Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, a Planetary Science Institute senior scientist since 2010, died on April 11 after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. Her career spanned nearly 50 years, during which she authored more than 300 journal articles on topics from erupting jets on Triton and Enceladus, to outer planet satellites’ tenuous atmospheres, to carbon dioxide processes on Mars. She played a critical role in many high-profile NASA missions including Voyager, Cassini, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Juno and Europa Clipper. She is remembered by her colleagues as endlessly kind and supportive, with a talent for mission operations and team coordination. She is also regarded as a trailblazer at a time when there were few women in planetary science.
Hansen-Koharcheck was born in Pasadena, Calif. In 1976 she earned a B.S. in Physics from California State University, Fullerton, where she was inspired to become a planetary scientist by Dorothy Woolum, who worked on the Apollo program. She then began a short stint in graduate school at the University of Arizona. Under the mentorship of Bradford Smith, who led Voyager’s imaging team, she was encouraged to leave Tucson to begin work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Voyager as assistant experiment representative. Her task was to design the camera images for every satellite flyby that occurred during Voyager’s encounters with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. In 1981, she earned the NASA Individual Achievement Award for this work.
From 1981-84, during the long cruise period between the Saturn and Uranus encounters, she worked at the German Space Operations Center in Oberpfaffenhofen on the Ion Release Module, the German portion of the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorer, a multinational Earth orbiting mission designed to study the Earth’s magnetosphere.
She returned to Voyager for the Uranus flyby in January 1986. In 1987, Hansen-Koharcheck returned to graduate school, this time at UCLA. Two years later, while preparing for Voyager’s Neptune encounter, she finished her Master of Science in Planetary Physics, and in 1994, completed her doctorate in earth and space science. Her dissertation included a thermal model of Triton’s nitrogen frost and atmosphere, based on Voyager data. She has also applied the thermal model to Pluto and other Kuiper Belt objects.
In 1990, Hansen-Koharcheck began working on NASA’s Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn with the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) investigation team, and was responsible for planning and analyzing UVIS icy satellite data. In 2002, she earned an Exceptional Leadership Award from JPL for her science planning efforts for Cassini’s Jupiter flyby observations. She remained a UVIS co-investigator until 2017, when the spacecraft was retired. She led several papers analyzing UVIS data of Enceladus’ water vapor plume. In 2009, she earned the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for this work. She was also the deputy principal investigator on the Mars Polar Lander payload from 1994-99, when the spacecraft was lost.
In 2010, Hansen-Koharcheck retired from JPL and continued her work at the Planetary Science Institute.
At the time of her death, Hansen-Koharcheck was deputy principal investigator emeritus for the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Her research focused on the seasonal carbon dioxide polar cap of Mars. She also pursued that interest as a co-investigator on the High-resolution Stereo and Color Imager (HiSCI) flying on the Mars Trace Gas Orbiter. Hansen-Koharcheck was also a co-investigator on the Juno mission, which has been in orbit around Jupiter since 2016. On Juno, she was responsible for the development and operation of the JunoCam outreach camera designed to engage the public in planning and processing images of Jupiter and its satellites. For this work, she earned the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal in 2018 and NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal in 2023. Hansen-Koharcheck continued her adventure at Jupiter as a co-investigator on the Europa Imaging System (EIS) on the Europa Clipper mission, scheduled to arrive in the Jupiter system in April, 2030.
In addition to the many awards and honors throughout her career she received the Geological Society of America’s G. K. Gilbert Award for contributions to Planetary Geology in 2023. She also served as the Chair of the NASA Outer Planets Assessment Group and Chair of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society.
Dr. Linda M. French, 74, astronomer, educator, colleague, and friend to many, died on November 9, 2025 in Exeter, NH.
Linda received her PhD (1980) in Astronomy from Cornell University. Involved in research on the shapes, spin states, and surface compositions of small Solar System bodies, she emphasized the properties of Trojan asteroids in an effort to understand their origins. From 2017-2019, she worked as Program Director, NSF Astronomical Sciences Division. Linda served as Education Officer (1993-1997), Secretary (2003-2006), and Education Advisory Board member (2008-2010) for the Division for Planetary Sciences, American Astronomical Society.
A dedicated educator, Linda taught astronomy, physics, and life sciences to students of all ages throughout her career. She spent the last two decades of her professional life as a professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, receiving the Kemp Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence in 2016. She also developed and taught a popular course on the music of the Beatles as part of IWU’s freshman writing program.
Linda made numerous trips to York, England, to research the life of 18th-century astronomer John Goodricke. She served on the AAS Historical Astronomy Division Committee (2012-2015).
In 1988, asteroid (3506) French was named in her honor; in 2020, she was named an AAS Legacy Fellow. Her full obituary and a tribute wall can be found here.
University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory Professor Emeritus Uwe Fink passed away on 18 January 2026 after a brief illness. During his long career, Fink carried out laboratory spectroscopy and observations on all of the planets in the solar system and their satellites as well as asteroids and comets. During this golden age of planetary exploration, he developed and built instruments for laboratory use and telescopic observations using the technique of Fourier spectroscopy and later CCD spectroscopy. The laboratory work identified the opacity spectra of molecules that could then be searched for spectroscopically. He was the first to employ CCDs for planetary spectroscopy, enabling him to obtain the first good visible and near IR spectrum of Pluto. Highlights include the discovery of the icy composition of Saturn’s rings, measurements of ices on the Galilean satellites, and an early measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus from airborne spectra. A major advance was the first detection (in collaboration with Harold Larson) of water vapor in the atmosphere of Jupiter, particularly relevant today in the context of measurements of the atmospheric compositions of extrasolar giant planets. Also important was their first detection of the disequilibrium species GeH4 (germane, the germanium analog of methane) and PH3 (phosphine) in the atmosphere of Jupiter. His spectra of Jupiter and molecular detections are still often cited in the modern brown dwarf and extrasolar giant planet literature. Later in his career he carried out extensive observations of comets.
Robert John (“Rob”) Sullivan, Jr. of Lansing, NY passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 following a courageous battle with ALS. Rob was born near Sydney, Australia on February 16, 1962. His family moved to Sherborn, MA in 1970. There, he spent summers life-guarding and teaching swimming lessons at Farm Pond. He loved growing up in a small town where he enjoyed playing street hockey and baseball and running cross-country through the woods. He loved the Boston Red Sox, attending his last game at Fenway in September. Curiosity, integrity, and honesty were defining characteristics of Rob’s. He was a dedicated husband and father who never missed a dance recital, stage performance, or athletic event, enjoyed building sets for the Lansing High School musicals, and was always available to the girls for homework help. Rob cherished spending time with family and friends, boat rides on Cayuga Lake, stargazing, dramatic weather, changing seasons, and beautiful sunsets from his front yard. Rob’s love for his family was so deep he would go to great lengths to ensure their happiness above his own needs. When his friends needed help, he was always there.
Rob received his B.S. from Brown University in Geology-Physics/Mathematics and Ph.D. from Arizona State University. Rob was a Principal Research Scientist at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, and was a world expert on Martian aeolian processes. Rob was the recipient of many NASA Achievement Awards, having served on Mars 2020, Mars Science Laboratory, Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Express, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Pathfinder, and Galileo. Rob authored or co-authored well over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, but was an extremely humble person despite his prolific contributions to his field. He is sorely missed by his colleagues.
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE – RENEW YOUR DPS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION, EARLY REGISTRATION FOR DPS-58 CLOSING SOON
DPS-58 TRAVEL AND DEPENDENT CARE GRANT APPLICATIONS
SATELLITE MEETINGS ARE SOLICITED AT DPS-58
LOW-COST MEETING OBSERVER OPTION AT DPS-58
CONFERENCE LODGING AT DPS-58
INFORMATION FOR DPS-58 EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
STUDENT LED REU PRESENTATIONS AT DPS-58
DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
DPS SEEKS A NEW EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR
DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE SOLICITS MEMBERS
AAS ACTION ALERT: SUBMIT COMMENTS OPPOSING HARMFUL CHANGES TO FEDERAL GRANTS
PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACTS ARE OPEN
[GSA 2026] GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA CONNECTS ANNUAL MEETING: ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS OPEN
NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR RELAUNCHED
TABLES OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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DPS 2026 ELECTION : CANDIDATE SLATE
The DPS Nominating Subcommittee has identified the following candidates for the 2026 DPS elections for Vice Chair, Committee Member, and Student Representative
Vice Chair (1 to be elected):
Kurt Retherford – Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
Moses Milazzo – NASA/Other Orb Science, LLC
Robert (Bob) Pappalardo – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Committee (2 to be elected):
Ahmed Mahjoub – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Julie Brisset – Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida
Kara Brugman – University of New Mexico
Lynnae Quick – Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Tom Nordheim – Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Student Representative (1 to be elected):
Emeline Fromont – University of Maryland, College Park
Eshan Raul – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Simone Lilavois – Amherst College
Per the DPS Bylaws, additional candidates for Vice Chair or Committee Member, supported by a petition of at least 20 DPS members, may be nominated by June 17, 2026. Please send any nominations to DPS secretary, Denise Stephens, at [email protected]
The DPS Committee thanks the members of the Nominating Subcommittee for their dedicated service to the DPS:
Jessica Noviello (chair), Therese Encrenaz, and Jodi Berdis
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IT IS NEVER TOO LATE – RENEW YOUR DPS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
The DPS Committee and the AAS staff and community thank you for being an AAS/DPS member in 2025. For those who have not yet renewed for 2026, now is the time! DPS membership yields discounted registration for the Fall 2026 Annual Meeting to be held 25-30 October in Spokane, WA. The meeting will have a broad scope with a wide-ranging program of science and workforce topics, celebrating planetary exploration and mission anniversaries. DPS does not censor submissions – diverse perspectives are welcome.
If you are unsure of your membership status, it’s easy to check. Go to my.aas.org and log in with your AAS username and password. Look for the framed Profile-at-a-Glance section on the right and confirm the Paid Through date. If it’s 31 December 2025 or earlier, it’s time to renew.
If you are an active AAS member, the DPS dues is $30 for Full, International Affiliate, Educator Affiliate, Alumni Affiliate, and Amateur Affiliate Members, $0 for Graduate Student and Undergraduate Student Members and Emeritus Members. The classes and benefits of AAS membership are describedhere.
To join and pay by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), simply fax your request and the following card data: card number; name of card holder as it appears on card; expiration date; authorized charge amount. Please direct your transmittal to the attention of AAS Membership Services at (202) 588-1351, remembering to include a daytime telephone number for contact purposes.
To join and pay by check or money order, you may mail your request and payment drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. currency to:
American Astronomical Society
1667 K Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Checks or money orders should be payable to the American Astronomical Society.
You should allow a minimum of 5 business days for your request and payment to be processed and your DPS membership established.
If you wish to join the DPS and the AAS at the same time, download theAAS Membership Form; provide all required information; indicate your intent to join the DPS (section 8); and return your completed form and payment to the AAS.
You should allow a minimum of 5 business days for your request and payment to be processed and your AAS and DPS memberships established.
Further information regarding the AAS and AAS membership benefits is available atAAS andAAS Membership respectively. Questions regarding joining the DPS as an AAS member should be directed to theAAS Membership Department.
If you have questions about your benefits or need assistance with your login or renewal, please email the membership team [email protected] or call (202) 328-2010 x109.
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ABSTRACT SUBMISSION, EARLY REGISTRATION FOR DPS-58 CLOSING SOON
Registration and abstract submission are open for DPS-58 at the Spokane Convention Center, 25-30 October 2026. DPS will be a hybrid meeting with live-streamed in-person and recorded virtual talks and in-person posters. Three classes of registration include: full in-person, full virtual, and virtual meeting observer for a very low cost. Abstract submission will indicate a science theme plus a class of bodies pertinent to the abstract, from which the Science Organizing Committee will formulate the program. There is also an option to submit to one of five special sessions:
5 Years of Perseverance Exploration at Jezero
Juno at 10 years
20 years of MRO observing Mars
30 years of asteroid rendezvous missions
Interstellar comets
Regular abstract deadline: Thursday, 11 June 2026 9:00pm ET
Early registration deadline: Monday, 15 June 2026 9:00pm ET
Late abstract deadline: 2 July, 2026 12:00pm ET
–Scott Murchie and JA Grier on behalf of the DPS Committee
–Abigail Fraeman on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee
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DPS-58 TRAVEL AND DEPENDENT CARE GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at DPS-58 to be held 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. At least 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each.
Hartmann Student Travel Grants support student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized). These grants provide a supplement that enables the student to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grants support attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (well before the registration deadline), but the award team will work with DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate costs should there be delays.
Additionally, DPS offers Susan Niebur Dependent Care grants. These provide financial assistance to qualifying members to facilitate their meeting attendance by offsetting costs for child care, elder care, spousal care, etc., at the meeting location or at home during the DPS conference. Apply for a dependent care grant here.
Community donations are critical for the health of these awards. To donate, please access this link and select the grant you wish to support.
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SATELLITE MEETINGS ARE SOLICITED AT DPS-58
DPS welcomes community groups to hold satellite meetings at DPS’s 58th annual meeting at the Spokane Convention Center 25-30 October 2026, including AG groups, mission or instrument teams, or other planetary-themed groups. The venue features 4-6 rooms that seat between 30-100 and are available anytime, plus 4 large halls seating >250 which are available Sunday Oct 25, or for 60-90 minute lunchtime meetings Monday-Thursday Oct 26-29. Rooms will be outfitted for hybrid participation with AV hardware; users must supply laptops. Zoom reservations may be arranged by users, or supplied at no cost by AAS if the meeting is sponsored by DPS. In-person participants are expected to register for attendance at DPS; virtual participants may attend at no cost. Apply for a satellite meeting here. The application deadline is Thursday June 11; selected applicants will be notified in late June. Catering is available at cost with forms sent with selection notifications.
