Author: cviewadmin

Issue 20-37, August 9, 2020

 

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1. DPS 2020 ABSTRACTS DUE THIS WEEK!
2. DPS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH GRANTS – FINAL DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15TH
3. DECADAL SURVEY WHITE PAPER ON THE SATURN RING SKIMMER MISSION CONCEPT 
4. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY CALL FOR PROPOSALS
5. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: INCREASING THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE LEADERSHIP OF COMPETED SPACE MISSIONS

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DPS 2020 ABSTRACTS DUE THIS WEEK!

 

Don’t forget that abstracts for DPS 2020 are due Wednesday, August 12 11:59PM EDT.

 

Abstracts have limits of 2250 characters (not including spaces).

 

First authors may submit up to one research abstract plus up to one abstract in each of
the following categories: History; Education and Community Engagement; Decadal
Whitepapers; Workforce

 

For more information about DPS 2020, please visit: https://aas.org/meetings/dps52

 

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DPS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH GRANTS – FINAL DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15TH

 

The DPS Committee is offering small grants (average amounts of $200 to $500) to

support DPS members to engage in local and virtual education and public engagement

activities. These grants are intended to support DPS member efforts to engage other

members, students, teachers, and the public and can be used for materials, consumables,
equipment but not for salary or travel to DPS meetings. Proposals are being accepted

for programs that will occur by June 1, 2021. We encourage creative solutions for

engagement efforts that also conform to social-distancing requirements. If you have a

question about what is an acceptable cost, please contact the DPS Education and Outreach
Officer, Sanlyn Buxner, [email protected].  Proposals should be emailed to [email protected]

and you will receive an email confirmation.

 

Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2020. All proposals will be reviewed by

members of the DPS education committee and the executive committee. Complete

directions, including a scoring rubric, can be found at

education/education-outreach-grants/application

 

Please address any questions to [email protected].

 

Sanlyn Buxner (Education and Public Outreach Officer) and

Brian Jackson (Deputy Education and Public Outreach Officer)

 

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DECADAL SURVEY WHITE PAPER ON THE SATURN RING SKIMMER MISSION CONCEPT 

 

You are invited to support a white paper describing the Saturn Ring Skimmer 

mission concept, the next step to explore Saturn’s rings, atmosphere, interior, 

and inner magnetosphere.  

 

In addition to addressing fundamental questions about Saturn and its rings, as 

well as giant planets and astrophysical disk systems in general, the Saturn Ring 

Skimmer would reveal how the rings, magnetosphere, atmosphere, and interior 

of the planet operate as an inter-connected system.  We advocate that this mission 

concept be studied in depth as a potential option for the New Frontiers program.

 

The paper is available at: 

https://www.seti.org/RingSkimmerWP20

 

A form to register your support is available at: 

https://www.seti.org/RingSkimmerWP20_support

 

The paper will be submitted on August 15 to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology 

Decadal Survey. 

 

Matthew Tiscareno

Mar Vaquero

Matthew Hedman

and the Ring Skimmer team

 

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ARECIBO OBSERVATORY CALL FOR PROPOSALS

 

We invite proposals for the Arecibo 305-m telescope for the Thursday, Sep 3, 2020

(17:00 AST, 21:00 UTC) deadline. These requests should be for telescope/radar usage

within the six-month (or in some cases one-year) period beginning January 1, 2021.

 

Important notices:

There will be no proposals accepted for Space and Atmospheric Sciences this term

due to 430MHz transmitter upgrades.

 

Proposals should be prepared under the procedures detailed in our guidelines. Please

note that these were substantially revised recently by the Arecibo Scheduling Advisory
Committee (ASAC) following feedback from Arecibo Observatory Users’ Committee

(AOUC).

 

We regret that, due to Congressional restrictions on the use of NASA funds, we are

unable to host on-site observers working for institutions in China. Observers from

China are welcome to apply for time as remote or in-absentia observers, but should

meet the criteria for these observing modes.

 

Proposals must be submitted using the Proposal Submission Tool.

Please email any questions about this call for proposals to Christiano Brum

([email protected]) or Maria Womack ([email protected]) (useful links are

listed in the end of this message).

 

Sincerely,

Christiano G.M. Brum (ASAC chair) and Maria Womack (ASAC co-chair)

 

Useful links:

Technical information for Radio Astronomy proposals for this deadline.

Proposal and Observation Preparation Tools (compute LST rise and set times for

sources and to calculate the dates when sources will be visible at nighttime).

Astronomy

Planetary Radar

 

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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: INCREASING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE LEADERSHIP OF COMPETED SPACE MISSIONS

 

The National Academies is undertaking a new study that will recommend actions

to increase diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility in the leadership of competed

space missions proposed to the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD).  In response

to a request from the NASA SMD, this study will examine the current mission proposal

system at NASA SMD and identify elements of the system that may present impediments

to applicants, limiting the diversity of the competitive pool.  As part of its work, the

committee will engage with a wide range of experts in the relevant social science and

space science communities. 

Please submit your nominations using this form.  Nominations will receive maximum
consideration if submitted by August 17, 2020.

Nominees with backgrounds in the following areas are encouraged:

·       Space science research (in areas such as planetary sciences, earth sciences, heliophysics, astronomy and astrophysics)

·       Space science mission and program management

·       Management of investigator-led multi-institutional projects at government science and engineering funding agencies

·       Workforce studies

·       Relevant social sciences research in areas such as organizational psychology and human systems integration

·       Diversity, equity and inclusion issues in education and workplaces

·       Relevant work in areas such as leadership development research and institutional/organizational change management

 

Visit the Study Website

 

———————————+ 

Send submissions to: 

Anne Verbiscer, 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 20-36, August 2, 2020

 

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR: DPS 2020 ELECTION RESULTS
2. DPS 2020 MEETING UPDATES
3. NEW DPS DONATION FUND: SUPPORT UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY COMMUNITIES IN PLANETARY SCIENCE
4. DPS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH GRANTS – FINAL DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15TH
5. DPS 2020 PRIZES
6. VENUS CONFERENCE GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT
7. NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP – APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2020

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR: 2020 DPS ELECTION RESULTS

 

It is my pleasure to announce the results of the 2020 DPS elections. The turnout 

this year was outstanding as over 45% of the membership voted in this election, 

topping last year’s record turnout of 41%. Thank you to the DPS membership for 

your strong participation.

 

Congratulations to Diana Blaney, who is the incoming Vice-Chair, to Jessie 

Christiansen and Kelsi Singer, incoming Committee members, and to Maya Yanez, 

the first Student Representative to the DPS Committee. These elected members 

will begin their terms of service after the Members meeting at the 52nd Annual 

DPS meeting in October.

 

The Division for Planetary Sciences relies on volunteers for its leadership 

positions and we thank all members who were willing to run for these elected 

positions. A special thanks to our Nominating Subcommittee, Carrie Nugent, 

Matthew Knight, and Desireé Cotto-Figueroa, for assembling the 2020 slate 

of candidates, Secretary Anne Verbiscer, for running the elections and to the 

AAS for their technical support.

