telescope and to promote community engagement. STFC will be offering 2 dedicated fellowship positions to be held in UK research institutions for up to 5 years. The UK is playing a major role in the Webb and particularly its mid-InfraRed instrument, MIRI and we are looking for excellent and dynamic early career astronomers to champion this amazing facility. Details will be found on the UKRI Funding Finder: 

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_ryjk2Yj2JM3MH3WG3w
PhD position: https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_Pw3MvM3kDRZTXpC26H

Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: March 31, 2021.
For questions (not the application): vsterken [-at-] ethz.ch 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You are receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters

The DPS committee is planning to have a meeting in 2021, so please save the date: 3-8 October, 2021. The DPS Committee is working toward making a go/no go decision on whether to hold the 2021 DPS meeting in person in Providence, RI or as a virtual meeting (similar to the 2020 meeting). In conjunction with the AAS staff, we have established a schedule for making the decision in an effort to allow timely planning for the community and the meeting organizers. After receiving a final risk assessment from the AAS leadership, the DPS Committee will make a decision in spring, and this will in turn enable the AAS staff to complete necessary logistics work and negotiations. After this work by AAS is complete, we anticipate being able to give a final decision to the DPS community by late spring.

 

21 Feb 2021

Issue 21-03, February 7, 2021
+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY REQUESTS FOR ENDORSEMENTS
2. 15TH HELLENIC ASTRONOMICAL CONFERENCE
3. NASA PI LAUNCHPAD
4. BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOURCES FROM AIP
5. 2021 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL
6. BU SHIELD WEBINAR: NANCY CROOKER AND FRAN BAGENAL
7. JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

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ARECIBO OBSERVATORY REQUESTS FOR ENDORSEMENTS

Requests for Endorsements by Wednesday February 10 for “The Future of the Arecibo Observatory: The Next Generation Arecibo Telescope White Paper 2021”
 
The Arecibo Observatory (AO) staff, together with members of the scientific community, prepared the white paper “The Future of the Arecibo Observatory: The Next Generation Arecibo Telescope,” which presents a proposal to replace the legacy 305-m Arecibo telescope with a new, unparalleled instrument that will push forward the boundaries of Planetary Science, Space and Atmospheric Sciences, and Astronomy for decades to come. The science requirements presented in the white paper were established from discussions with the community that is in overwhelming agreement on the need to build an enhanced, next-generation radar-radio telescope at the AO site. 
 
This white paper will be presented to the National Science Foundation (NSF)  and will be shared with representatives from the U.S. Congress in February to request support for the construction of the Next Generation Arecibo Telescope (NGAT). The NGAT concept presented here is not intended to be final, but it lays the groundwork for engineering and optical studies to begin.
 
The community support of this white paper is a crucial factor in the future of AO. Thus, we kindly ask you to sign this form of endorsement for the white paper and to share it with your colleagues (and students) in the science community and out of it. Our goal is to collect the majority of endorsements by February 10th. 
 
To access this White Paper and more related information, click here: http://www.naic.edu/ao/ngat 

To endorse this white paper, click here: 
https://forms.gle/uKPF36H3mBwiizrY9
 

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15TH HELLENIC ASTRONOMICAL CONFERENCE

We would like to invite you to participate in the 15th Hellenic Astronomical Conference, which will take place in Patras, Greece, on July 5-8, 2021. 

https://helas.gr/conf/2021/index.php

The Hellenic Astronomical Conference, organized by the Hellenic Astronomical Society (Hel.A.S. – https://helas.gr), is the major scientific event of the greek astronomical community. The conference occurs every two years in a different part of Greece, and brings together scientists with research interests in Astrophysics, Planetary Science, and Space Physics.

Conference sessions
Session 1: “Heliophysics and the Solar System”
Session 2: “Extragalactic Astronomy and Astrophysics”
Session 3: “Cosmology and Relativistic Astrophysics”
Session 4: “Stars, Planets and the Interstellar Medium”

Important dates
Registration & Abstract Submission opens: February 1st, 2021
Abstract Submission closes: April 30th, 2021 
Notification of Abstract Acceptance: May 17th, 2021 
Registration Deadline: May 31st, 2021 
Conference Program: June 18th, 2021

On behalf of the Scientific & Local Organizing committee,

Prof. Vassilis Charmandaris, President of Hel.A.S.

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NASA PI LAUNCHPAD: DEVELOPING YOUR FIRST FLIGHT MISSION PROPOSAL

Important Dates:
Applications due via NSPIRES: March 22, 2021
Workshop Dates: June 14-June 25
Workshop Location: Virtual via WebEx
 
Are you thinking about developing your first flight mission proposal in the next few years but have no idea where to start? If you are a researcher or engineer who would like to submit a NASA space mission proposal in the next few years but don’t know where to start, this June virtual workshop is for you! We are interested in broadening the pool of potential NASA space mission PIs. People with marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. There is no cost to attend the workshop.