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LOW-COST MEETING OBSERVER OPTION AT DPS-58
Are you interested in planetary science, and ready to attend professional talks on topics of interest, but costs of a professional conference are not affordable? DPS is pleased to announce a virtual attendance option that can fit a tightly constrained budget, as a virtual meeting observer. This option is meant for a wide variety of planetary science amateurs and professionals:
amateurs who want a deeper dive than what is in the popular press
leaders of high-school science clubs who will share with a group
students and faculty at community colleges and tribal colleges
retired professionals who lack emeritus status in a professional society
active professionals who don’t have funding to attend *all* the conferences they would like
The virtual attendance option, available for $50 (a modest out-of-pocket cost), allows full watching and listening to oral presentations and access to recorded sessions.
Please consider arranging your hotel for DPS-58 at official conference lodging. There is a block of rooms at government rates, and lodging is connected to the conference venue—the Spokane Convention Center—via a covered a walkway. The hotel features an onsite restaurant and other options are located nearby. Utilizing this lodging will cut both cost to attend the conference and carbon footprint to attend the conference by eliminating the need for car rental.
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INFORMATION FOR DPS-58 EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
The Local Organizing Committee for DPS-58 is soliciting exhibitors and sponsors for the meeting. Exhibitor spaces are located in a heavily trafficked are between the poster sessions and common area in a large, shared ballroom. If you are interested, please contact Conor Sherry ([email protected]) at the American Astronomical Society.
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STUDENT LED REU PRESENTATIONS AT DPS-58
The Science Organizing Committee for DPS-58 is aware that the regular abstract deadline comes early for students participating in a summer internship program such as Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). When submitting a student-led abstract to DPS-58 that describes work completed as part of an REU or other internship, authors are asked to note in the “Special requests” field that the abstract is student-led work from an REU or other internship, and whether oral or poster presentation is desired. For such abstracts, oral presentation will be considered even for submissions made as “late abstracts” by July 2.
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DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching. The term of office is expiring and it is time for a change.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
The DPS Education Officer position was filled by Prof. Brian Jackson of Boise State University until he accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Planetary Science Journal, at which time the remainder of the 3-year term was assumed by Past Chair Sanlyn Buxner of the Planetary Science Institute.
The Chair of the Education Subcommittee oversees the following activities:
Maintains the Education portion of the DPS website together with the DPS webmaster
Maintains the searchable database of Research Experiences for Undergraduate students in planetary science
Maintains the searchable database of graduate schools for planetary science
Intermittently, manages DPS Education and Outreach Grants – ($200 to $500) – awarded on rolling basis
Supports education-related activities during DPS meetings in coordination with DPS leadership and other committees
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE SOLICITS MEMBERS
The DPS Environmental Affairs Subcommittee (EAS) is soliciting new members. If you are interested please contact EAS Chair Rosemary Killen at [email protected] with your name, affiliation and email. In addition, please provide a brief statement concerning your priorities for environmental sustainability as it relates to the DPS.
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AAS ACTION ALERT: SUBMIT COMMENTS OPPOSING HARMFUL CHANGES TO FEDERAL GRANTS
On 29 May 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a proposed rule that alters how the government handles the management of federal grants and other forms of financial assistance. Among the many changes in this proposed rule, OMB proposes giving political appointees greater control over the grant selection process, expanding the authority of the government to terminate active grants if they do not align with Administration priorities, and placing significant restrictions on the use of federal funds for publishing costs, conference attendance, and international collaborations.
Please take action! The AAS and DPS encourage individuals to submit comments to this proposed rulemaking by the deadline of 13 July 2026. Please reach out to[email protected]with any questions.
PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACTS ARE OPEN
It’s time to save the date for the upcoming Planetary Crater Consortium (PCC) Meeting this July:
The dates for our 2026 meeting are July 15-17. It will be held at the USGS-Flagstaff in Flagstaff, AZ, USA; we will still support remote attendance and speakers. If you would like to consider hosting the PCC at your organization in future years, please come to the meeting with a proposal and we will vote on it.
Abstract submission and registration for this year’s meeting are officially open! As with last year, Registration and Abstract submission for this year’s meeting will be handled by Google Form:
The deadline for abstract submission is June 17, 2026. Also keep your calendars open for a potential July 18 field trip in the Flagstaff area.
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[GSA 2026] GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA CONNECTS ANNUAL MEETING:
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS OPEN
Abstract submission is open for the Geological Society of America Connects Annual Meeting, October 11-14 in Denver! https://connects.geosociety.org/
Planetary related sessions include:
Big Science from Small Worlds
Boxwork and Fracture Halos: Changes in mineralogy and erosion resistance around fracture features on Earth, Mars, and across the Solar System
Friends of Hoth, Rogue Moons: Icy Ocean Worlds
The G.K. Gilbert Award Session
Geomorphology and Landscape Evolution of Mars
Geomorphology and Surface Processes Across the Solar System
Hydrothermal Processes Across the Solar System
Impact Cratering: From the Earth into the Solar System
Mineralogy in the Solar System
Myths and Misrepresentations surrounding Cosmic Impact claims in Paleoclimatology, Paleontology, Paleoecology, Geoarchaeology, and Quaternary Research
Planetary Exploration and Education: How We Learn About Our Solar System and Beyond
Planetary sample science: Unlocking the history of lunar, Martian, and asteroidal materials
Shake and Bake: Volcanism and Tectonism across the Solar System
The Astro-Geoheritage of the Solar System: Past Explorations and Future Considerations
Venus and Earth: Separated at Birth
Abstract deadline: August 6
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NEW HORIZONS SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT WEBINAR RELAUNCHED
Join us on 25 June 2026, 2:30-3pm EDT (11:30-12 PDT, 12:30-1pm MDT,1:30-2pm CDT)
New Horizons continues its operation, now at 64.7au from the Sun. Since 2015 it has made ground-breaking discoveries of the Pluto-Charon system, flown past the small contact KBO binary Arrokoth and collected phase and light curve data for some three-dozen additional KBOs and the ice giants. It has also been sampling dust density throughout the Solar System and studying the cosmic optical background. After a brief break, we are continuing our spotlight webinar (30 min, fourth week each month) which we invite you to attend, or watch recorded at your convenience.
Our speaker will be Eric Zirnstein (Princeton) and he will be speaking on: “Formation of H+ PUI Tails Downstream of Distant Interplanetary Shocks and Predictions for NH’s SWAP Measurements at the HTS”
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
Jodrell Banke Center 3-year UK STFC-funded postdoctoral position
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester, welcomes applications for a 3-year UK STFC-funded postdoctoral position to work on exoplanet demographics with NASA Roman and ESA Euclid. I’d be very grateful for this to be forwarded to any colleagues you know who may be interested in applying. Please note the closing date of 10th June 2026. Applicants must be available to start on October 1st 2026.
Application details and further particulars are at
NASA SMD Graduate Student Research Solicitation – Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology(FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to SMD’s science, technology, and exploration goals. The Future Investigator, i.e., the student, shall have the primary initiative to define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary author, with input or supervision from the proposal’s Principal Investigator, as appropriate.
Neither a notice of intent nor a Step-1 proposal should be submitted. Proposals are due July 14, 2026.
Questions concerning F.5 FINESST may be directed to [email protected].
Research Associate Position Available at the University of Kent, UK
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, University of Manchester, welcomes applications for a 3-year UK STFC-funded postdoctoral position to work on exoplanet demographics with NASA Roman and ESA Euclid. I’d be very grateful for this to be forwarded to any colleagues you know who may be interested in applying. Please note the closing date of 10th June 2026. Applicants must be available to start on October 1st 2026.
Application details and further particulars are at
To apply, use the form in the above links. For questions about the positions, please contact Dr. Joe Masiero: [email protected]
Two Postdoctoral Positions in Planetary Geochemistry, ELSI (Science Tokyo)
We invite applications for two postdoctoral researchers in planetary geochemistry and thermodynamics at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Institute of Science Tokyo.
Position 1 (Experimentalist): The researcher will lead calorimetric measurements (heat capacity, decomposition enthalpies, mass loss) on organic matter and mineral assemblages relevant to ocean worlds and other planetary bodies, using the lab’s simultaneous TGA/DSC instrument with modulated DSC capability.
Position 2 (Modeler): The researcher will develop thermodynamic databases and apply computational models (Gibbs free energy minimization, reactive transport) to water-rock-organic systems in planetary interiors, integrating experimental data from Position 1 into modeling workflows.
Both researchers will collaborate closely. Backgrounds in geochemistry, planetary science, cosmochemistry, physical chemistry, or related fields are welcome. Positions are initially for one year with possibility of extension. ELSI operates in English; full support is provided for international researchers.
Informal discussions about the positions are welcome at AbSciCon (May 18 – 22, 2026); please reach out in advance (melwani (at) elsi.jp) to arrange a meeting.
Deadline: June 15, 2026.
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Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address: [email protected]
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE – RENEW YOUR DPS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION ARE OPEN FOR DPS-58
DPS-58 TRAVEL AND DEPENDENT CARE GRANT APPLICATIONS
SATELLITE MEETINGS ARE SOLICITED AT DPS-58
LOW-COST MEETING OBSERVER OPTION AT DPS-58
CONFERENCE LODGING AT DPS-58
DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
DPS SEEKS A NEW EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIR
DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE SOLICITS MEMBERS
PLANETARY SCIENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN THE PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION AT NASA HEADQUARTERS
CALL FOR VIRTEX MENTORS
ExPet26: SCIENTIFIC MEETING FOR EXPERIMENTAL PETROLOGY
CONFERENCE FOR GRADUATE WOMEN AND GENDER MINORITIES IN PHYSICS
WORKSHOP ON THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE OF COMETS: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
COMMERCIAL: SKYSCAPE ACADEMY FIELD SCHOOL IN ARCHAEOASTRONOMY
CALL FOR NEW SBAG STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FACULTY TEACHING INSTITUTE
ON-LINE COURSE “SUSTAINABLE ENERGY”
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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DPS 2026 ELECTION : CANDIDATE SLATE
The DPS Nominating Subcommittee has identified the following candidates for the 2026 DPS elections for Vice Chair, Committee Member, and Student Representative
Vice Chair (1 to be elected):
Kurt Retherford – Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
Moses Milazzo – NASA/Other Orb Science, LLC
Robert (Bob) Pappalardo – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Committee (2 to be elected):
Ahmed Mahjoub – NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Julie Brisset – Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida
Kara Brugman – University of New Mexico
Lynnae Quick – Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Tom Nordheim – Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Student Representative (1 to be elected):
Emeline Fromont – University of Maryland, College Park
Eshan Raul – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Simone Lilavois – Amherst College
Per the DPS Bylaws, additional candidates for Vice Chair or Committee Member, supported by a petition of at least 20 DPS members, may be nominated by June 17, 2026. Please send any nominations to DPS secretary, Denise Stephens, at [email protected]
The DPS Committee thanks the members of the Nominating Subcommittee for their dedicated service to the DPS:
Jessica Noviello (chair), Therese Encrenaz, and Jodi Berdis
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IT IS NEVER TOO LATE – RENEW YOUR DPS MEMBERSHIP TODAY
The DPS Committee and the AAS staff and community thank you for being an AAS/DPS member in 2025. For those who have not yet renewed for 2026, now is the time! DPS membership yields discounted registration for the Fall 2026 Annual Meeting to be held 25-30 October in Spokane, WA. The meeting will have a broad scope with a wide-ranging program of science and workforce topics, celebrating planetary exploration and mission anniversaries. DPS does not censor submissions – diverse perspectives are welcome.
If you are unsure of your membership status, it’s easy to check. Go to my.aas.org and log in with your AAS username and password. Look for the framed Profile-at-a-Glance section on the right and confirm the Paid Through date. If it’s 31 December 2025 or earlier, it’s time to renew.
If you are an active AAS member, the DPS dues is $30 for Full, International Affiliate, Educator Affiliate, Alumni Affiliate, and Amateur Affiliate Members, $0 for Graduate Student and Undergraduate Student Members and Emeritus Members. The classes and benefits of AAS membership are describedhere.
To join and pay by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), simply fax your request and the following card data: card number; name of card holder as it appears on card; expiration date; authorized charge amount. Please direct your transmittal to the attention of AAS Membership Services at (202) 588-1351, remembering to include a daytime telephone number for contact purposes.
To join and pay by check or money order, you may mail your request and payment drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. currency to:
American Astronomical Society
1667 K Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Checks or money orders should be payable to the American Astronomical Society.
You should allow a minimum of 5 business days for your request and payment to be processed and your DPS membership established.
If you wish to join the DPS and the AAS at the same time, download theAAS Membership Form; provide all required information; indicate your intent to join the DPS (section 8); and return your completed form and payment to the AAS.
You should allow a minimum of 5 business days for your request and payment to be processed and your AAS and DPS memberships established.
Further information regarding the AAS and AAS membership benefits is available atAAS andAAS Membership respectively. Questions regarding joining the DPS as an AAS member should be directed to theAAS Membership Department.