 

Amanda Hendrix

DPS Chair

 

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DPS 2020 MEETING UPDATES 

 

Meeting Website: https://aas.org/meetings/dps52

 

#DPS2020

 

* New this year! * Plenary sessions will be comprised of panel discussions on a 

variety of exciting planetary science topics! Meeting attendees can watch pre-recorded 

plenary talks ahead of time and then participate in live Zoom panel discussions 

(with Q&A) among invited plenary speakers. Meeting attendees can submit questions 

via Slack channels before or during the Zoom session.

 

Moderated parallel sessions will consist of topical Zoom Q&A sessions. Meeting 

attendees can watch pre-recorded talks, and view iPosters, ahead of time. Questions 

for presenters can be uploaded via Slack channels and/or during the live Zoom sessions.

 

Ongoing asynchronous (non-live) topical Slack discussions among presenters and 

attendees will occur throughout the week.

 

All talks (invited and contributed) will be prerecorded and available for viewing by 

registrants Oct 19. iPosters will also be available for viewing beginning Oct 19. 

Meeting registrants may upload questions, ahead of the meeting, via Slack channels. 

Stay tuned for instructions regarding the Slack channels.

 

When you submit your abstract, you will have a choice of presentation type: iPoster 

or pre-recorded talk. Wondering whether you should do an iPoster or a pre-recorded 

talk?  You can learn more about these presentation types at https://aas.org/meetings/dps52/abstracts 

under “Presentation Guidelines and Tips.”

 

There is a (1) one abstract limit for submission of Research Contributions. Additional 

abstracts may be submitted for the following types of submissions. We encourage you 

to submit to one of these categories, in addition to any research you will be presenting: 

 

            • History

            • Education and Community Engagement

            • Workforce

            • Decadal Whitepapers

 

Abstracts are limited to 2250 characters (not counting spaces).

 

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NEW DPS DONATION FUND: SUPPORT UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY COMMUNITIES IN PLANETARY SCIENCE

 

The DPS has created a new fund to support underrepresented minority communities in

planetary science. Funds from this account will be used to build partnerships between

the DPS and national organizations, such as the National Society of Black Physicists

(NSBP), and to enhance participation of underrepresented minority scientists at the

annual DPS meeting. The DPS Committee will work with our new partners to determine

how the money will be distributed. The fund has been seeded by an initial contribution

of $10,000 from DPS funds, and donations are most welcome.

 

Donate here: Inclusivity/support-underrepresented-minority-communities-planetary-science

 

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DPS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH GRANTS – FINAL DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15TH

 

The DPS Committee is offering small grants (average amounts of $200 to $500) to

support DPS members to engage in local and virtual education and public engagement

activities. These grants are intended to support DPS member efforts to engage other

members, students, teachers, and the public and can be used for materials, consumables,
equipment but not for salary or travel to DPS meetings. Proposals are being accepted

for programs that will occur by June 1, 2021. We encourage creative solutions for

engagement efforts that also conform to social-distancing requirements. If you have a

question about what is an acceptable cost, please contact the DPS Education and Outreach
Officer, Sanlyn Buxner, [email protected].  Proposals should be emailed to [email protected]

and you will receive an email confirmation.

 

Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2020. All proposals will be reviewed by

members of the DPS education committee and the executive committee. Complete

directions, including a scoring rubric, can be found at

education/education-outreach-grants/application

 

Please address any questions to [email protected].

 

Sanlyn Buxner (Education and Public Outreach Officer) and

Brian Jackson (Deputy Education and Public Outreach Officer)

 

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DPS 2020 PRIZES

 

DPS Prize awardees will be announced in ~mid-August. Information about the prizes

can be found at prizes

 

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VENUS CONFERENCE GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Subject: Venus Science Today, A mini-Zoom conference 31 August – 3 September 2020 

We would like to invite you to consider attending and/or contributing a talk to Venus 

Science Today, a mini-Zoom conference. Venus Science Today will showcase talks 

about Venus research published in the past 12 months, or work in progress. The 

conference will take place over four days, but only two hours per day to allow 

simultaneous participation from Europe, the USA and East Asia. 

Conference detail can be found here: 
https://www.giss.nasa.gov/meetings/venus2020/ 

If you wish to contribute a talk you can register here: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_sLS5O55px7DiJbBJk6lhnS4VCmz8UJgEzHsyB0R6FPk5Aw/viewform?usp=sf_link 

This virtual conference is co-hosted remotely by the NASA Goddard Institute 

for Space Studies and the Akatsuki Science Team. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. 
Sincerely 
SOC Members 
Michael Way, Kandi Jessup, Cedric Gillmann, & Takehiko Satoh 

 

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NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP – APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2020

 

The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity 

to advance their research while contributing to NASA’s scientific goals.  The NPP 

supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual 

growth; and encourages scientific connections.

 

Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year 

Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s missions in earth science, heliophysics, 

planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human 

exploration and space operations, and astrobiology.

 

Current NPP research opportunities in planetary science can be viewed here: 

NPP Planetary Sciences Research Opportunities.

 

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, 

but may apply while completing the degree requirements. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent 

Residents, and foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply.

 

Stipends start at $60,000 per year, with supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for 

certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health 

insurance, and $10,000 per year is provided for professional travel.

 

Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.

 

For further information and to apply, visit: https://npp.usra.edu/

 

Questions: [email protected]

 

———————————+ 

Send submissions to: 

Anne Verbiscer, 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 20-35, July 27, 2020

 

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. IN MEMORIAM: MICHAEL I. MISHCHENKO (1959-2020)
2. DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE WHITE PAPER
3. FINAL REMINDER: VOTE IN THE DPS 2020 ELECTIONS
4. JWST CYCLE 1 GENERAL OBSERVER (GO) PROPOSAL DEADLINE
5. OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP (OPAG) VIRTUAL MEETING
6. FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN

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IN MEMORIAM: MICHAEL I. MISHCHENKO (1959-2020)

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague Michael I. 

Mishchenko.  Dr. Michael Mishchenko was a graduate of the Moscow Institute of 

Physics and Technology and received his PhD (with honors) and Habilitation Doctoral 

degrees in physics from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU). He 

worked at the Main Astronomical Observatory in Kiev (1987-1992) and then joined 

the research staff of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York. 

Michael’s research interests included electromagnetic scattering by morphologically 

complex particles and particle groups, polarimetry, aerosol and cloud remote sensing, 

and ocean optics.

One of Michael’s principal accomplishments was his development of efficient T-matrix 

methods to enable numerically exact computer calculations of scattering and absorption 

by complex dispersions of randomly and preferentially oriented atmospheric particulates. 

T-matrix techniques are based on direct solutions of the Maxwell equations. The resulting 

computer programs work for morphologically complex particles with large size parameters, 

with benchmark accuracy over their range of applicability. Michael’s T-matrix computer 

programs have been publicly available on-line since 1997, and have been used in more than 

1450 peer-reviewed publications. Michael himself used T-matrix methods in pioneering 

studies of the effects of morphological particle complexities on the radiative, polarization, 

and depolarization properties of mineral aerosols, fractal-soot and soot-containing aerosols, 

soot-contaminated cloud droplets, contrail particles, and polar stratospheric and noctilucent clouds.