PI Launchpad applications and instructions on how to apply are available on the NSPIRES page for this opportunity. All applications must be submitted as a “Notice of Intent” via NSPIRES as a self-contained PDF file that includes your name, organization, and contact information. To create a new account, please see the NSPIRES User Registration Page.
 
Additional details: 

https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/pi-launchpad

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOURCES FROM AIP

In honor of Black History Month, the American Institute of Physics has gathered some resources featuring African American scientists at all levels, from undergraduate students to working professionals to historical figures whose contributions to science and humanity are worthy of celebration.

https://www.aip.org/diversity-initiatives/black-history-month

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BU SHIELD WEBINAR: NANCY CROOKER AND FRAN BAGENAL

Fri Feb. 12th, 2021 2:00 PM EST

“How discoveries are made: Finding the needle in a haystack”

Speaker: Nancy Crooker

Nancy U. Crooker is an American physicist and professor emerita of space physics at Boston University, Massachusetts. She has made major contributions to the understanding of geomagnetism in the Earth’s magnetosphere and the heliosphere, particularly through the study of interplanetary electrons and magnetic reconnection … Crooker was president of the AGU Space Physics & Aeronomy Section from 2004 to 2006 and served on the AGU Board of Directors from 2010 to 2012.

Speaker: Dr. Fran Bagenal

Dr. Fran Bagenal was born and grew up in England. She studied Physics and Geophysics at the University of Lancaster. In 1976, inspired by NASA’s missions to Mars and the prospect of the Voyager mission, she moved to the US for graduate study at MIT. Her 1981 Ph.D. thesis involved analysis of data from the Voyager Plasma Science experiment in Jupiter’s giant magnetosphere and is a research Scientist at the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics. In addition to the Voyager mission, Dr. Bagenal has been on the science teams of the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Deep Space 1 mission to Comet Borrelly. 

Registration link: 

https://bostonu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYsd-GvqT8jH9fr9zfyVTHZKBM86xnHuv2i

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2021 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL
 
Applications Due April 1st

Offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, PSSS is a 3-month long career development experience to learn the development of a hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each.

Science and engineering doctoral candidates, recent PhDs, postdocs, and junior faculty who are U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents (and a very limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated countries) are eligible. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.

Session 1: May 24-Aug 6

Session 2: May 24-Aug 20

With workload of a rigorous 3-hour graduate-level course, participants spend the first 10 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, and spend the final culminating week mentored by JPL’s Advance Project Design Team to refine their planetary science mission concept design and present it to a mock expert review board.  The culminating week is typically at JPL, however in 2021 it is likely to be virtual due to Covid-19 pandemic conditions.

http://go.nasa.gov/missiondesignschools

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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

A) Research Associate 

Planetary Atmospheres, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leicester

https://jobs.le.ac.uk/vacancies/2535/research-associate-in-planetary-atmospheric-science.html
Salary: Grade 7 £34,804 to £40,322 per annum
Funding is available until 31 March 2022 with a possibility of extension.
Closing date:  28 February 2021
 
The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester invites applications for one or more Research Associates in Planetary Atmospheric Science. 
 
The Research Associates will join the atmospheres team led by Dr. Leigh Fletcher, tasked with addressing the scientific aims of a European Research Council (ERC) grant to explore time-variable processes shaping the atmospheres of the giant planets.  Successful candidates would have existing skills in planetary spectral data analysis and/or numerical modelling expertise of relevance to giant planet atmospheres. 
 
The “GIANTCLIMES” programme investigates natural cycles of meteorology, circulation, and chemical processes shaping the environments of the four giant planets over long spans of time.  Inversions of planetary spectra, from ground- and space-based facilities, will be used to reconstruct these atmospheres in three dimensions to explore their temporal variability and the processes coupling different atmospheric regimes. The successful applicant will be expected to develop and expand on our pipeline for interpreting giant planet observations from the James Webb Space Telescope.  In addition, the applicant will conduct joint analyses of thermal-infrared, near-infrared, and microwave observations of giant planet tropospheres. We are therefore particularly interested in candidates with existing expertise in planetary data analysis, planetary atmospheres, and spectroscopic modelling techniques, but all applicants with a strong background in planetary science are encouraged to apply. 
 
Applications must be made via the link above.  Informal queries are welcome and can be made to [email protected].
 
B) Postdoctoral Researcher

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, TX, run by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Radiative Transfer Modeling in Planetary Atmospheres. 

content/postdoctoral-researcher-0

C) Science Lead

European Space Agency as Science Lead of the Planetary Science Archive and Archive Scientist of a Planetary mission, based at ESAC, near Madrid, in Spain. You can find all the details at 

https://bit.ly/3jtJyqb

The deadline for applications is 16th of March of 2021.

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Maria Womack, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

You are receiving this email because you are a DPS member. To unsubscribe or update your information, please send your request to [email protected]. The more general AAS privacy policy is available online at https://aas.org/about/policies/privacy-policy. Current and back issues of the DPS Newsletter can be found at newsletters