If you have questions about your benefits or need assistance with your login or renewal, please email the membership team [email protected] or call (202) 328-2010 x109.
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ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION ARE OPEN FOR DPS-58
The DPS Committee, Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC), and AAS Meetings invite the planetary science community to register for attendance and to submit abstracts for presentation of their recent work at the 58th DPS meeting, which will take place at the Spokane (WA, USA) Convention Center, 25-30 October 2026. DPS-58 will be organized as a hybrid meeting with live-streamed in-person and recorded virtual talks. Poster presentations will be in-person.
To facilitate attendance by the widest range of participants, including non-traditional attendees and those with limited funds, there are three classes of registration: full in-person participation, full virtual participation, and participation as a virtual meeting observer for a cost of only $50.
The DPS meeting covers “all of planetary science” – solid planets, gas giants, asteroids, comets, KBOs, rings, atmospheres, and exoplanets – including the state of the planetary science workforce. Authors will be asked to indicate a Decadal Survey-related science theme plus a class of bodies pertinent to their abstract. The SOC will use this information to formulate a theme- and target-based scientific program. There is also an option to submit to one of five special sessions devoted to emerging science topics and planetary mission benchmarks in 2026/2027:
• 5 years of the Perseverance rover exploration at Jezero Crater, Mars
• Juno’s 10 years of exploring Jupiter
• 20 years of MRO observing Mars from orbit
• 30 years of asteroid rendezvous missions at 6 different targets
Regular Abstract Deadline, Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:00pm ET
Early Registration Deadline, Monday, June 15, 2026 9:00pm ET
For information on future deadlines, registration rates and social events, please visit the meeting web site, and for an online form to request splinter meetings please visit that link.
–Scott Murchie and JA Grier on behalf of the DPS Committee
–Abigail Fraeman on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee
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DPS-58 TRAVEL AND DEPENDENT CARE GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at DPS-58 to be held 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. At least 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each.
Hartmann Student Travel Grants support student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized). These grants provide a supplement that enables the student to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grants support attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (well before the registration deadline), but the award team will work with DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate costs should there be delays.
Additionally, DPS offers Susan Niebur Dependent Care grants. These provide financial assistance to qualifying members to facilitate their meeting attendance by offsetting costs for child care, elder care, spousal care, etc., at the meeting location or at home during the DPS conference. Apply for a dependent care grant here.
Community donations are critical for the health of these awards. To donate, please access this link and select the grant you wish to support.
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SATELLITE MEETINGS ARE SOLICITED AT DPS-58
DPS welcomes community groups to hold satellite meetings at DPS’s 58th annual meeting at the Spokane Convention Center 25-30 October 2026, including AG groups, mission or instrument teams, or other planetary-themed groups. The venue features 4-6 rooms that seat between 30-100 and are available anytime, plus 4 large halls seating >250 which are available Sunday Oct 25, or for 60-90 minute lunchtime meetings Monday-Thursday Oct 26-29. Rooms will be outfitted for hybrid participation with AV hardware; users must supply laptops. Zoom reservations may be arranged by users, or supplied at no cost by AAS if the meeting is sponsored by DPS. In-person participants are expected to register for attendance at DPS; virtual participants may attend at no cost. Apply for a satellite meeting here. The application deadline is Thursday June 11; selected applicants will be notified in late June. Catering is available at cost with forms sent with selection notifications.
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LOW-COST MEETING OBSERVER OPTION AT DPS-58
Are you interested in planetary science, and ready to attend professional talks on topics of interest, but costs of a professional conference are not affordable? DPS is pleased to announce a virtual attendance option that can fit a tightly constrained budget, as a virtual meeting observer. This option is meant for a wide variety of planetary science amateurs and professionals:
amateurs who want a deeper dive than what is in the popular press
leaders of high-school science clubs who will share with a group
students and faculty at community colleges and tribal colleges
retired professionals who lack emeritus status in a professional society
active professionals who don’t have funding to attend *all* the conferences they would like
The virtual attendance option, available for $50 (a modest out-of-pocket cost), allows full watching and listening to oral presentations and access to recorded sessions.
Please consider arranging your hotel for DPS-58 at official conference lodging. There is a block of rooms at government rates, and lodging is connected to the conference venue—the Spokane Convention Center—via a covered a walkway. The hotel features an onsite restaurant and other options are located nearby. Utilizing this lodging will cut both cost to attend the conference and carbon footprint to attend the conference by eliminating the need for car rental.
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DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching. The term of office is expiring and it is time for a change.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
The DPS Education Officer position was filled by Prof. Brian Jackson of Boise State University until he accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Planetary Science Journal, at which time the remainder of the 3-year term was assumed by Past Chair Sanlyn Buxner of the Planetary Science Institute.
The Chair the Education Subcommittee oversees the following activities:
Maintains the Education portion of the DPS website together with the DPS webmaster
Maintains the searchable database of Research Experiences for Undergraduate students in planetary science
Maintains the searchable database of graduate schools for planetary science
Intermittently, manages DPS Education and Outreach Grants – ($200 to $500) – awarded on rolling basis
Supports education-related activities during DPS meetings in coordination with DPS leadership and other committees
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
DPS ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SUBCOMMITTEE SOLICITS MEMBERS
The DPS Environmental Affairs Subcommittee (EAS) is soliciting new members. If you are interested please contact EAS Chair Rosemary Killen at [email protected] with your name, affiliation and email. In addition, please provide a brief statement concerning your priorities for environmental sustainability as it relates to the DPS.
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PLANETARY SCIENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN THE PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION AT NASA HEADQUARTERS
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate has an immediate need for one or more scientists with expertise in planetary science to serve as Program Scientists in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The Division is responsible for the scientific exploration of our Solar System and for improving our understanding of planets. These opportunities are being made available under the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). For info about IPAs, go to:
The initial IPA appointment will be for up to two (2) years, with possibility of reappointment up to a total of six (6) years. It is preferable for most Program Scientists in the Planetary Science Division to have at least 5 years of post-Ph.D. experience.
NASA-funded researchers are invited to share their careers with youth for the Virtual Trips to Extreme Environments (VIRTEX) project! As a VIRTEX Mentor, you’ll act as a STEM role model and connect with teams of students (ages 10-15) at partnering Boys & Girls Clubs. The total time commitment is no more than five hours, distributed over several weeks.
We’re seeking NASA-funded scientists, engineers, and technicians (including early-career researchers) who work in or study extreme environments, such as space, airplanes, remote field sites, airborne and underwater laboratories, planets, and moons.
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ExPet26: SCIENTIFIC MEETING FOR EXPERIMENTAL PETROLOGY
We are excited to announce ExPet26 – a meeting designed to bring experimental petrologists together from across the United States and worldwide to highlight recent scientific and technological advances, discuss mechanisms for sharing information, ideas, technology, methodologies and equipment, and to develop and safeguard our community for the future.
The inaugural meeting, which we hope will be the first of many to come on a biennial basis, will be held in Washington, DC at the Earth and Planets Laboratory, Carnegie Institution for Science, from October 14-16, 2026. The meeting will have a maximum of 80 in-person attendees but will also be broadcast in a hybrid format. We encourage international participation online and have structured the schedule with science sessions concentrated in the morning (US Eastern Time) to accommodate participants across multiple time zones. Registration will be free, and limited travel and accommodation support will be available to in-person participants.
Our goals are to: (1) Engage the community and foster collaborations; (2) Improve scientific standards by sharing our common experimental designs, methodologies, calibrations, and techniques; (3) Facilitate access to experimental petrology labs in the country; (4) Define the future of the community in the U.S. by identifying the needs for development in experimental petrology.
We are pleased to announce the confirmed invited speakers: Fred Davis (University of Minnesota, Duluth), Damanveer Grewal (Yale), Alex Gysi (New Mexico Tech), Megan Holycross (Cornell), Sarah Lambart (University of Utah), Kevin Righter (Rochester).
To learn more about the workshop, the vision, or to apply to attend, please check out our website:https://www.expet26.com/. Registration deadline July 1st, 2026.
ExPet26 is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
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CONFERENCE FOR GRADUATE WOMEN AND GENDER MINORITIES IN PHYSICS
Attend the event to position yourself as a next-generation leader:
Build relationships to supercharge future research and collaborations
Receive mentor, leadership, and professional development training
Develop skills to be an effective leader in the STEM workforce
This program is open to interested individuals of all gender identities and expressions.
Program
Participate in dynamic, discussion-driven sessions and workshops designed to support your growth as a leader in physics. The program will explore topics related to self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, professional resilience, and navigating academic culture.
Eligible participants
Conference programming will be tailored for all graduate students and postdocs in physics. We encourage the participation of women, gender diverse individuals, and those who may not always see themselves represented in STEM to attend. Please note that the Conference for Graduate Women and Gender Minorities is open to only those who currently reside in the U.S.
Not eligible? Please share this with colleagues who can benefit.
Most costs are covered
APS is invested in your future success!
All meals during the conference will be provided.
Hotel reservations for two nights for accepted participants, will be made and paid for by APS.
WORKSHOP ON THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE OF COMETS: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
The Workshop on the Integrated Science of Comets: From Laboratory Studies of Cometary Materials to Remote Observations is scheduled for September 22–24, 2026, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas. The workshop will be held in person with opportunities for virtual participation and presentations.
The workshop will bring together the international community working on interplanetary dust particles, cometary samples, and comet observations. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Stardust sample return, the workshop will highlight two decades of advances in cometary sample science while integrating new insights from space and ground-based observations across optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths, including facilities such as JWST, Hubble, and major ground-based observatories. By connecting laboratory analyses, multi-wavelength remote sensing, and mission science, the workshop aims to develop a cohesive understanding of cometary materials and their role in Solar System formation, and to define key science priorities for future comet exploration and sample return missions.
Conveners: Prajkta Mane (USRA/Lunar and Planetary Institute) and Ann Nguyen (NASA Johnson Space Center)
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COMMERCIAL: SKYSCAPE ACADEMY FIELD SCHOOL IN ARCHAEOASTRONOMY
Applications are now open for the Skyscape Academy Field School. This is a five-day, fully immersive training in skyscape archaeology/archaeoastronomy, based in the prehistoric landscapes of Cranborne Chase (UK), on August 27-31st 2026. Rather than lectures alone, this is structured as a working field environment. You’ll be learning directly on-site, developing practical skills, and contributing to ongoing research in one of the most significant archaeological regions in Britain.
We’ll be joined by leading specialists, including Prof Clive Ruggles, widely regarded as a foundational figure in archaeoastronomy, Prof Richard Bradley, who single handedly changed how we look at prehistoric monuments, and local experts with decades of experience working in this landscape. Places are deliberately limited to keep the training intensive and hands-on. A small number of bookings have already been confirmed.
If you’ve been looking for an immersive way to learn archaeoastronomy, or for a way to move beyond theory and into actual field practice, this is exactly what this is designed for. You can find full details and reserve your place:
The SBAG steering committee is pleased to solicit applications for 3 new members of the SBAG steering committee. Members of the international small bodies community at all career stages and all institution types are welcome to apply. The nominal term of service is three years, starting in August 2026. We particularly welcome applications from individuals whose expertise and experience would complement those of steering committee members whose terms continue into future years.
The steering committee aims to be as diverse as the community, in terms of topical interest (asteroids, comets, meteoroids, TNOs, KBOs, ISOs; observational, experimental, computational, sample handling, etc.), demographics, experience, type of employer (commercial, small business, academia, government), and other parameters.
SBAG, led by a volunteer steering committee, is an independent, community-led, interdisciplinary body dedicated to advancing space exploration, fundamental research and analysis, technology, resource utilization, and planetary defense objectives related to small bodies across the Solar System and beyond. SBAG’s pillars include small bodies and planetary defense strategy; stakeholder dialogue; programmatic stewardship; and community development, integration, and coordination. You can read more about SBAG’s current purpose and scope here.
Applications for steering committee membership require: 1) a two-page CV, including a description of participation in SBAG, other small bodies organizations, or related work, and 2) a short (300 words maximum) statement of interest. SBAG, like the other planetary AGs, is evolving. The SC encourages applicants to share in their statements how they would contribute to that evolution. Criteria for selection are participation in small bodies community organizations, commissions, panels, committees, etc.; demonstrated leadership experience; and relevant research or mission experience.
Please send application packages to Terik Daly–Terik.Daly (at) jhuapl (dot) edu–by May 19th, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT. New SC members will be announced at the SBAG35 meeting to be held 9 – 11 June 2026
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FACULTY TEACHING INSTITUTE
Are you teaching physics or astronomy at the college level and looking to strengthen your classroom practice? Registration is now open for the next Physics and Astronomy Faculty Teaching Institute, which will be held in beautiful College Park, Maryland, 24–27 June.
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ON-LINE COURSE “SUSTAINABLE ENERGY”
Robert Stern of the University of Texas/Dallas is retiring this month after a 44+ year career. His last course “Sustainable Energy” consisting of a video syllabus, 15 lectures, and 3 guest lectures are posted at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzpHDPjNs-iF3yaUIsy78vWOd-32fG4kc. This course is suitable for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
EXODOCS: 15 PhD Positions for ESA’s Exomars Rosalind Franklin Rover Mission
EXODOCS is the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Doctoral Network, a doctoral training programme funded under the European Commission’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme (Grant Agreement No 101226728).
A total of 15 PhD positions have just been advertised on the EURAXESS website and will remain open until May 31, 2026.