Beyond scattering by single particles Michael derived the general theory of radiative transfer 

in particulate media directly from the Maxwell equations, an accomplishment that had eluded 

scientists for over a century. This microphysical derivation established the existence of a 

fundamental link between electromagnetics, radiative transfer, and coherent backscattering, 

defined the formal conditions of applicability of the radiative transfer equation, and clarified 

the physical nature of measurements taken with directional radiometers. It also identified and 

dispelled misconceptions inherent in conventional phenomenological radiometry and radiative 

transfer theory. As a result of Michael’s work, the disciplines of radiative transfer and directional 

radiometry are now legitimate branches of physical optics.

While Michael was a consummate theoretician he also managed the NASA/GEWEX Global 

Aerosol Climatology Project developing an innovative algorithm to infer aerosol properties 

from multi-channel ISCCP radiance data and compiling the first global satellite climatology 

of aerosol optical thickness and size for the full period of satellite observations.  Building on 

this work Michael’s seminal sensitivity analysis of passive algorithms for the retrieval of aerosol 

properties from space using radiance and polarization data was instrumental in the development 

of the NASA Glory Space Mission for which Michael served as Project Scientist.

Dr. Mishchenko published 7 monographs, 23 peer-reviewed book chapters, and some 300 

journal papers. He was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and 

Radiative Transfer and of Physics Open. He previously served as Topical Editor on scattering 

and meteorological optics for Applied Optics and was an editorial board member for several 

other scholarly journals.

An elected Fellow of AGU, OSA, AMS, IoP (UK), and the Electromagnetics Academy, 

Dr. Mishchenko was the recipient of numerous professional awards including the AMS 

Henry G. Houghton Award, Hendrik C. van de Hulst Award from Elsevier, and two NASA 

Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medals. The International Astronomical Union honored 

Michael by giving Asteroid 22686 (1998 QL53) the name “Mishchenko”.

Michael passed away on July 21, 2020.  His loss and his legacy are enormous.

 

Andy Lacis, Larry Travis, Barbara Carlson, and Brian Cairns

NASA GISS, 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

 

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DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE WHITE PAPER

 

The DPS Environmental Affairs Subcommittee (DPSEAS) has written a white paper 

“Pathways to Sustainable Planetary Science” to be submitted to the Decadal Survey. 

Please have a look 

wp-content/uploads/files/decadal_survey/DPSEAS_White_Paper.pdf

and considering endorsing at 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxyIx4iOVHHmOIpYMMX0OQTlQbgdOH8SRqjGI4k7mN-5wOHg/viewform

 

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FINAL REMINDER: VOTE IN THE 2020 DPS ELECTIONS

 

Thank you to those have already voted in the 2020 DPS Elections. As of today, 506 DPS 

Members have cast their ballots, a 41% turnout, matching last year’s record turnout!  

We are very close to beating that record that this year!  

 

Please vote today if you have not already done so as this is the FINAL WEEK to cast your 

ballot. The 2020 election for Vice-Chair and Committee closes this Friday, July 31, 2020.

 

We are electing the first-ever student representatives to the DPS Committee this year, 

so please take a moment to review the candidate statements and cast your vote. Thanks! 

 

To vote you should have received an email from the AAS asking you to cast your ballot. 

Each email contains a link with a unique code that will bring you to the ballot site. There 

is no need to enter your AAS login information. You will be able to review the candidate 

statements and cast your vote. 

 

You should vote for one of the two candidates for Vice-Chair: 

·       Diana Blaney

·       Nader Haghighipour

The Vice-Chair will become the DPS Chair in October 2021.

 

You should vote for two of the four candidates for DPS Committee: 

·       Jessie Christiansen

·       Edgard Rivera-Valentín

·       Kelsi Singer

·       Matt Tiscareno 

The successful candidates will serve on the DPS Committee for three years.

 

You should vote for one of the two candidates for the student representatives to the 

DPS Committee:

·       Malena Rice

·       Maya Yanez

The successful student candidate will serve on the DPS Committee for two years.

 

This information also appears on the election page when you click on the link in your 

email sent from the AAS.

 

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JWST CYCLE 1 GENERAL OBSERVER (GO) PROPOSAL DEADLINE

 

The major disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all of us. 
Integration and testing of the James Webb Space Telescope are among the activities impacted.
NASA has re-evaluated the project schedule and announced a launch readiness date of October 31, 2021.

 

After consulting with the JWST Users Committee, STScI, NASA, ESA and CSA

have finalized the review schedule for Cycle 1 proposals. 

 

The JWST Cycle 1 General Observer (GO) proposal deadline will be 08:00 pm Eastern

Time (ET) on Tuesday November 24, 2020. 

We are announcing the deadline well in advance, so that proposers have flexibility to

prepare proposals as their COVID-impacted schedules permit.  The Call for Proposals 

remains unchanged from its release earlier this year. All proposal tools and documentation 

are available to proposers.

 

The JWST Telescope Allocation Committee (TAC) will review the proposals in February

2021 and recommend the Cycle 1 GO science program for announcement in March 2021.

We send best wishes to our user community and their families in these challenging times.

As always, please contact the jwst helpdesk if you have any questions.

 

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OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP (OPAG) VIRTUAL MEETING

 

The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) meeting will be held virtually

September 1–3, 2020. Each day, the meeting will run from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PDT
(12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT).

 

The focus of this timely meeting will be on aspects of the decadal survey that are

relevant to OPAG. Status reports will be requested from the Decadal Survey co-chairs

and panel chairs.

 

Registration

 

Registration fees are not being collected for this virtual meeting, but registration is

required. To continue receiving updates complete the electronic registration form.

Registered attendees will receive an e-mail prior to the workshop from Houston

Meeting Info with virtual connection information. 

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/

 

For more information, contact Meeting and Publication Services

USRA/Lunar and Planetary Institute [email protected]

 

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FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN

The American Geophysical Union Fall Virtual Meeting 2020 abstract
submission site is now open. Go to: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting

Abstract submission guidelines are at: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts
Session Viewer/Abstract submission site is at: http://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Home/0

We will be keeping all sites updated with information regarding the virtual meeting

as the planning continues.

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “ENCELADUS: A HABITABLE WORLD BECKONS”

 

Saturn’s small yet active icy moon remains one of the most scientifically compelling

worlds in the solar system.

 

In this long-running special session, now in its 15th year, we seek to sustain a highly
multidisciplinary and stimulating atmosphere that enables a deeper understanding of

the nature and causes of Enceladus’ activity. We encourage submissions that specifically

provide insights into the moon’s interior, biological potential, surface morphology, south

polar plume, and space environment from diverse disciplines: e.g., planetary geology,
comparative planetology of relevant icy satellites, terrestrial studies, hydrothermal systems,
oceanography, geodynamics, tectonics, volcanology, space physics, organic chemistry,
geochemistry, astrobiology, origins of life, microbiology, and biosignatures. Field,

laboratory, and theoretical studies are all welcome.

 

We also welcome contributions on Cassini data analysis and modeling, as well as instrument

and mission concept developments that will lay the groundwork for a new generation of

explorers to Enceladus.

 

Abstract submission deadline: July 29, 2020

Abstract submission link: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101707

 

Chris Glein (SwRI) and Bill McKinnon (WashU)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: P006 – CARBON ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM
ON THE EVE OF RETURNING ASTEROID SAMPLES

 

Studies of the existence and state of carbonaceous material on Solar System bodies

is at the forefront of planetary research. Samples of low-albedo asteroid 162173 Ryugu

are en route to the Earth on the Hayabusa2 probe, and a rehearsal of the initial sample

analysis is planned. At this time, the OSIRIS-REx space probe sampling of low-albedo

asteroid 101955 Bennu has been rehearsed. As a framework for these studies, telescopic,
laboratory and theoretical studies of carbon in all its forms have recently snowballed.

The 2018 SSERVI Carbon in the Solar System workshop launched a series of presentations

and discussions at various planetary science venues, enabling an information exchange

around the weathering of carbonaceous compounds in response to thermal processes and
irradiation, and what implications these compositions have for understanding material

processing in the Solar System. We will generate and share ideas to support research

and the imminent arrival of new samples.

 

We invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29:

  

https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts

 

Conveners:

 

Faith Vilas (Planetary Science Institute)

Amanda R. Hendrix  (Planetary Science Institute)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS OF SATELLITES 

AND SMALL BODIES: TO IO, AND BEYOND”

 

We wish to invite abstracts to the AGU Fall Meeting Planetary Science session 

“Geology and Geophysics of Satellites and Small Bodies: to Io, and Beyond. 

This is an exciting time for exploring the dynamic, evolving small bodies in the 

Solar System.  The AGU abstract submission site will open in late June.  The 

deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, 29 July at 23:59 EDT.  We hope to 

see you (virtually!) in December.

 

Conveners:  A.G. Davies, K. de Kleer, T. McCord, T. V. Johnson

 

This is a session of contributed and invited papers on the geology and geophysics 

of active or recently active satellites and dwarf planets, including small exoplanets. 

Research is progressing rapidly due to the stream of new spacecraft and Earth-based 

telescope data.  Additionally, there are exciting future missions to the Jovian system 

under development, including Europa Clipper, JUICE, and the proposed Io Volcano 

Observer. Papers are welcomed on processes that affect the interiors of individual 

bodies as well as the surface expressions they produce. Included are the effects and 

chronology of internal heating (tidal dissipation and radioactivity), structural evolution 

(e.g., differentiation), tides, and other geophysical and geological processes (e.g., 

volcanism, tectonism).

 

Sincerely,

Ashley Gerard Davies, Katherine de Kleer, Tom McCord and Torrence Johnson.  

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE”

 

We’d like to invite abstracts to the virtual AGU session “ Looking ahead to the future of
Planetary Science” to be submitted through https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts
through July 29th, and look forward to seeing you for a fascinating session. 

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE

 

Description:

In preparation for the NASA Decadal Survey, the Planetary Science Division awarded

funds to study eleven mission concepts under the rubric of PMCS (Planetary Mission

Concept Studies). This program element solicited proposals for mission concept studies

that addressed NASA’s planetary science objectives, which are to ascertain the content,

origin, and evolution of the Solar System and the potential for life elsewhere. The oral

session will highlight the final reports of these Planetary Science Decadal Survey studies,

while abstracts for additional concepts that the community may have will be solicited to

be presented in a poster session.

 

Thanks a lot,

Doris Daou, Pat Beauchamp and Julie Castillo-Rogez

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC,
SURFACE, AND INTERIOR SCIENCE USING RADIO AND LASER LINKS”

 

Radio science has been used to study solar system phenomena and fundamental physics

for over five decades. The scope of this session includes radio and optical science techniques

to study ocean worlds, planetary and small body interiors, the dynamics, composition,

and thermal structure of planetary atmospheres, to characterize the scattering, electrical,

and other properties of planetary surfaces, to study solar system dynamics, and to conduct

tests in fundamental physics. Of particular interest are presentations on radio science investigations
motivated by U.S. Planetary Science Decadal Survey white papers. Relevant technology topics
include but are not limited to the design of small spacecraft networks and constellations, advances
in flight and ground instrumentation, advances in space clock technologies, novel communications
architectures including optical links, advances in radio and laser technologies, and new techniques
and instrumentation for entry probe radio science.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29 at https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts 

 

David H. Atkinson, Sami W. Asmar, Luciano Iess, Silvia Tellmann

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “TITAN – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS OF SATURN’S GIANT MOON”

 

Titan’s unique standing as the only moon in the solar system with a dense atmosphere

provides an environment like no other. Its complex meteorology of rainfall, wind, rivers,

lakes and seas interacting with a solid surface is reminiscent of the planets of the inner

solar system, while its icy crust and deep liquid water interior provide comparison to outer

solar system ocean worlds, such as Europa, Ganymede and Enceladus. Titan alone straddles

these diverse environments, providing a fertile natural laboratory for studying one-of-a-kind
chemistry, dynamics, geology and more. This session welcomes new results from past missions
including Voyager and Cassini-Huygens; present day modeling, observations and experiments;
and on-going scientific research to prepare for future missions including Dragonfly.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts through July 29th, and look forward
to a session filled with exciting new results.

 

Conor Nixon, Alex Hayes, Kathy Mandt and Christophe Sotin

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “CONCEPTS FOR FUTURE PLANETARY SCIENCE
MISSIONS AND INSTRUMENTS” (E-LIGHTNING)

 

Today planetary science missions are exploring the solar system as never before.

NASA spacecraft are headed to targets from Mercury to the Kuiper Belt, and aiming

to return the first samples from Mars and asteroid Bennu. ESA spacecraft are reaching

new targets from Mercury to Jupiter, and a wave of other missions from countries around

the world are targeting the Moon, Mars, near-Earth asteroids and beyond, with an dizzying

array of orbiters, rovers and landers. It is an exciting, dynamic time for planetary scientists

with new opportunities to propose mission concepts ranging from small Cubesats to traditional
large missions. This session solicits interactive electronic poster (e-Lightning) presentations

on novel mission and instrument concepts designed for future planetary science missions. 

 

Abstract submissions are encouraged on all relevant mission and instrument concepts at:
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts by July 29th. 

 

We look forward to another very interesting session in December.

Conor Nixon, Morgan Cable, Charles Hibbitts, Melissa Trainer

 

AGU-2020 SESSION ON PLANETARY ACCRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION

 

We invite contributions to the session “Accretion and differentiation of rocky planets:
perspectives from geophysics, geochemistry, & astronomy” at the AGU Fall Meeting 

from 7-11 December 2020, which will be at least partially virtual this year. We welcome
contributions from all disciplines to advance the understanding of the formation and
differentiation of rocky planets including, but not limited to, geochemistry, geophysics,
cosmochemistry, planetary science, and astronomy:
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101356. The AGU

abstract portal is already open and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 29 July.