The doctoral training network has been designed to be fully integrated into the science instrument teams and investigations of the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover mission, integrating doctoral training, cutting-edge research and experience in the scientific preparations for Europe’s first Mars rover, a flagship astrobiology mission.
Doctoral candidates will work on projects that directly contribute to understanding the Martian environment, from surface processes and subsurface properties to the detection of biosignatures. The network’s innovative approach leverages the expertise of world-class researchers, advanced analytical tools, and real mission data. Through this, plus access to ground test instrument models and analogue samples, doctoral candidates will gain unique hands-on experience, ensuring their contributions have a measurable impact on the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover mission and beyond.
NASA SMD Graduate Student Research Solicitation – Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology(FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to SMD’s science, technology, and exploration goals. The Future Investigator, i.e., the student, shall have the primary initiative to define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary author, with input or supervision from the proposal’s Principal Investigator, as appropriate.
Neither a notice of intent nor a Step-1 proposal should be submitted. Proposals are due July 14, 2026.
Questions concerning F.5 FINESST may be directed to [email protected].
GIS Developer with HX5 at Johnson Space Center
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Developer will:
Employ GIS and remote sensing techniques to Earth, Moon, and other planetary image data in support of International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis missions
Create, manage, and deploy data pipelines for imagery and geospatial products into web GIS, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcPortal, and NASA internal applications
Develop planetary and Earth-based cartography products for NASA’s human space flight missions and operations
Develop and manage geodatabases, versioning, data integrity, data catalogs, metadata and other related data information
Utilize and recommend automation techniques for dataset and imagery processing
Participate in science and imagery mission operations as needed
Develop and implement geospatial and data science QA/QC processes
Provide science services and technology products to a range of human exploration organizations including Artemis, Orion, the lander/ascent systems, spacesuits, EVA, and ISS
Interact with scientists, engineers, and managers in a highly dynamic and occasionally time critical environment
Two Postdoctoral Positions in Planetary Geochemistry, ELSI (Science Tokyo)
We invite applications for two postdoctoral researchers in planetary geochemistry and thermodynamics at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Institute of Science Tokyo.
Position 1 (Experimentalist): The researcher will lead calorimetric measurements (heat capacity, decomposition enthalpies, mass loss) on organic matter and mineral assemblages relevant to ocean worlds and other planetary bodies, using the lab’s simultaneous TGA/DSC instrument with modulated DSC capability.
Position 2 (Modeler): The researcher will develop thermodynamic databases and apply computational models (Gibbs free energy minimization, reactive transport) to water-rock-organic systems in planetary interiors, integrating experimental data from Position 1 into modeling workflows.
Both researchers will collaborate closely. Backgrounds in geochemistry, planetary science, cosmochemistry, physical chemistry, or related fields are welcome. Positions are initially for one year with possibility of extension. ELSI operates in English; full support is provided for international researchers.
Informal discussions about the positions are welcome at AbSciCon (May 18 – 22, 2026); please reach out in advance (melwani (at) elsi.jp) to arrange a meeting.
Deadline: June 15, 2026.
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Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address: [email protected]
DPS is thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of members of our community in the areas of scientific discoveries, service to the science community, and communication of the wonders of the universe to the general public. There aren’t enough rewards to recognize everyone who has made a critical contribution, and we have the greatest admiration for all that our colleagues have done for planetary science.
Scott Murchie (DPS Chair)
Although awards cannot fully encompass the breadth of individual contributions, we hold deep respect for all colleagues advancing planetary science. The DPS proudly recognizes members of our community for excellence in research, service, and sharing the excitement of science with the public. Nominations for DPS prizes are essential to ensuring that deserving contributors are acknowledged; we encourage submissions when calls for nominations are announced.
Athena Coustenis (DPS Past Chair; Chair of the DPS Prize Committee)
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AAS DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES ANNOUNCES 2026 PRIZE WINNERS
Prof. Mark Marley of the University of Arizona is the recipient of the 2026 Gerard P. Kuiper Prizehonoring outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science. Dr. Marley is a highly influential and groundbreaking pioneer of exoplanet/brown dwarf atmosphere characterization. His work forms the backbone of multiple subfields, including substellar atmospheres, cloud microphysics, radiative transfer, and the interpretation of brown dwarf and exoplanet spectra. As a pioneering figure who bridged solar system planetary science with the emerging field of exoplanet atmospheres, he helped establish the theoretical and modeling frameworks that underpin today’s exoplanet characterization efforts. His service to and leadership of the community has been extraordinary, including working as the Director of the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, service on the Astro2020 and Planetary Science Decadal surveys, heavy involvement in pre-mission studies for the Large Ultraviolet Optical Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR) and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and mentoring a plethora of students and early career scientists.
Dr. Catherine Neish of the University of Western Ontario is awarded the 2026 Alexander Prize in recognition of her scientific, leadership, and collaborative contributions to planetary science. Dr. Neish’s research spans Earth, the Moon, Mars, and the icy satellites of the giant planets. She is a leading international expert on impact cratering on Saturn’s moon Titan, lunar impact melts, astrobiology, and radar studies of numerous planetary bodies. Dr. Neish’s past leadership of the Division for Planetary Sciences, most notably leading the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and involvement on several NASA missions including Cassini, Dragonfly, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter as a member of the Miniature Radio-Frequency instrument team, illustrates the breadth and depth of her international collaborations. As associate director of the University of Western Ontario’s Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, she has overseen training for all students in the graduate collaborative specialization in planetary science. She continues to positively shape the careers of young scientists as the Graduate Chair of the University’s Department of Earth Sciences. Dr. Neish has advised many students both at her home institution and at institutions in the US, all of which is a testament to her acumen as a mentor and her contributions to the future of our field.
Dr. Tad Komacek of Oxford University is awarded one of two 2026 Harold C. Urey prizes in recognition of his pioneering research in planetary science, which has fundamentally advanced our understanding of planetary atmospheres within the solar system and beyond. Renowned for his depth, breadth, and originality, Dr. Komacek has produced landmark studies on the atmospheric dynamics of hot Jupiters and other extrasolar worlds, establishing definitive theoretical frameworks and scaling laws that now serve as cornerstones of the field. His innovative research encompasses both giant and terrestrial exoplanets, seamlessly integrating astrophysics, planetary science, and geophysics. Dr. Komacek was the first to uncover and quantitatively elucidate key processes, including hydrogen dissociation and recombination, that drive energy transport in exoplanet atmospheres. He has played leading roles in designing and interpreting transformative JWST observation campaigns, directly shaping the future of planetary and exoplanetary science. As a collaborative leader with exceptional technical expertise, Dr. Komacek’s vision and contributions have not only strengthened the scientific community, but also profoundly accelerated progress in planetary sciences and the exploration of worlds beyond our own.
Dr. Ali Bramson of Purdue University is awarded one of two 2026 Harold C. Urey prizes in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to planetary science. Dr. Bramson’s research has fundamentally redefined our understanding of subsurface ice on Mars, leading to the discovery of massive, widespread buried ices at mid-latitudes. Her innovative integration of radar, geomorphology, and modeling has not only revealed new paradigms of Martian climate history, but directly shaped exploration strategies and priorities for future Mars missions. Dr. Bramson’s intellectual leadership extends to polar ice evolution on Mars, where she has pioneered studies of sublimation-driven layer formation and trough development. Her expertise and creativity in radar science, spanning analyses from Mars and lunar cryptomare deposits to hardware development for future missions, are driving the field forward with new technology and approaches. Dr. Bramson is now guiding mission teams and shaping international efforts exploring the sub-surface of objects across the solar system. Her breadth across planetary bodies and dedication to scientific advancement distinguish her as a visionary researcher.
Mr. Casey Dreier and Mr. Jack Kiraly of The Planetary Society are winners of the 2026 Harold Masursky Award for their exceptional service to planetary science and space exploration. Mr. Dreier is a leading expert on NASA’s budget, space policy, and the political economy of space exploration, known for delivering independent, data-driven analysis. As Director of Government Relations, Mr. Kiraly leads the organization’s advocacy efforts, builds relationships with policymakers, organizes public engagement events, and represents The Planetary Society in Washington. He aims to involve both the scientific community and the broader public in supporting space science and exploration. Together, they have been tireless, vocal advocates for NASA’s planetary science programs. Acting in response to proposed dramatic cuts to NASA’s science budget, they educated the community and general public on the budget situation and consequences for NASA’s leadership in solar system exploration. “Days of Action” provide a very practical way for concerned parties to contact their representatives with high impact. The Planetary Society worked with more than 20 partner organizations in the “Save NASA Science” coalition. They both have had a profoundly positive impact on planetary science.
Dr. James O’Donoghue of the University of Reading is awarded the 2026 Carl Sagan medal, which recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to the general public. Dr. O’Donoghue is an extraordinarily creative and effective communicator of topics in planetary science, while also being a recognized leader in observations of the upper atmospheres of the giant planets and an engaged member of the planetary science community. In parallel with maintaining a cutting-edge research program, he has produced nearly 100 educational animations focused on themes of space and planetary science, which have been collectively viewed over 400 million times across platforms. His imaginative animations convey intuition about complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way without losing scientific rigor. The reach of these materials has been further expanded through being incorporated into educational resources from the elementary school through university level and featured in museum and planetarium exhibits. Even beyond this, James has engaged extensively with in-person outreach at a variety of settings and has been featured in TV and radio interviews, such as the BBC and PBS Nova. He truly exemplifies the spirit of the Sagan Prize through the combination of his unique and impactful communication work with his scientific leadership.
Dr. Robin George Andrews is awarded the 2026Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism award, which recognizes distinguished popular writing in planetary science, for his piece entitled “A Planet Revealed,” published in September 2025 in Scientific American. The article provides a comprehensive exploration of NASA’s Juno mission and its revolutionary discoveries about Jupiter, chronicling how Juno has survived in Jupiter’s lethal radiation environment and fundamentally rewritten our understanding of the solar system’s largest planet. Dr. Andrews masterfully weaves the mission’s history with its scientific discoveries, drawing on interviews from a wide range of experts, including principal investigator Scott Bolton and project scientist Steve Levin. Complex concepts like metallic hydrogen, gravitational mapping, and tidal heating are made accessible to general readers, while stunning Juno imagery and detailed infographics bring Jupiter’s mysteries to life. The narrative is anchored by the mission’s namesake: Juno, Jupiter’s mythological wife who could see through clouds — a fitting metaphor for a spacecraft that has finally revealed what lies beneath.
PLANETARY SCIENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN THE PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION AT NASA HEADQUARTERS
REGISTER FOR THE 25TH MEETING OF THE SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) – JUNE 9-11
CONFERENCE FOR GRADUATE WOMEN AND GENDER MINORITIES IN PHYSICS
NEW DEADLINE FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) REGARDING ADVANCEMENT OF “SCIENCE AS A SERVICE” FOR NASA AND COMMERCIAL PARTNERS: MAY 7, 2026
UPDATED DEADLINE FOR THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR LUNAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PAYLOADS FOR EXPANDED LUNAR LANDING OPPORTUNITIES
REMINDER: ASTEROIDS, COMETS, METEORS 2029: CALL FOR LETTERS OF INTENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ICARUS AND THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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IN MEMORIAM: CANDY HANSEN
Candice Hansen-Koharcheck, a Planetary Science Institute senior scientist since 2010, died on April 11 after a valiant three-year battle with cancer. Her career spanned nearly 50 years, during which she authored more than 300 journal articles on topics from erupting jets on Triton and Enceladus, to outer planet satellites’ tenuous atmospheres, to carbon dioxide processes on Mars. She played a critical role in many high-profile NASA missions including Voyager, Cassini, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Juno and Europa Clipper. She is remembered by her colleagues as endlessly kind and supportive, with a talent for mission operations and team coordination. She is also regarded as a trailblazer at a time when there were few women in planetary science.
Hansen-Koharcheck was born in Pasadena, Calif. In 1976 she earned a B.S. in Physics from California State University, Fullerton, where she was inspired to become a planetary scientist by Dorothy Woolum, who worked on the Apollo program. She then began a short stint in graduate school at the University of Arizona. Under the mentorship of Bradford Smith, who led Voyager’s imaging team, she was encouraged to leave Tucson to begin work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Voyager as assistant experiment representative. Her task was to design the camera images for every satellite flyby that occurred during Voyager’s encounters with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. In 1981, she earned the NASA Individual Achievement Award for this work.
From 1981-84, during the long cruise period between the Saturn and Uranus encounters, she worked at the German Space Operations Center in Oberpfaffenhofen on the Ion Release Module, the German portion of the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorer, a multinational Earth orbiting mission designed to study the Earth’s magnetosphere.
She returned to Voyager for the Uranus flyby in January 1986. In 1987, Hansen-Koharcheck returned to graduate school, this time at UCLA. Two years later, while preparing for Voyager’s Neptune encounter, she finished her Master of Science in Planetary Physics, and in 1994, completed her doctorate in earth and space science. Her dissertation included a thermal model of Triton’s nitrogen frost and atmosphere, based on Voyager data. She has also applied the thermal model to Pluto and other Kuiper Belt objects.
In 1990, Hansen-Koharcheck began working on NASA’s Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn with the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) investigation team, and was responsible for planning and analyzing UVIS icy satellite data. In 2002, she earned an Exceptional Leadership Award from JPL for her science planning efforts for Cassini’s Jupiter flyby observations. She remained a UVIS co-investigator until 2017, when the spacecraft was retired. She led several papers analyzing UVIS data of Enceladus’ water vapor plume. In 2009, she earned the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal for this work. She was also the deputy principal investigator on the Mars Polar Lander payload from 1994-99, when the spacecraft was lost.