Session description: The simultaneous advent of high-resolution observations of planet-

forming disks and enhanced prospects to characterize rocky exoplanets highlights the need

for increasing interdisciplinary collaboration to understand the birth and life cycle of terrestrial
worlds in our solar system and exoplanetary systems. Therefore, this session welcomes

abstracts that address new observational, theoretical, and laboratory constraints on the 

formation of Earth and other terrestrial planets in the solar system as well as in exoplanetary
systems. This includes modeling, observational, and experimental studies related to properties

of planetesimals, impacts, pebble accretion, core segregation, moon formation, crust–mantle
differentiation, atmosphere formation, or other major geophysical/geochemical processes that
fundamentally shape the evolution of rocky planetesimals and planets during their formation

and early evolution.

Conveners: Laura Schaefer (Stanford), Rebecca Fischer (Harvard), Tim Lichtenberg (Oxford)
Invited Speakers: Bethany Chidester (UC Davis), Jennifer Bergner (UChicago)
Sections: Study of Earth’s Deep Interior (primary), Mineral and Rock Physics, Planetary Science
Themes: Origin and evolution, Planetary atmospheres, Planetary interiors, Planetary Geochemistry

———————————+ 

Send submissions to: 

Anne Verbiscer, 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 20-34, July 22, 2020

 

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. 52nd DPS MEETING: OPEN FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION
2. HARTMANN STUDENT GRANTS FOR DPS
3. COMET C/2020 F3 NEOWISE
4. ARECIBO OBSERVATORY TOWN HALL – WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 AT 2PM EASTERN
5. FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN

+——————————————————————————————–+

 

 

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

52nd DPS MEETING: OPEN FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION

 

https://aas.org/meetings/dps52

 

We hope to “see” you at this year’s DPS meeting, Oct 25-30.  

Member registration rate is $160; student rate is $75.

 

Abstracts will be due Aug 12, and submitters can choose between a preferred format 

of a pre-recorded talk or an iPoster. We will be announcing information on how to 

make a pre-recorded talk and an iPoster in the coming days.

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

HARTMANN STUDENT GRANTS FOR DPS

A generous contribution from William K. Hartmann, supplemented by member
contributions and matching funds from the DPS Committee, has enabled a limited
number of student grants to assist participation by early-career scientists at
the annual DPS meeting.

***NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DPS meeting will be virtual this year. 

Hartmann funds, which are usually used to cover travel expenses, will be used this year 

to support meeting registration for students.***

** Application details are at meetings/travel_grant_application

Grants are primarily intended for students, but post-doctoral scientists
without other means of support will also be considered.

The due date for applications is August 20, 2020 11:59 PM PDT.

The DPS Leadership is also soliciting additional contributions from members
for the Hartmann Fund. Your tax-deductible gift promotes the careers of our next
generation of planetary scientists. Thanks so much for your generosity.

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

COMET C/2020 F3 NEOWISE

 

Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE makes its closest approach to the Earth today, and it is

visible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere roughly 1-1.5 hours after local sunset.

AAS’s Sky and Telescope Magazine has published this guide to help you spot the comet

for yourself:

 

https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/comet-neowise-dazzles-at-dusk/

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

ARECIBO OBSERVATORY TOWN HALL – WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 AT 2PM EASTERN

 

The Arecibo Observatory will host a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, July 29, 2020

from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM EDT/AST. The meeting will open with several status updates

about the observatory and brief science highlights from the Astronomy, Space & Atmospheric
 Sciences, and Planetary Sciences groups, followed by a Q&A session with all of the

attendees. Visit our AO Town Hall website for more information and to submit questions

in advance.

Add to Calendar (Google) | Add to Calendar (iCAl/Outlook)

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN

The American Geophysical Union Fall Virtual Meeting 2020 abstract
submission site is now open. Go to: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting

Abstract submission guidelines are at: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts
Session Viewer/Abstract submission site is at: http://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Home/0

We will be keeping all sites updated with information regarding the virtual meeting

as the planning continues.

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “ENCELADUS: A HABITABLE WORLD BECKONS”

 

Saturn’s small yet active icy moon remains one of the most scientifically compelling

worlds in the solar system.

 

In this long-running special session, now in its 15th year, we seek to sustain a highly
multidisciplinary and stimulating atmosphere that enables a deeper understanding of

the nature and causes of Enceladus’ activity. We encourage submissions that specifically

provide insights into the moon’s interior, biological potential, surface morphology, south

polar plume, and space environment from diverse disciplines: e.g., planetary geology,
comparative planetology of relevant icy satellites, terrestrial studies, hydrothermal systems,
oceanography, geodynamics, tectonics, volcanology, space physics, organic chemistry,
geochemistry, astrobiology, origins of life, microbiology, and biosignatures. Field,

laboratory, and theoretical studies are all welcome.

 

We also welcome contributions on Cassini data analysis and modeling, as well as instrument

and mission concept developments that will lay the groundwork for a new generation of

explorers to Enceladus.

 

Abstract submission deadline: July 29, 2020

Abstract submission link: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101707

 

Chris Glein (SwRI) and Bill McKinnon (WashU)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: P006 – CARBON ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM
ON THE EVE OF RETURNING ASTEROID SAMPLES

 

Studies of the existence and state of carbonaceous material on Solar System bodies

is at the forefront of planetary research. Samples of low-albedo asteroid 162173 Ryugu

are en route to the Earth on the Hayabusa2 probe, and a rehearsal of the initial sample

analysis is planned. At this time, the OSIRIS-REx space probe sampling of low-albedo

asteroid 101955 Bennu has been rehearsed. As a framework for these studies, telescopic,
laboratory and theoretical studies of carbon in all its forms have recently snowballed.

The 2018 SSERVI Carbon in the Solar System workshop launched a series of presentations

and discussions at various planetary science venues, enabling an information exchange

around the weathering of carbonaceous compounds in response to thermal processes and
irradiation, and what implications these compositions have for understanding material

processing in the Solar System. We will generate and share ideas to support research

and the imminent arrival of new samples.

 

We invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29:

https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts

 

Conveners:

 

Faith Vilas (Planetary Science Institute)

Amanda R. Hendrix  (Planetary Science Institute)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS OF SATELLITES AND SMALL BODIES: TO IO, AND BEYOND”

 

We wish to invite abstracts to the AGU Fall Meeting Planetary Science session 

“Geology and Geophysics of Satellites and Small Bodies: to Io, and Beyond. 

This is an exciting time for exploring the dynamic, evolving small bodies in the 

Solar System.  The AGU abstract submission site will open in late June.  The 

deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, 29 July at 23:59 EDT.  We hope to 

see you (virtually!) in December.

 

Conveners:  A.G. Davies, K. de Kleer, T. McCord, T. V. Johnson

 

This is a session of contributed and invited papers on the geology and geophysics 

of active or recently active satellites and dwarf planets, including small exoplanets. 