In 2010, Hansen-Koharcheck retired from JPL and continued her work at the Planetary Science Institute.
At the time of her death, Hansen-Koharcheck was deputy principal investigator emeritus for the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Her research focused on the seasonal carbon dioxide polar cap of Mars. She also pursued that interest as a co-investigator on the High-resolution Stereo and Color Imager (HiSCI) flying on the Mars Trace Gas Orbiter. Hansen-Koharcheck was also a co-investigator on the Juno mission, which has been in orbit around Jupiter since 2016. On Juno, she was responsible for the development and operation of the JunoCam outreach camera designed to engage the public in planning and processing images of Jupiter and its satellites. For this work, she earned the NASA Outstanding Public Leadership Medal in 2018 and NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal in 2023. Hansen-Koharcheck continued her adventure at Jupiter as a co-investigator on the Europa Imaging System (EIS) on the Europa Clipper mission, scheduled to arrive in the Jupiter system in April, 2030.
In addition to the many awards and honors throughout her career she received the Geological Society of America’s G. K. Gilbert Award for contributions to Planetary Geology in 2023. She also served as the Chair of the NASA Outer Planets Assessment Group and Chair of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society.
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IN MEMORIAM: ROB SULLIVAN
Robert John (“Rob”) Sullivan, Jr. of Lansing, NY passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 following a courageous battle with ALS. Rob was born near Sydney, Australia on February 16, 1962. His family moved to Sherborn, MA in 1970. There, he spent summers life-guarding and teaching swimming lessons at Farm Pond. He loved growing up in a small town where he enjoyed playing street hockey and baseball and running cross-country through the woods. He loved the Boston Red Sox, attending his last game at Fenway in September. Curiosity, integrity, and honesty were defining characteristics of Rob’s. He was a dedicated husband and father who never missed a dance recital, stage performance, or athletic event, enjoyed building sets for the Lansing High School musicals, and was always available to the girls for homework help. Rob cherished spending time with family and friends, boat rides on Cayuga Lake, stargazing, dramatic weather, changing seasons, and beautiful sunsets from his front yard. Rob’s love for his family was so deep he would go to great lengths to ensure their happiness above his own needs. When his friends needed help, he was always there.
Rob received his B.S. from Brown University in Geology-Physics/Mathematics and Ph.D. from Arizona State University. Rob was a Principal Research Scientist at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, and was a world expert on Martian aeolian processes. Rob was the recipient of many NASA Achievement Awards, having served on Mars 2020, Mars Science Laboratory, Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Express, Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Pathfinder, and Galileo. Rob authored or co-authored well over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, but was an extremely humble person despite his prolific contributions to his field. He is sorely missed by his colleagues.
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ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION ARE OPEN FOR DPS-58
The DPS Committee, Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC), and AAS Meetings invite the planetary science community to register for attendance and to submit abstracts for presentation of their recent work at the 58th DPS meeting, which will take place at the Spokane (WA, USA) Convention Center, 25-30 October 2026. DPS-58 will be organized as a hybrid meeting with live-streamed in-person and recorded virtual talks. Poster presentations will be in-person.
To facilitate attendance by the widest range of participants, including non-traditional attendees and those with limited funds, there are three classes of registration: full in-person participation, full virtual participation, and participation as a virtual meeting observer for a cost of only $50.
The DPS meeting covers “all of planetary science” – solid planets, gas giants, asteroids, comets, KBOs, rings, atmospheres, and exoplanets – including the state of the planetary science workforce. Authors will be asked to indicate a Decadal Survey-related science theme plus a class of bodies pertinent to their abstract. The SOC will use this information to formulate a theme- and target-based scientific program. There is also an option to submit to one of five special sessions devoted to emerging science topics and planetary mission benchmarks in 2026/2027:
• 5 years of the Perseverance rover exploration at Jezero Crater, Mars
• Juno’s 10 years of exploring Jupiter
• 20 years of MRO observing Mars from orbit
• 30 years of asteroid rendezvous missions at 6 different targets
Regular Abstract Deadline, Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:00pm ET
Early Registration Deadline, Saturday, June 13, 2026 9:00pm ET
For information on future deadlines, registration rates and social events, please visit the meeting web site, and for an online form to request splinter meetings please visit that link.
–Scott Murchie and JA Grier on behalf of the DPS Committee
–Abigail Fraeman on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee
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DPS-58 TRAVEL AND DEPENDENT CARE GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at DPS-58 to be held 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. At least 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each.
Hartmann Student Travel Grants support student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized). These grants provide a supplement that enables the student to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grants support attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (well before the registration deadline), but the award team will work with DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate costs should there be delays.
Additionally, DPS offers Susan Niebur Dependent Care grants. These provide financial assistance to qualifying members to facilitate their meeting attendance by offsetting costs for child care, elder care, spousal care, etc., at the meeting location or at home during the DPS conference. Apply for a dependent care grant here.
Community donations are critical for the health of these awards. To donate, please access this link and select the grant you wish to support.
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SATELLITE MEETINGS ARE SOLICITED AT DPS-58
DPS welcomes community groups to hold satellite meetings at DPS’s 58th annual meeting at the Spokane Convention Center 25-30 October 2026, including AG groups, mission or instrument teams, or other planetary-themed groups. The venue features 4-6 rooms that seat between 30-100 and are available anytime, plus 4 large halls seating >250 which are available Sunday Oct 25, or for 60-90 minute lunchtime meetings Monday-Thursday Oct 26-29. Rooms will be outfitted for hybrid participation with AV hardware; users must supply laptops. Zoom reservations may be arranged by users, or supplied at no cost by AAS if the meeting is sponsored by DPS. In-person participants are expected to register for attendance at DPS; virtual participants may attend at no cost. Apply for a satellite meeting here. The application deadline is Thursday June 11; selected applicants will be notified in late June. Catering is available at cost with forms sent with selection notifications.
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LOW-COST MEETING OBSERVER OPTION AT DPS-58
Are you interested in planetary science, and ready to attend professional talks on topics of interest, but costs of a professional conference are not affordable? DPS is pleased to announce a virtual attendance option that can fit a tightly constrained budget, as a virtual meeting observer. This option is meant for a wide variety of planetary science amateurs and professionals:
amateurs who want a deeper dive than what is in the popular press
leaders of high-school science clubs who will share with a group
students and faculty at community colleges and tribal colleges
retired professionals who lack emeritus status in a professional society
active professionals who don’t have funding to attend *all* the conferences they would like
The virtual attendance option, available for $50 (a modest out-of-pocket cost), allows full watching and listening to oral presentations and access to recorded sessions.
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching. The term of office is expiring and it is time for a change.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
The DPS Education Officer position was filled by Prof. Brian Jackson of Boise State University until he accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Planetary Science Journal, at which time the remainder of the 3-year term was assumed by Past Chair Sanlyn Buxner of the Planetary Science Institute.
The Chair the Education Subcommittee oversees the following activities:
Maintains the Education portion of the DPS website together with the DPS webmaster
Maintains the searchable database of Research Experiences for Undergraduate students in planetary science
Maintains the searchable database of graduate schools for planetary science
Intermittently, manages DPS Education and Outreach Grants – ($200 to $500) – awarded on rolling basis
Supports education-related activities during DPS meetings in coordination with DPS leadership and other committees
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
AMERICAN ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (AAS) DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES (DPS) 2026 ADVOCACY
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) Committee and the AAS DPS Federal Relations Subcommittee (FRS) conducted annual advocacy visits together in April of 2026. During the visits, members of both groups met with The White House Office of Management and Budget, NASA Science Mission Directorate Planetary Science Division leadership, Congressional Appropriation and Authorization committee staff, and key House and Senate member offices. Both virtual and in person meetings were conducted to discuss ongoing planetary science community concerns and priorities including, the need for consistent and sustained investment in science for NASA to accomplish the agency’s robotic and human exploration goals, the impacts of proposed FY27 cuts for NASA and NSF, and our FY27 appropriations request for both NASA and NSF.
The FRS will continue to serve as a resource for the DPS community throughout the calendar year, and the FRS accepts new members at any time. If you are interested in learning more about planetary science advocacy or would like to join the FRS please contact [email protected].
If you are interested in receiving occasional updates of interest to the Green Mars community, such as the dates and locations of upcoming workshops, please sign up by filling in this form:
You may also be interested in progress reports from teams within the Green Mars community that can be obtained by subscribing at the following links:https://pioneerlabs.substack.com/ ,
The MAPSIT AG is a community-based, interdisciplinary forum for the discussion, analysis, and representation of matters concerning the creation and development of planetary geospatial data products, planetary geologic mapping, and the tools and training necessary to support and grow these capabilities. The MAPSIT roadmap seeks to advance planetary science and exploration by ensuring that planetary data are accessible and usable for any purpose, now and in the future.
The MAPSIT analysis group is undergoing a few transitions, including a new mailing list. To receive news and updates directly from the MAPSIT Steering Committee please take a moment to sign up for a new email list at:https://groups.google.com/g/mapsit-ag/about
We have also created a Zenodo.org community to share our group documents. If you have a Zenodo account, or wish to sign up, you can find us at:https://zenodo.org/communities/mapsit-ag
If you have questions or want to communicate with the MAPSIT Steering Committee, please send inquiries to: [email protected]
Imposter syndrome describes the experiences of high-achievers who attribute their success to external factors such as luck and report feeling like frauds, in spite of having a track record of outstanding accomplishments. In this webinar, Usha Rao, Ph.D., will address the roots of Imposter syndrome and discuss the individual and structural aspects that contribute to the experience. She will offer practical solutions and actionable items that help to tackle the issue head-on and reframe it to your advantage. For more information, visitwww.lpi.usra.edu/education/scientist-engagement.
Good mentors can make all the difference for successful careers in planetary science or astrobiology. Sometimes, different expectations and assumptions can make it difficult for these relationships to progress. Join panelists Dr. Justin Filiberto and Dr. Laurie Barge to hear the different mentoring strategies that they have experienced in their careers and used to support future and early-career scientists. For more information, visitwww.lpi.usra.edu/education/scientist-engagement.
ESA is looking forward to PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars), scheduled for launch in under a year. PLATO will monitor a wide field for several years, delivering imagettes and light curves for hundreds of thousands of stars. Its goals include detecting terrestrial planets in habitable zones and advancing asteroseismology, with most data becoming public shortly after validation.
ESA now invites Guest Observer proposals for complementary science. The First Announcement of Opportunity opened on 7 April and will close on 21 May, offering 8% telemetry for new targets, upgraded modes, and a proprietary access period. Proposers are encouraged to review the available material, join community initiatives, and submit their research ideas.
The workshop will bring together the international community working on interplanetary dust particles, cometary samples, and comet observations. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Stardust sample return, the workshop will highlight two decades of advances in cometary sample science while integrating new insights from space and ground-based observations across optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths, including facilities such as JWST, Hubble, and major ground-based observatories. By connecting laboratory analyses, multi-wavelength remote sensing, and mission science, the workshop aims to develop a cohesive understanding of cometary materials and their role in Solar System formation, and to define key science priorities for future comet exploration and sample return missions.
To be added to the mailing list to receive additional information about this meeting, submit anindication of interest.
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PLANETARY SCIENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN THE PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION AT NASA HEADQUARTERS
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate has an immediate need for one or more scientists with expertise in planetary science to serve as Program Scientists in the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The Division is responsible for the scientific exploration of our Solar System and for improving our understanding of planets. These opportunities are being made available under the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). For info about IPAs, go to:
The initial IPA appointment will be for up to two (2) years, with possibility of reappointment up to a total of six (6) years. It is preferable for most Program Scientists in the Planetary Science Division to have at least 5 years of post-Ph.D. experience.
REGISTER FOR THE 25TH MEETING OF THE SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) – JUNE 9-11
The SBAG Steering Committee is pleased to invite you to register for the 35th meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group. This fully virtual meeting will take place in 3-hour blocks on June 9–11, 2026. The blocks will be staggered as follows to accommodate the wide range of time zones spanned by our community:
June 9: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT June 10: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT June 11: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Even with the change in format, the scope of topics on the program will be very similar to previous meetings. We will hear from agency representatives (including Dr. Louise Prockter, Planetary Science Division Director; Dr. Kelly Fast, Acting Planetary Defense Officer; and Dr. Tom Statler, Lead Scientist for Solar System Small Bodies), along with speakers affiliated with major community programs, missions, and activities.
We invite you toregister here (at no cost) by June 2 to confirm your attendance at this virtual meeting.
Due to the abbreviated program in this fully virtual format, not all missions, programs, or activities will be featured at SBAG35; those not included this time will be featured in future meetings. In structuring the SBAG35 program, the Steering Committee is prioritizing missions, programs, and activities with major near-term milestones and strong connections to the findings from SBAG34.
Additionally, there will be opportunities for early-career participants to present their research and connect with more senior members of the field. We invite interested early-career researchers toapply here by May 11th to present their work at the meeting or participate in the meeting mentor program.
Please keep an eye on themeeting website, which will be updated in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you virtually in June.
All the best, Terik Daly SBAG Chair
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CONFERENCE FOR GRADUATE WOMEN AND GENDER MINORITIES IN PHYSICS
Build relationships to supercharge future research and collaborations
Receive mentor, leadership, and professional development training
Develop skills to be an effective leader in the STEM workforce
This program is open to interested individuals of all gender identities and expressions.
Program
Participate in dynamic, discussion-driven sessions and workshops designed to support your growth as a leader in physics. The program will explore topics related to self-advocacy, inclusive leadership, professional resilience, and navigating academic culture.
Eligible participants
Conference programming will be tailored for all graduate students and postdocs in physics. We encourage the participation of women, gender diverse individuals, and those who may not always see themselves represented in STEM to attend. Please note that the Conference for Graduate Women and Gender Minorities is open to only those who currently reside in the U.S.
Not eligible? Please share this with colleagues who can benefit.
Most costs are covered
APS is invested in your future success!
All meals during the conference will be provided.
Hotel reservations for two nights for accepted participants, will be made and paid for by APS.
NEW DEADLINE FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) REGARDING ADVANCEMENT OF “SCIENCE AS A SERVICE” FOR NASA AND COMMERCIAL PARTNERS: MAY 7, 2026
NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is pleased to extend the deadline for the Request for Information (RFI) for the Advancement of “Science as a Service” for NASA and Commercial partners. The full announcement for NNH26ZDA006L can be found here: https://go.nasa.gov/saasrfi
New Deadline to Submit Responses: May 7, 2026 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time
The RFI is seeking ideas for mission concepts that leverage existing capabilities of industry, and to identify where new technology investments could be mutually beneficial to government and industry.
For questions or comments, please contact:
– Michael Seablom, Associate Director for Technology, Earth Science
We look forward to engaging with interested partners to continue advancing NASA Science through innovative collaborations.
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UPDATED DEADLINE FOR THE REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR
LUNAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PAYLOADS FOR EXPANDED LUNAR LANDING
OPPORTUNITIES
Number: NNH26ZDA008L
New Response Date: May 7, 2026
There is a new deadline for the Lunar Science and Technology Payloads for Expanded Lunar Landing Opportunities Request for Information (RFI) posted on the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES).
Responses to the RFI are now due 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 7, 2026.
A Questions and Answers (Q&A) document posted earlier in April remains available. Please visit the website to see the Q&As and the full RFI text:
Additional questions may be emailed to the RFI’s point of contact Dr. Brad Bailey at [email protected]. Please use “PLoads RFI” in the subject line of an inquiry email. Do not use this email address for RFI submissions because emailed submissions will not be considered.
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REMINDER: ASTEROIDS, COMETS, METEORS 2029: CALL FOR LETTERS OF INTENT
This message announces that the ACM Steering Committee is calling for Letters of Intent to host the next ACM conference after ACM 2026, tentatively scheduled for 2029 (maintaining the triennial pace). In particular, we encourage Letters of Intent from outside the Americas and Europe.
The due date for letters of intent is May 8, 2026. Complete information about this call and how to prepare your proposal can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/5dfpxu7x
We are looking forward to receiving outstanding proposals concerning ACM2029, and hope to see you in Poznan in July 2026, for ACM2026!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ICARUS AND THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
Green Bank Observatory Assistant Scientist
The Green Bank Observatory is searching for a qualified scientist to join the Green Bank Telescope in Green Bank, WV. The GBT is a 100-meter telescope that operates from 290 MHz to 116 GHz. As the world’s largest fully steerable single dish telescope, the GBT is used by astronomers from all over the world to carry out a wide range of astronomical research.
As a staff scientist, this position is open to all areas of astronomy, but candidates with experience in radar observations and/or VLBI techniques are especially encouraged to apply. Go to: Assistant Scientist | Dayforce Jobs
Essential duties and responsibilities include:
Maintain an active independent research program which makes significant use of the GBT and other NRAO facilities.
Provide GBT technical support and GBT user support for the broad astronomical community.
Contribute to the overall Observatory mission and work within a collaborative environment that promotes motivation, leadership, and team building.
Assist with and participate in scientific community outreach activities, public outreach, education activities, and broader impact activities.
The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University invites applications for a University Fellowship in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. This competitive postdoctoral fellowship will be awarded for a one-year period, with possible extension for a second year. Postdoctoral associates will conduct independent research in association with Brown faculty in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. For more information and to apply, please visit:
NASA SMD Graduate Student Research Solicitation – Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology(FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to SMD’s science, technology, and exploration goals. The Future Investigator, i.e., the student, shall have the primary initiative to define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary author, with input or supervision from the proposal’s Principal Investigator, as appropriate.
Neither a notice of intent nor a Step-1 proposal should be submitted. Proposals are due July 14, 2026.
Questions concerning F.5 FINESST may be directed to [email protected].
GIS Developer with HX5 at Johnson Space Center
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Developer will:
Employ GIS and remote sensing techniques to Earth, Moon, and other planetary image data in support of International Space Station (ISS) and Artemis missions
Create, manage, and deploy data pipelines for imagery and geospatial products into web GIS, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcPortal, and NASA internal applications
Develop planetary and Earth-based cartography products for NASA’s human space flight missions and operations
Develop and manage geodatabases, versioning, data integrity, data catalogs, metadata and other related data information
Utilize and recommend automation techniques for dataset and imagery processing
Participate in science and imagery mission operations as needed
Develop and implement geospatial and data science QA/QC processes
Provide science services and technology products to a range of human exploration organizations including Artemis, Orion, the lander/ascent systems, spacesuits, EVA, and ISS
Interact with scientists, engineers, and managers in a highly dynamic and occasionally time critical environment
Two Postdoctoral Positions in Planetary Geochemistry, ELSI (Science Tokyo)
We invite applications for two postdoctoral researchers in planetary geochemistry and thermodynamics at the Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI), Institute of Science Tokyo.
Position 1 (Experimentalist): The researcher will lead calorimetric measurements (heat capacity, decomposition enthalpies, mass loss) on organic matter and mineral assemblages relevant to ocean worlds and other planetary bodies, using the lab’s simultaneous TGA/DSC instrument with modulated DSC capability.
Position 2 (Modeler): The researcher will develop thermodynamic databases and apply computational models (Gibbs free energy minimization, reactive transport) to water-rock-organic systems in planetary interiors, integrating experimental data from Position 1 into modeling workflows.
Both researchers will collaborate closely. Backgrounds in geochemistry, planetary science, cosmochemistry, physical chemistry, or related fields are welcome. Positions are initially for one year with possibility of extension. ELSI operates in English; full support is provided for international researchers.
Informal discussions about the positions are welcome at AbSciCon (May 18 – 22, 2026); please reach out in advance (melwani (at) elsi.jp) to arrange a meeting.
Deadline: June 15, 2026.
Ph.D. Position in Asteroid Modeling and Observations
The Centro de Estudios de Fisica del Cosmos de Aragon (CEFCA) offers a four-year PhD position at the interface of observations and numerical modeling of asteroids.
The observational component involves working with new and archival imaging data to derive astrometric and photometric measurements, identify fast-moving and potentially active objects, and support their rapid characterization. The candidate will contribute to developing analysis tools and selecting targets for follow-up observations.
The numerical component focuses on modeling the dynamical and thermal evolution of asteroids. This includes applying and extending existing models, investigating objects with limited observational constraints, and developing improved methods to estimate physical properties and their uncertainties.
The exact PhD program will be tailored to the candidate’s background and interests, with flexibility in the balance between observational and modeling components, and carried out under the supervision of Dr. Bojan Novakovic.
The position is based in Teruel, Spain, and includes salary, and standard employment benefits in accordance with Spanish regulations, with flexible working hours.
DPS-58 TRAVEL GRANT AND DEPENDENT CARE APPLICATIONS
HANNAH WALLACE IS THE 2026 DPS-NSBP SPEAKER AWARDEE
SAVE THE DATE: WORKSHOP ON THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE OF COMETS
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS : EUROPLANET SCIENCE CONGRESS 2026
NASA PLANETARY DATA TRAINING WORKSHOP – INPERSON
NASA PLANETARY DATA TRAINING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP – INTRODUCTION TO JMARS
ANNOUNCING LUNAR MISSION DESIGN SEMINAR, LUNADS
REGISTER FOR THE 25TH MEETING OF THE SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) – JUNE 9-11
WHAT TOOLS, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN FOUNDATIONAL IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS AN ASTROBIOLOGIST?
APOPHIS T-3 YEARS WORKSHOP – CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACTS ARE OPEN
AAS POLICY UPDATE – APRIL 22, 2026
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FACULTY TEACHING INSTITUTE
APPLY NOW FOR AN IAU MINI-GRANT – WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
COMMUNITY SURVEY: FIELD-BASED STUDIES & SAMPLE PROCESSING FACILITY
MERCURY 2026 MEETING: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN
DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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IN MEMORIAM: YUK L. YUNG
Yuk L. Yung, professor of planetary science at Caltech and a senior research scientist at JPL, passed away on March 16, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 79. Yung’s research spanned planetary atmospheres, atmospheric chemistry and radiation, planetary evolution, astrobiology, and global climate change, with a strong emphasis on connecting theoretical models to observations. His work led to pioneering insights into the current properties and behavior of solar system atmospheres, as well as their historical evolution. His models of the chemistry of planetary atmospheres have been widely used to interpret the results from spacecraft missions.
Yung’s long career included many seminal contributions, such as the recognition of the roles of trace gases including methane and nitrous oxide in driving the greenhouse effect and anthropogenic global warming on Earth; the first comprehensive explanation of the chemistry of the organic-rich atmosphere of Saturn’s moon, Titan; and the proposal that atmospheric photochemistry on the early Earth created abundant formaldehyde—a key precursor in the chemistry that enabled life. Yung served as a co-investigator of the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) Experiment on NASA’s Cassini mission to Saturn, and as a team member on the NASA Orbital Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) mission to map carbon dioxide concentrations on Earth. Yung was also involved with the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt and the European Space Agency’s Venus Express.
Yung was born on August 23, 1946, and earned a BS in engineering physics from UC Berkeley in 1969 and a PhD in physics from Harvard University in 1974. After serving as a research fellow and lecturer in atmospheric sciences at Harvard from 1974 to 1977, he joined the Caltech faculty as an assistant professor of planetary science, receiving tenure in 1986. In 2011, he was named the Smits Family Professor. He became a JPL research scientist in 2014 and a senior research scientist in 2015.
Yung was elected as a fellow of several scientific societies, including the American Geophysical Union (2003), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2005), the Academia Sinica (2010), and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011). He was honored with a NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 2004 and an Achievement Award from the Chinese-American Engineers and Scientists Association of Southern California in 2014. In 2015, the American Astronomical Society named Asteroid 19370 for Yung, and the DPS awarded him the 2015 Gerard P. Kuiper Prize,, describing Yung as “a founding father of planetary atmospheric chemistry and one of the most influential researchers in the field.”
Over his career, Yung authored over 400 publications and mentored dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who have gone on to careers in academia, industry, and government laboratories around the world.
He is survived by his wife Shau May Yung, daughter Wing Y. Taketa (BS ’07), and son Wing Chi Yung.
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IN MEMORIAM: PAUL GEISSLER
Husband. Father and grandfather. Scientist. Dancer. Paul Eric Geissler (1955-2026) was all of these and more when he passed away peacefully at home inFlagstaff, Arizona, on March 23, 2026, surrounded by his wife Nadine, his brothers, and his children.
Born February 28, 1955, inNew Brunswick, New Jersey, the son of the late Hugo G. Geissler and the late Hazel Irene (Cottrell) Geissler, Paul attended Edison Township High School before wanderlust took him around the world. After meeting the love of his life, Nadine Poludin, they traveled together for three years around the US and Canada before getting married on the mountains of New Zealand. They moved to Tasmania, Australia where they began their 49 years together, raising the first two of their four children. They returned to the United States when Paul began his graduate studies in Planetary Sciences at the University of Arizona, receiving his Ph.D. in 1992.
That began a career that spanned over 30 years in which he felt privileged to participate in the exploration of the solar system, first as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory until 2003, and then as a Research Geologist at the Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey inFlagstaff, Arizona. His research focused on the surfaces of Mars and outer solar system satellites, with funding support from multiple NASA data analysis programs. He was affiliated with the Galileo and Cassini Imaging Teams and a Co-Investigator on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE camera team. He was also selected as a Participating Scientist on the Mars Exploration Rover mission and served as a Payload Uplink Lead for the close-up cameras on the MER and Mars Science Laboratory science teams. In 2021 he was among those ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world according to a study by experts at Stanford University. He led or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and made numerous contributions to the popular press, sharing his scientific knowledge and discoveries with the public. Moreover, Paul was always friendly and easy to work with, inspiring colleagues and students alike.
But it was never all work with Paul. He was a devoted father to his four children and always made time to give each of them his full attention. He was intentional and thoughtful in how he used his time, always prioritizing what would benefit them most. He treated them as equals, truly listening and valuing what they had to say. He extended that attention to his grandchildren as well. He shared with all of them a deep love of the world and the outdoors, hiking, sailing and exploring.
He also brought remarkable energy, kindness, and generosity to the Flagstaff community. Twenty-three years ago, he and Nadine started salsa Rueda classes and the dance group “Rueda en la montaña” that continue today. Paul and Nadine also hosted and served as DJ for the Flagstaff summer event “dancing on the Square” at Heritage Square for the last 15 years bringing together the Latin and swing dancers. He leaves behind a lasting legacy through the many dancers whose lives were positively transformed by his passion and dedication to dance. His influence lives on in every step they take.