Research is progressing rapidly due to the stream of new spacecraft and Earth-based 

telescope data.  Additionally, there are exciting future missions to the Jovian system 

under development, including Europa Clipper, JUICE, and the proposed Io Volcano 

Observer. Papers are welcomed on processes that affect the interiors of individual 

bodies as well as the surface expressions they produce. Included are the effects and 

chronology of internal heating (tidal dissipation and radioactivity), structural evolution 

(e.g., differentiation), tides, and other geophysical and geological processes (e.g., 

volcanism, tectonism).

 

Sincerely,

Ashley Gerard Davies, Katherine de Kleer, Tom McCord and Torrence Johnson.  

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE”

 

We’d like to invite abstracts to the virtual AGU session “ Looking ahead to the future of Planetary
Science” to be submitted through https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts through
July 29th, and look forward to seeing you for a fascinating session. 

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE

 

Description:

In preparation for the NASA Decadal Survey, the Planetary Science Division awarded

funds to study eleven mission concepts under the rubric of PMCS (Planetary Mission

Concept Studies). This program element solicited proposals for mission concept studies

that addressed NASA’s planetary science objectives, which are to ascertain the content,

origin, and evolution of the Solar System and the potential for life elsewhere. The oral

session will highlight the final reports of these Planetary Science Decadal Survey studies,

while abstracts for additional concepts that the community may have will be solicited to

be presented in a poster session.

 

Thanks a lot,

Doris Daou, Pat Beauchamp and Julie Castillo-Rogez

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC, SURFACE,
AND INTERIOR SCIENCE USING RADIO AND LASER LINKS”

 

Radio science has been used to study solar system phenomena and fundamental physics

for over five decades. The scope of this session includes radio and optical science techniques

to study ocean worlds, planetary and small body interiors, the dynamics, composition,

and thermal structure of planetary atmospheres, to characterize the scattering, electrical,

and other properties of planetary surfaces, to study solar system dynamics, and to conduct

tests in fundamental physics. Of particular interest are presentations on radio science investigations
motivated by U.S. Planetary Science Decadal Survey white papers. Relevant technology topics
include but are not limited to the design of small spacecraft networks and constellations, advances
in flight and ground instrumentation, advances in space clock technologies, novel communications
architectures including optical links, advances in radio and laser technologies, and new techniques
and instrumentation for entry probe radio science.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29 at https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts 

 

David H. Atkinson, Sami W. Asmar, Luciano Iess, Silvia Tellmann

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “TITAN – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS OF SATURN’S GIANT MOON”

 

Titan’s unique standing as the only moon in the solar system with a dense atmosphere

provides an environment like no other. Its complex meteorology of rainfall, wind, rivers,

lakes and seas interacting with a solid surface is reminiscent of the planets of the inner

solar system, while its icy crust and deep liquid water interior provide comparison to outer

solar system ocean worlds, such as Europa, Ganymede and Enceladus. Titan alone straddles

these diverse environments, providing a fertile natural laboratory for studying one-of-a-kind
chemistry, dynamics, geology and more. This session welcomes new results from past missions
including Voyager and Cassini-Huygens; present day modeling, observations and experiments;
and on-going scientific research to prepare for future missions including Dragonfly.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts through July 29th,
and look forward to a session filled with exciting new results.

 

Conor Nixon, Alex Hayes, Kathy Mandt and Christophe Sotin

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “CONCEPTS FOR FUTURE PLANETARY SCIENCE
MISSIONS AND INSTRUMENTS” (E-LIGHTNING)

 

Today planetary science missions are exploring the solar system as never before.

NASA spacecraft are headed to targets from Mercury to the Kuiper Belt, and aiming

to return the first samples from Mars and asteroid Bennu. ESA spacecraft are reaching

new targets from Mercury to Jupiter, and a wave of other missions from countries around

the world are targeting the Moon, Mars, near-Earth asteroids and beyond, with an dizzying

array of orbiters, rovers and landers. It is an exciting, dynamic time for planetary scientists

with new opportunities to propose mission concepts ranging from small Cubesats to traditional
large missions. This session solicits interactive electronic poster (e-Lightning) presentations

on novel mission and instrument concepts designed for future planetary science missions. 

 

Abstract submissions are encouraged on all relevant mission and instrument concepts at:
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts by July 29th. 

 

We look forward to another very interesting session in December.

 

Conor Nixon, Morgan Cable, Charles Hibbitts, Melissa Trainer

 

AGU-2020 SESSION ON PLANETARY ACCRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION

 

We invite contributions to the session “Accretion and differentiation of rocky planets:
perspectives from geophysics, geochemistry, & astronomy” at the AGU Fall Meeting 

from 7-11 December 2020, which will be at least partially virtual this year. We welcome
contributions from all disciplines to advance the understanding of the formation and
differentiation of rocky planets including, but not limited to, geochemistry, geophysics,
cosmochemistry, planetary science, and astronomy:

https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101356.
The AGU abstract portal is already open and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 29 July.

Session description: The simultaneous advent of high-resolution observations of planet-

forming disks and enhanced prospects to characterize rocky exoplanets highlights the need

for increasing interdisciplinary collaboration to understand the birth and life cycle of terrestrial
worlds in our solar system and exoplanetary systems. Therefore, this session welcomes

abstracts that address new observational, theoretical, and laboratory constraints on the 

formation of Earth and other terrestrial planets in the solar system as well as in exoplanetary
systems. This includes modeling, observational, and experimental studies related to properties

of planetesimals, impacts, pebble accretion, core segregation, moon formation, crust–mantle
differentiation, atmosphere formation, or other major geophysical/geochemical processes that
fundamentally shape the evolution of rocky planetesimals and planets during their formation

and early evolution.

Conveners: Laura Schaefer (Stanford), Rebecca Fischer (Harvard), Tim Lichtenberg (Oxford)
Invited Speakers: Bethany Chidester (UC Davis), Jennifer Bergner (UChicago)
Sections: Study of Earth’s Deep Interior (primary), Mineral and Rock Physics, Planetary Science
Themes: Origin and evolution, Planetary atmospheres, Planetary interiors, Planetary Geochemistry

———————————+ 

Send submissions to: 

Anne Verbiscer, 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 20-33, July 19, 2020

 

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

1. REMINDER: VOTE IN THE 2020 DPS ELECTIONS
2. JANUARY 2021 SBAG MEETING TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY
3. FREE “BLACK LIVES IN ASTRONOMY” RESOURCE GUIDE AVAILABLE
4. WHITE PAPER ON PLASMA AND MAGNETIC INSTRUMENTS IN SMALL BODY MISSIONS
5. FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN
6. JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

+——————————————————————————————–+

 

 

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

REMINDER: VOTE IN THE 2020 DPS ELECTIONS

 

Thank you to those have already voted in the 2020 DPS Elections. As of Friday, 462 DPS 

Members have cast their ballots, a 38% turnout. Last year, we set a record with a 41% 

turnout.  We are very close to beating that record that this year!  

 

Please vote today if you have not already done so.