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CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TODAY
The President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2027 was released and once again it is proposing substantial cuts to our science agencies. These include a 55% cut to the National Science Foundation, a 47% cut to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the elimination of the NASA Office of STEM Engagement, and a 13% cut to the Department of Energy Office of Science. If enacted, these cuts will result in the abdication of US leadership in discovery science, with long-lasting impacts on our national STEM workforce.
Remember that the President’s Budget Request is a proposal from the President to the Congress. Congress is ultimately responsible for deciding annual funding levels through its appropriations process. That process is simply initiated by the President’s proposal.
Our congressional leaders are tasked with representing our interests, and we all have a responsibility, as constituents, to voice our priorities in this budgeting process. Last year, our scientific community spoke up and engaged in strong advocacy in record numbers. It was this groundswell of engagement that led to Congress rejecting such drastic cuts in the budget request and keeping funding for our science agencies relatively flat. This year, we must continue to consistently and forcefully speak out, to remind Congress that leadership in the scientific enterprise cannot be sustained on year-to-year flat budgets. However, it is up to each of us to make those critical arguments to our representatives in Congress.
The AAS provides action alerts as an easy way for you to call and email your members of Congress. We encourage you to both send an email and make a phone call today, and also to share this link with colleagues, friends, and family, encouraging them to express the importance of science and the need for robust support.
There are also currently “Dear Colleague” letters circulating for signatures in the Senate requesting robust funding for various science agencies. You can use our action alerts to encourage your Senators to support Fiscal Year 2027 budgets of $9.9B for theNational Science Foundation and $9B forNASA Science.
Finally, though what counts as normal public discourse seems to be growing more belligerent in these times, please be respectful in all your communications with elected representatives. It should go without saying that cordial discourse is the best way to make oneself heard. However, last year, the AAS policy team heard from Congressional staffers that they were sometimes yelled at by scientists. This is not productive, and it tarnishes the reputation of our profession in lasting ways. Similarly, staff at the federal agencies are NOT our enemies in the process, and they have no control over the funding levels that they are expected to plan to. Please remember this in your interactions with them. Let’s continue to be professional as we make our points about the need for science funding.
[Edited Call for action from Dara Norman, AAS President]
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THE PLANETARY SOCIETY DAY OF ACTION
April 20 was the Planetary Society Day of Action. More than 170 dedicated members of The Planetary Society gathered in Washington, D.C., to meet with Congress to Save NASA Science! And you can help from home.
It could not be a more important time to advocate for space! Right now, the FY 2027 budget proposal would slash space science funding by 46% and terminate more than 50 missions. We need your help to stop this threat, again.
The good news? These cuts are not yet official. There’s still time to push back.
We’ve created asimple form to help you write your representative in Congress and ask them to save NASA Science. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference and support your fellow Society members here with me in Washington, D.C.
Together, we are more powerful than any one individual can be. That’s what makes us effective. That’s what makes us a Society.
Thank you for your support,
–Casey Dreier, Chief of Space Policy, The Planetary Society
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DPS-58 TRAVEL GRANT AND DEPENDENT CARE APPLICATIONS
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at DPS-58 to be held 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. At least 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each.
Hartmann Student Travel Grants support student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized.) These grants provide a supplement that enables the student to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grants support attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (before the registration deadline), but the award team will work with DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate costs should there be delays.
Additionally, DPS offers Susan Niebur Dependent Care grants. These provide financial assistance to qualifying members to facilitate their meeting attendance by offsetting costs for child care, elder care, spousal care, etc., at the meeting location or at home during the DPS conference. Apply for a dependent care grant here.
Community donations are critical for the health of these awards. To donate, please access this link and select the grant you wish to support.
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HANNAH WALLACE IS THE 2026 DPS-NSBP SPEAKER AWARDEE
Within the partnership between the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), Earth and Planetary Systems Sciences (EPSS) section, Hannah Wallace has been selected as the
newest DPS-NSBP Speaker Awardee. Hannah is a senior studying astronomy-physics and physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She works with Dr. Hannah Zanowski, an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, on topics in planetary atmospheres and oceanography with the objective to investigate modern-Earth-like aquaplanets (exoplanets with ~100% ocean coverage). Hannah’s award-winning 2025 NSBP talk, “Increased Pressure and its Impact on Earthlike Aquaplanets”, focused on her use of ROCKE-3D (Resolving Orbital and Climate Keys of Earth and Extraterrestrial Environments with Dynamics), a coarse resolution General Circulation Model (GCM), to investigate how ocean circulation and thermodynamics would be impacted by changes in atmospheric pressure.
DPS is thrilled to invite Hannah Wallace to speak at the 58th annual DPS meeting, which will be held in Spokane, WA, USA October 25-30, 2026. The full AAS/DPS press release announcing her selection is here
SAVE THE DATE: WORKSHOP ON THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE OF COMETS
The LPI is pleased to announce the Workshop on Integrated Science of Comets: From Laboratory Studies of Cometary Materials to Remote Observations, to be held September 22–24, 2026, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. The workshop brings together the international community working on interplanetary dust particles, cometary samples, and comet observations. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Stardust sample return, it will highlight two decades of advances in cometary sample science while integrating new insights from space and ground-based observations across optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths, including JWST, Hubble, and major ground-based observatories. By connecting laboratory analyses, multi-wavelength remote sensing, and mission science, the workshop aims to develop a cohesive understanding of cometary materials and their role in Solar System formation, and to define key science priorities for future comet exploration and sample return missions. To submit an indication of interest and learn more, visit:https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/integratedsciencecomets2026/
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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS : EUROPLANET SCIENCE CONGRESS 2026
Please consider submitting an abstract for presentation of your recent work at the EPSC2026 Congress, which will take place in The Hague, The Netherlands, 6–11 September 2026. EPSC2026 will be organized as a fully hybrid meeting and will allow virtual access to all oral and poster sessions.
The programme of the congress will contain oral and poster sessions, as well as workshops and panel discussions.
The current list of sessions is organized around the following Programme Groups:
Please browse the list of sessions and identify the session that most closely matches your area of interest; your abstract can be submitted directly to that session.For future deadlines including (early) registration, refer to the deadlines & milestones of the conference.Information on registration and social events, as well as a separate online form for requesting splinter meetings & workshops will also be available soon on the meeting website.Please forward this message to colleagues who may be interested.
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NASA PLANETARY DATA TRAINING WORKSHOP – INPERSON
The NASA Planetary Data Training Workshops project is offering our in-person only May Planetary Data Training Workshop, to be held at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona on Tuesday-Friday, May 16-19, 2026. The content will cover training in various software to analyze planetary surface data including JMARS, ArcGIS Pro, ISIS3, QGIS, and techniques for planetary geologic mapping. Two $2000 Travel grants are available for early career participants to build the US planetary workforce. Please visit this webpage for the Reservation form and separate travel grant form:
NASA PLANETARY DATA TRAINING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP – INTRODUCTION TO JMARS
The NASA Planetary Data Training Workshops program is offering a virtual workshop, “Introduction to JMARS”, to be held online on Zoom on Thursday, April 30, 2026. JMARS is a planetary-focused Geographical Information Systems (GIS) used to conduct planetary surface research for a variety of objects in the Solar System. To participate in hands-on demonstrations, we encourage participants to register for a free JMARS account and install the software on your computer. Details are included on the Registration page: https://forms.gle/SDZPP57RRrjJpyHFA
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ANNOUNCING LUNAR MISSION DESIGN SEMINAR, LUNADS
RASSLE, the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) SSERVI node, invites applications for the Lunar Undergraduate/graduate missioN Architecture Design Seminar (LUNADS) – a free, virtual, two-phase experiential program introducing participants to lunar science, systems engineering, and mission design. Applications from university cohorts of 5–10 students are due by May 8, 2026.
REGISTER FOR THE 25TH MEETING OF THE SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) – JUNE 9-11
The SBAG Steering Committee is pleased to invite you to register for the 35th meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group. This fully virtual meeting will take place in 3-hour blocks on June 9–11, 2026. The blocks will be staggered as follows to accommodate the wide range of time zones spanned by our community:
June 9: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT June 10: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT June 11: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Even with the change in format, the scope of topics on the program will be very similar to previous meetings. We will hear from agency representatives (including Dr. Louise Prockter, Planetary Science Division Director; Dr. Kelly Fast, Acting Planetary Defense Officer; and Dr. Tom Statler, Lead Scientist for Solar System Small Bodies), along with speakers affiliated with major community programs, missions, and activities.
We invite you toregister here (at no cost) by June 2 to confirm your attendance at this virtual meeting.
Due to the abbreviated program in this fully virtual format, not all missions, programs, or activities will be featured at SBAG35; those not included this time will be featured in future meetings. In structuring the SBAG35 program, the Steering Committee is prioritizing missions, programs, and activities with major near-term milestones and strong connections to the findings from SBAG34.
Additionally, there will be opportunities for early-career participants to present their research and connect with more senior members of the field. We invite interested early-career researchers toapply here by May 11th to present their work at the meeting or participate in the meeting mentor program.
Please keep an eye on themeeting website, which will be updated in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you virtually in June.
All the best, Terik Daly SBAG Chair
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WHAT TOOLS, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES HAVE BEEN FOUNDATIONAL IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS AN ASTROBIOLOGIST?
Focus Area 8 (Early Career and Workforce Development) of NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy Task Force 2 invites feedback on the tools, resources, and opportunities that have shaped your trajectory as an astrobiologist.
Feedback will be used to guide discussions of the Early Career and Workforce Development Focus Area. This feedback will be used in aggregate to inform NASA about communication, support structures, and community awareness of tools and resources that enhance workforce development.
Please contact Focus Area 8 Lead, Dr. Christina Richey, if you have any questions: [email protected]
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APOPHIS T-3 YEARS WORKSHOP – CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
The Apophis T-3 Workshop will be held 18-19 June 2026, in conjunction with an ESA Ramses Mission meeting 15-17 June. Both meetings will be hosted by the University of Padua (Italy). Abstract submission through the University of Arizona is now open. Deadline: April 27. Both in-person and virtual presentations will be supported. Abstracts are welcome focusing on ongoing theoretical modeling of measurable outcomes from the April 2029 safe near-Earth passage by the asteroid Apophis, measurement implementation from approved missions, newly funded mission concepts, the international coordination of space operations and Earth-based observations, and public education. The homepage for all Workshop links is:
PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACTS ARE OPEN
It’s time to save the date for the upcoming Planetary Crater Consortium (PCC) Meeting this July:
1) The dates for our 2026 meeting are July 15–17. It will be held at the USGS-Flagstaff in Flagstaff, AZ, USA; we will still support remote attendance and speakers. If you would like to consider hosting the PCC at your organization in future years, please come to the meeting with a proposal and we will vote on it.
2) Abstract submission and registration for this year’s meeting are officially open! As with last year, Registration and Abstract submission for this year’s meeting will be handled by Google Form:
The House is beginning to mark up FY 2027 appropriations bills. NASA budget hearings are planned for this week. The AAS and the American Association of Physics Teachers held 45 congressional meetings during Congressional Visits Day.
See the link for the full report.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FACULTY TEACHING INSTITUTE
Are you teaching physics or astronomy at the college level and looking to strengthen your classroom practice? Registration is now open for the next Physics and Astronomy Faculty Teaching Institute, which will be held in beautiful College Park, Maryland, 24–27 June.
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APPLY NOW FOR AN IAU MINI-GRANT – WOMEN AND GIRLS IN ASTRONOMY PROGRAM
The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program, led by Associated Universities Inc. under the International Astronomical Union’s North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (NA-ROAD), invites innovative, community-based projects from the North American region that aim to foster inclusion, leadership, and participation of women and girls in astronomy and STEM.
Qualifying projects must align with at least one of theNA-ROAD’s five strategic goals, and they must take place in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Greenland. Projects are encouraged to approach astronomy from a unique lens, including — but not limited to — scientific, social, technical, cultural, and artistic perspectives.
COMMUNITY SURVEY: FIELD-BASED STUDIES & SAMPLE PROCESSING FACILITY
Scientists at Northern Arizona University are conducting a research study gathering views from members of the planetary science community on field-based studies and the interest in a potential centralized facility for sample processing and analysis.
The Field Sample Processing and Analysis (Field-SPA) facility is a concept for a centralized facility to provide baseline sample characterization capabilities. The services offered by Field-SPA are meant to be complementary to more specialized capabilities available
via NASA’s Planetary Science Enabling Facilities (e.g., PRECISE, RELAB, K-ALPHAA).
We are interested in learning about individual experiences, and the barriers members of the community may face when engaging in or planning fieldwork. We are also attempting to determine whether a centralized facility offering sample processing and consultation services would change the way you approach and propose field-based investigations.
If you have questions about this project or if you have a research-related problem, you may contact Jean-Francois Smekens at [email protected].
Thank you for considering participation.
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MERCURY 2026 MEETING: REGISTRATION AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS OPEN
All researchers and members of the planetary science community are invited to participate in Mercury 2026, the international meeting dedicated to the study of the planet Mercury. This year’s edition will take place from 1-4 September 2026 at KU Leuven, Belgium. Mercury 2026 will bring together scientists involved in observations, modeling, laboratory experiments, and mission data analysis related to Mercury. A particular focus will be placed on the latest developments and
discoveries from ESA-JAXA’s BepiColombo mission.
Registration for the meeting is now open, with early registration rates available prior to June 1, 2026. Abstracts are also now being accepted, with a deadline of June 30, 2026.