 

We are electing the first-ever student representatives to the DPS Committee this year, 

so please take a moment to review the candidate statements and cast your vote. Thanks! 

 

The 2020 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee will close on July 31st 2020.

 

To vote you should have received an email from the AAS asking you to cast your ballot. 

Each email contains a link with a unique code that will bring you to the ballot site. There 

is no need to enter your AAS login information. You will be able to review the candidate 

statements and cast your vote. 

 

You should vote for one of the two candidates for Vice-Chair: 

·       Diana Blaney

·       Nader Haghighipour

The Vice-Chair will become the DPS Chair in October 2021.

 

You should vote for two of the four candidates for DPS Committee: 

·       Jessie Christiansen

·       Edgard Rivera-Valentín

·       Kelsi Singer

·       Matt Tiscareno 

The successful candidates will serve on the DPS Committee for three years.

 

You should vote for one of the two candidates for the student representatives to the 

DPS Committee:

·       Malena Rice

·       Maya Yanez

The successful student candidate will serve on the DPS Committee for two years.

 

This information also appears on the election page when you click on the link in your 

email sent from the AAS.

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

JANUARY 2021 SBAG MEETING TO BE HELD VIRTUALLY

The next SBAG meeting will be January 26-27, 2021, virtually. Go to:
https://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

FREE “BLACK LIVES IN ASTRONOMY” RESOURCE GUIDE AVAILABLE

 

“Black Lives in Astronomy,” a new 8-page resource guide by astronomer/educator

Andrew Fraknoi, includes written and video resources about and by 25 black astronomers,

as well as general materials to examine the history and issues facing black members

of the astronomical community. Both older, established scientists and people early in

their careers are covered. It is aimed at the Astro 101 and amateur astronomer level,

and thus does not include any technical materials. It is designed to give instructors and

students examples of authentic black voices that can be shown in class or used in assignments.
You can find it free of charge at: http://bit.ly/blackastro 

 

For a broader examination of the astronomy (and astronomers) of non-white cultures,

see Fraknoi’s “Astronomy of Many Cultures” at the website of the Astronomical Society

of the Pacific, at: http://bit.ly/astrocultures

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

WHITE PAPER ON PLASMA AND MAGNETIC INSTRUMENTS IN SMALL BODY MISSIONS

 

We invite co-signers for our paper, “The Importance of Plasma and Magnetic Investigations

in Small Body Missions.” The paper highlights the small body science that can be conducted

with this instrumentation (internal layering/composition, remanent magnetism, space weathering,
and outgassing detection) and proposes a ride-along program be created which would allow

for continuous heliospheric monitoring en route and upon arrival at the target body using

these missions.

 

The paper can be accessed here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Le3c5b04Dh0jf8oyGThTSlhZsh5Ivj8f/view?usp=sharing

 

Please email [email protected] if you would like to endorse.

The paper will be submitted by August 15th.

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

FALL AGU VIRTUAL MEETING, ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN

The American Geophysical Union Fall Virtual Meeting 2020 abstract
submission site is now open. Go to: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting

Abstract submission guidelines are at: http://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts
Session Viewer/Abstract submission site is at: http://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Home/0

We will be keeping all sites updated with information regarding the virtual meeting

as the planning continues.

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “ENCELADUS: A HABITABLE WORLD BECKONS”

 

Saturn’s small yet active icy moon remains one of the most scientifically compelling

worlds in the solar system.

 

In this long-running special session, now in its 15th year, we seek to sustain a highly
multidisciplinary and stimulating atmosphere that enables a deeper understanding of

the nature and causes of Enceladus’ activity. We encourage submissions that specifically

provide insights into the moon’s interior, biological potential, surface morphology, south

polar plume, and space environment from diverse disciplines: e.g., planetary geology,
comparative planetology of relevant icy satellites, terrestrial studies, hydrothermal systems,
oceanography, geodynamics, tectonics, volcanology, space physics, organic chemistry,
geochemistry, astrobiology, origins of life, microbiology, and biosignatures. Field,

laboratory, and theoretical studies are all welcome.

 

We also welcome contributions on Cassini data analysis and modeling, as well as instrument

and mission concept developments that will lay the groundwork for a new generation of

explorers to Enceladus.

 

Abstract submission deadline: July 29, 2020
Abstract submission link: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101707

 

Chris Glein (SwRI) and Bill McKinnon (WashU)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: P006 – CARBON ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM
ON THE EVE OF RETURNING ASTEROID SAMPLES

 

Studies of the existence and state of carbonaceous material on Solar System bodies

is at the forefront of planetary research. Samples of low-albedo asteroid 162173 Ryugu

are en route to the Earth on the Hayabusa2 probe, and a rehearsal of the initial sample

analysis is planned. At this time, the OSIRIS-REx space probe sampling of low-albedo

asteroid 101955 Bennu has been rehearsed. As a framework for these studies, telescopic,
laboratory and theoretical studies of carbon in all its forms have recently snowballed.

The 2018 SSERVI Carbon in the Solar System workshop launched a series of presentations

and discussions at various planetary science venues, enabling an information exchange

around the weathering of carbonaceous compounds in response to thermal processes and
irradiation, and what implications these compositions have for understanding material

processing in the Solar System. We will generate and share ideas to support research

and the imminent arrival of new samples.

 

We invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29:  

https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts

 

Conveners:

Faith Vilas (Planetary Science Institute)

Amanda R. Hendrix  (Planetary Science Institute)

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION: “GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS OF SATELLITES 

AND SMALL BODIES: TO IO, AND BEYOND”

 

We wish to invite abstracts to the AGU Fall Meeting Planetary Science session 

“Geology and Geophysics of Satellites and Small Bodies: to Io, and Beyond. 

This is an exciting time for exploring the dynamic, evolving small bodies in the 

Solar System.  The AGU abstract submission site will open in late June.  The 

deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, 29 July at 23:59 EDT.  We hope to 

see you (virtually!) in December.

 

Conveners:  A.G. Davies, K. de Kleer, T. McCord, T. V. Johnson

 

This is a session of contributed and invited papers on the geology and geophysics 

of active or recently active satellites and dwarf planets, including small exoplanets. 

Research is progressing rapidly due to the stream of new spacecraft and Earth-based 

telescope data.  Additionally, there are exciting future missions to the Jovian system 

under development, including Europa Clipper, JUICE, and the proposed Io Volcano 

Observer. Papers are welcomed on processes that affect the interiors of individual 

bodies as well as the surface expressions they produce. Included are the effects and 

chronology of internal heating (tidal dissipation and radioactivity), structural evolution 

(e.g., differentiation), tides, and other geophysical and geological processes (e.g., 

volcanism, tectonism).

 

Sincerely,

Ashley Gerard Davies, Katherine de Kleer, Tom McCord and Torrence Johnson.  

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE”

 

We’d like to invite abstracts to the virtual AGU session “ Looking ahead to the future of Planetary Science”
to be submitted through https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts through July 29th, and
look forward to seeing you for a fascinating session. 

 

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY SCIENCE

 

Description:

In preparation for the NASA Decadal Survey, the Planetary Science Division awarded

funds to study eleven mission concepts under the rubric of PMCS (Planetary Mission

Concept Studies). This program element solicited proposals for mission concept studies

that addressed NASA’s planetary science objectives, which are to ascertain the content,

origin, and evolution of the Solar System and the potential for life elsewhere. The oral

session will highlight the final reports of these Planetary Science Decadal Survey studies,

while abstracts for additional concepts that the community may have will be solicited to

be presented in a poster session.

 

Thanks a lot,

Doris Daou, Pat Beauchamp and Julie Castillo-Rogez

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “THE FUTURE OF PLANETARY ATMOSPHERIC, SURFACE,
AND INTERIOR SCIENCE USING RADIO AND LASER LINKS”

 

Radio science has been used to study solar system phenomena and fundamental physics

for over five decades. The scope of this session includes radio and optical science techniques

to study ocean worlds, planetary and small body interiors, the dynamics, composition,

and thermal structure of planetary atmospheres, to characterize the scattering, electrical,

and other properties of planetary surfaces, to study solar system dynamics, and to conduct

tests in fundamental physics. Of particular interest are presentations on radio science investigations
motivated by U.S. Planetary Science Decadal Survey white papers. Relevant technology topics
include but are not limited to the design of small spacecraft networks and constellations, advances
in flight and ground instrumentation, advances in space clock technologies, novel communications
architectures including optical links, advances in radio and laser technologies, and new techniques
and instrumentation for entry probe radio science.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through July 29 at https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts 

 

David H. Atkinson, Sami W. Asmar, Luciano Iess, Silvia Tellmann

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “TITAN – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE INVESTIGATIONS OF SATURN’S GIANT MOON”

 

Titan’s unique standing as the only moon in the solar system with a dense atmosphere

provides an environment like no other. Its complex meteorology of rainfall, wind, rivers,

lakes and seas interacting with a solid surface is reminiscent of the planets of the inner

solar system, while its icy crust and deep liquid water interior provide comparison to outer

solar system ocean worlds, such as Europa, Ganymede and Enceladus. Titan alone straddles

these diverse environments, providing a fertile natural laboratory for studying one-of-a-kind
chemistry, dynamics, geology and more. This session welcomes new results from past missions
including Voyager and Cassini-Huygens; present day modeling, observations and experiments;
and on-going scientific research to prepare for future missions including Dragonfly.

 

The conveners invite abstracts to be submitted through
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts through July 29th,
and look forward to a session filled with exciting new results.

 

Conor Nixon, Alex Hayes, Kathy Mandt and Christophe Sotin

 

AGU FALL MEETING SESSION “CONCEPTS FOR FUTURE PLANETARY SCIENCE
MISSIONS AND INSTRUMENTS” (E-LIGHTNING)

 

Today planetary science missions are exploring the solar system as never before.

NASA spacecraft are headed to targets from Mercury to the Kuiper Belt, and aiming

to return the first samples from Mars and asteroid Bennu. ESA spacecraft are reaching

new targets from Mercury to Jupiter, and a wave of other missions from countries around

the world are targeting the Moon, Mars, near-Earth asteroids and beyond, with an dizzying

array of orbiters, rovers and landers. It is an exciting, dynamic time for planetary scientists

with new opportunities to propose mission concepts ranging from small Cubesats to traditional
large missions. This session solicits interactive electronic poster (e-Lightning) presentations

on novel mission and instrument concepts designed for future planetary science missions. 

 

Abstract submissions are encouraged on all relevant mission and instrument concepts at:
https://www.agu.org/Fall-Meeting/2020/Present/Abstracts by July 29th. 

 

We look forward to another very interesting session in December.

 

Conor Nixon, Morgan Cable, Charles Hibbitts, Melissa Trainer

 

AGU-2020 SESSION ON PLANETARY ACCRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION

 

We invite contributions to the session “Accretion and differentiation of rocky planets:
perspectives from geophysics, geochemistry, & astronomy” at the AGU Fall Meeting 

from 7-11 December 2020, which will be at least partially virtual this year. We welcome
contributions from all disciplines to advance the understanding of the formation and
differentiation of rocky planets including, but not limited to, geochemistry, geophysics,
cosmochemistry, planetary science, and astronomy:
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm20/prelim.cgi/Session/101356. The AGU

abstract portal is already open and the deadline for submissions is Wednesday, 29 July.

Session description: The simultaneous advent of high-resolution observations of planet-

forming disks and enhanced prospects to characterize rocky exoplanets highlights the need

for increasing interdisciplinary collaboration to understand the birth and life cycle of terrestrial
worlds in our solar system and exoplanetary systems. Therefore, this session welcomes

abstracts that address new observational, theoretical, and laboratory constraints on the 

formation of Earth and other terrestrial planets in the solar system as well as in exoplanetary
systems. This includes modeling, observational, and experimental studies related to properties

of planetesimals, impacts, pebble accretion, core segregation, moon formation, crust–mantle
differentiation, atmosphere formation, or other major geophysical/geochemical processes that
fundamentally shape the evolution of rocky planetesimals and planets during their formation

and early evolution.

Conveners: Laura Schaefer (Stanford), Rebecca Fischer (Harvard), Tim Lichtenberg (Oxford)
Invited Speakers: Bethany Chidester (UC Davis), Jennifer Bergner (UChicago)
Sections: Study of Earth’s Deep Interior (primary), Mineral and Rock Physics, Planetary Science
Themes: Origin and evolution, Planetary atmospheres, Planetary interiors, Planetary Geochemistry

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6

JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

 

A) RESEARCH PHYSICAL SCIENTIST

     USGS ASTROGEOLOGY SCIENCE CENTER

 

The USGS Astrogeology Science Center is accepting applications for a Research

Physical Scientist term position. The position requires a combination of expertise

in machine learning and multivariate statistics, as well as in spectroscopy and planetary

science. The researcher would work on software development and data analysis for

ChemCam, SuperCam, and similar instruments. This position is equivalent to a post-doc,
although a PhD is not necessarily required if the applicant has an appropriate combination

of education and experience. Applications will be accepted through July 22, or until 65
applications have been received. Only US citizens are eligible for this position. Start

date is flexible but would be no earlier than mid-August.

 

Please refer to the job posting for more details: 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/573169300

Contact Ryan Anderson ([email protected]) with any questions.

 

B) U.S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY ASTRONOMER

 

The Nautical Almanac Office AA Department is hiring for an Astronomer GS-1330-11/12  

 

APPOINTMENT TYPE:       Permanent/Full-Time

LOCATION:       Washington, DC

ANNOUNCEMENT:  DE-10859318-20-DMM

 

OPEN DATE:      7/17/20

CLOSE DATE:     7/27/20

 

WHO MAY APPLY:  ALL US CITIZENS

 

To view the full vacancy announcement, please use the link provided below:

The URL is:   https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/573609400

 

For more information, please see the DON USAJOBS Link:

https://donusajobs.gov/

 

———————————+ 

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Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected]) 

 

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