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
Postdoc Position at Brown University
The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University invites applications for a University Fellowship in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. This competitive postdoctoral fellowship will be awarded for a one-year period, with possible extension for a second year. Postdoctoral associates will conduct independent research in association with Brown faculty in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. For more information and to apply, please visit:
NASA SMD Graduate Student Research Solicitation – Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology
Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology(FINESST) F.5 of ROSES-25 solicits proposals from accredited U.S. universities and other eligible organizations for graduate student-designed and performed research projects that contribute to SMD’s science, technology, and exploration goals. The Future Investigator, i.e., the student, shall have the primary initiative to define the proposed FINESST research project and must be the primary author, with input or supervision from the proposal’s Principal Investigator, as appropriate.
Neither a notice of intent nor a Step-1 proposal should be submitted. Proposals are due July 14, 2026.
Questions concerning F.5 FINESST may be directed to [email protected].
Ph.D. Position in Asteroid Modeling and Observations
The Centro de Estudios de Fisica del Cosmos de Aragon (CEFCA) offers a four-year PhD position at the interface of observations and numerical modeling of asteroids.
The observational component involves working with new and archival imaging data to derive astrometric and photometric measurements, identify fast-moving and potentially active objects, and support their rapid characterization. The candidate will contribute to developing analysis tools and selecting targets for follow-up observations.
The numerical component focuses on modeling the dynamical and thermal evolution of asteroids. This includes applying and extending existing models, investigating objects with limited observational constraints, and developing improved methods to estimate physical properties and their uncertainties.
The exact PhD program will be tailored to the candidate’s background and interests, with flexibility in the balance between observational and modeling components, and carried out under the supervision of Dr. Bojan Novakovic.
The position is based in Teruel, Spain, and includes salary, and standard employment benefits in accordance with Spanish regulations, with flexible working hours.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the Early Earth Laboratory (EEL).
Research areas include cosmochemistry, early Earth geochemistry, and planetary systems modeling. The lab integrates quantitative modeling, geochemical analysis, and experimental approaches to investigate the evolution of planetary bodies and planetary systems.
Postdoctoral Associate in Planetary Surface Processes, MIT
The Gaia Lab at MIT invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (Cambridge, Massachusetts). Our research focuses on hydrological systems and landscape evolution on Mars, Earth, and beyond, and we encourage applicants with experience in remote sensing, data analysis (including AI/ML), numerical modeling, and/or fieldwork. Applicants are welcome to propose research directions aligned with their own interests. For further details and to apply, visit:
Postdoctoral Position: MERTIS/BEPICOLOMBO Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring
We are pleased to invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin, Germany, focusing on MERTIS/BepiColombo data analysis, performance monitoring and contribution to the global map of Mercury surface composition. For more details about the position and to apply, please use this link:
To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives Home – ESDC – Cosmos
The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.
Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.
Applications received by 30 April 2026, 23:59 UTC, will be considered for visits in autumn 2026 and winter 2027.
For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to COSMOS Visit us! – ESDC or write to the programme coordinators at [email protected]
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Send submissions to: Denise Stephens, DPS Secretary, at this address [email protected]
AAS ACTION ALERT: PROVIDE INPUT TO THE FCC ON PROPOSED SATELLITE SYSTEMS
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH THE AAS PUBLIC POLICY TEAM
DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 13, 2026
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND SCIENCE ADVANCEMENTS BY SOME AMAZING PHYSICISTS
AAS JOURNALS WELCOME NEW SCIENTIFIC EDITORS
NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY – SEMESTER 2026B – CALL FOR PROPOSALS, OPEN TILL APRIL 1
AAS ACTION ALERT: ASK YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE THROUGH CONSTITUENT APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS (ACT BY MARCH 6)
2026 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
COMMUNITY SURVEY: COSMOCHEMISTRY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE (2026)
F.19 COMPASS FAQ POSTED AND OFFICE HOURS MARCH 13 AND 18
STAND WITH ASTRONOMERS AFFECTED BY RECENT FEDERAL RULINGS
NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY STRATEGIC PLANNING – SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT – SURVEY CLOSES MARCH 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
JOBS, POSITIONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
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IN MEMORIAM: UWE FINK (1951-2025)
University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory Professor Emeritus Uwe Fink passed away on 18 January 2026 after a brief illness. During his long career, Fink carried out laboratory spectroscopy and observations on all of the planets in the solar system and their satellites as well as asteroids and comets. During this golden age of planetary exploration, he developed and built instruments for laboratory use and telescopic observations using the technique of Fourier spectroscopy and later CCD spectroscopy. The laboratory work identified the opacity spectra of molecules that could then be searched for spectroscopically. He was the first to employ CCDs for planetary spectroscopy, enabling him to obtain the first good visible and near IR spectrum of Pluto. Highlights include the discovery of the icy composition of Saturn’s rings, measurements of ices on the Galilean satellites, and an early measurement of water vapor in the atmosphere of Venus from airborne spectra. A major advance was the first detection (in collaboration with Harold Larson) of water vapor in the atmosphere of Jupiter, particularly relevant today in the context of measurements of the atmospheric compositions of extrasolar giant planets. Also important was their first detection of the disequilibrium species GeH4 (germane, the germanium analog of methane) and PH3 (phosphine) in the atmosphere of Jupiter. His spectra of Jupiter and molecular detections are still often cited in the modern brown dwarf and extrasolar giant planet literature. Later in his career he carried out extensive observations of comets.
On January 19th, Roger-Maurice Bonnet passed away. With him, the scientific community lost one of the pillars of European space research. Scientific Director of the European Space Agency from 1983 to 2001, Roger Bonnet equipped the young agency (founded in 1975) with a coherent, balanced, and realistic long-term scientific program (“Horizon 2000”), capable of meeting the needs of all branches of astrophysics (Astronomy, the Solar System, the Sun and Sun-Earth interactions, and later, Fundamental Physics).
In 1969, Roger Bonnet took over the direction of a new laboratory, the Laboratory of Stellar and Planetary Physics (LPSP) in Verrières-le-Buisson, France. He was responsible for two ultraviolet spectrometers, one aboard the American satellite OSO-8 and the other aboard various sounding rockets, for the study of the chromosphere and the solar corona. In 1981, French scientists began preparing for the flyby of Halley’s Comet in March 1986 with instruments placed aboard the Soviet probes Vega 1 and 2, as well as the European probe Giotto.
Roger’s laboratory, in partnership with others, developed an infrared spectrometer (IKS) for the Soviet Vega probes and the telescope of the Halley Multicolor Camera (HMC) aboard the Giotto probe, which would capture the now-famous image of the nucleus of Halley’s Comet.
In March 1983, Roger was appointed Director of Science at the European Space Agency and ensured the success of the Giotto mission, ESA’s first mission to the Solar System. Simultaneously, upon taking office at ESA, Roger established an ambitious long-term strategic program designed to shape European space policy over a period of twenty years and more: “Horizon 2000.” This program would give rise to four major missions, considered “cornerstones”: SOHO-Cluster, XMM-Newton, Rosetta, and Herschel. The program is complemented by missions such as Hipparcos, Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), the Huygens lander of the Cassini-Huygens mission and finally INTEGRAL.
The Horizon 2000 program was followed in 1996 by its successor, Horizon 2000+ (2006-2015), then later in 2004 by Cosmic Vision (2015-2025), and finally, in 2019, by Voyage 2050 (2035-2050), and was a resounding success.
In 2001, after 18 years of service, Roger left his position as Director of Science at ESA. For two years, he was Deputy Director of Scientific Research at CNES, then from 2002 to 2010, he chaired the Committee for Space Research (COSPAR). From 2003 to 2013, he directed the International Institute for Space Sciences (ISSI) in Bern, and made a significant contribution to expanding its international reach by opening it up to all disciplines of astrophysics. The international community has paid tribute to him on several occasions, including with the Jules Janssen Prize in 2005 and the SAF International Astronautical Prize.
Roger Bonnet was a visionary who, through space research, made a major contribution to international cooperation within Europe. He will long be remembered.
Th. Encrenaz and A. Coustenis
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2026 DPS TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATION IS OPEN
The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) offers two types of travel grants to support attendance at the annual DPS conference, to be held this year 25-30 October 2026 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A. Approximately 30 travel grants may be awarded at $500-$1500 each. Continue reading for information on how to apply.
The Hartmann Student Travel Grant supports student presentations at the annual DPS meeting. (Postdoctoral scholars may also be eligible, but students are prioritized.) These travel grants are intended to provide a supplement that enables the student to be able to present at the annual meeting, especially in person. Award of a travel grant assumes submission of a DPS abstract, to be described in the application.
The Underrepresented Minority (URM) Communities in Planetary Science Travel Grant supports attendance by students and professionals who are members of groups that have had inadequate access to the planetary science community. Applications are especially encouraged from members of group(s) whose contributions to STEM may have been overlooked, students and professionals hailing from colleges and non-R1 academic or research institutions that have not traditionally benefited from connections to the planetary science community, and/or students and professionals with degrees in broader STEM disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics) who are new to the planetary science community. The aim of these grants is to enable in-person or virtual participation at DPS or National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP) – National Society of Hispanics Physicists (NSHP) meetings. Presentation by the applicant is not required but is prioritized.
Applicants for DPS travel grants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates are welcome to apply for both grants, but if selected would receive only one.
The 2026 DPS travel grant application form is now open. The deadline is 1 July 2026. Award notifications are planned during July (before the early registration deadline), but the award team will work with the DPS and NSBP-NSHP meeting organizers to accommodate the various registration deadlines/costs should there be delays. Apply at DPS Travel Grants Application | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
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DPS SEEKS A NEW SECRETARY
As she nears the completion of a 3-year term as DPS Secretary, Dr. Denise Stephens has announced that she will be stepping aside from that position to focus on research and teaching.
The DPS seeks a motivated, organized candidate to succeed Dr. Stephens as DPS Secretary. If this impactful position interests you, submit a letter of interest and a CV to DPS Chair Scott Murchie at [email protected] or [email protected]. As DPS Secretary, you would be part of the DPS Executive Committee, helping to lead the division and to formulate rapid responses to planetary community events. Regular duties of the DPS Secretary are to:
Compile and distribute eNews to DPS members;
Take minutes of meetings and archive them;
Maintain DPS records and documents including the DPS Meeting Guide, instruction guides for subcommittees, official Committee and Subcommittee membership lists, letterhead, bylaws, and membership data;
Oversee membership applications and the membership roster;
Collected statements from candidates for elected DPS offices identified by the Nominating Subcommittee, circulate them, conduct the annual election, and announce the results;
Prepare prize certificates and citations; and
Contribute to the corporate memory of DPS along with other officers.
Nominees are reviewed by the DPS Committee and one candidate will be elected to a 3-year term.
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AAS ACTION ALERT: PROVIDE INPUT TO THE FCC ON PROPOSED SATELLITE SYSTEMS
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently opened comment periods for two satellite systems of interest to the astronomical community: (i) a filing for a single demonstration satellite from Reflect Orbital, which aims to sell sunlight at night, and (ii) a filing for one million orbital data centers by SpaceX. Both raise major concerns regarding light pollution and satellite proliferation. Any member of the public has the right to weigh in as the FCC considers whether to grant these and other applications (note that the FCC must consider whether a given proposed system is in the public interest). There are additional details about these satellite systems and a step-by-step guide to submit comments to the FFC at this AAS link: https://aas.org/action-alert-provide-input-fcc-proposed-satellite-systems/
The DPS and the AAS public policy team are grateful for the outpouring of support from DPS members in communicating to elected officials the importance of planetary science to U. S. national standing and economic development and health of the U. S. STEM workforce. As we continue to engage in advocacy in support of our members, we are asking for your help. Please take some time to share with us how the federal funding and support for planetary programs (or potential lack thereof) has impacted or could impact your scientific career. These stories will be crucial to continued engagement with lawmakers as the policy landscape continues to evolve. Any and all information gathered here will be used completely anonymously in any communications with government leaders, unless you indicate that you are comfortable with your name being shared. Please encourage others at any career stage to provide their stories as well. The online form to provide inputs (https://aas.org/form/share-your-story/) requires signing in with your AAS username and password.
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DPS PRIZE NOMINATIONS DUE MARCH 13, 2026
Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. Please consider nominating a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes. The 2026 Prize Nominations are due by March 13, 2026.
The Harold C. Urey Prize recognizes and encourages outstanding achievements in planetary research by an early-career scientist.
The Harold Masursky Award 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 recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to the general public.
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 DPS Prize Nomination Form | AAS Division for Planetary Science, 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 https://dps.aas.org/prizes/eberhart-nomination-form for more information.
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND SCIENCE ADVANCEMENTS BY SOME AMAZING PHYSICISTS
DPS has been proud to partner with the Earth and Planetary Systems Sciences (EPSS) section of the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), and in celebration of Black History Month we highlight the excellent, daily writeups about past and present-day physicists, including many supporting space exploration and research, such as Prof. Demetrius Venable (Howard University) and Dr. Eileen Gonzales (San Francisco State University):https://nsbp.org/blogpost/2195972/Black-History-Month-2026
We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kat Volk and Dr. Jennifer Hanley as scientific editors for the Planetary Science Journal (PSJ).
Volk, a senior scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, brings expertise in small bodies within our solar system, such as comets, trans-Neptunian objects, and the distant, icy denizens of the Kuiper Belt. Volk’s work combines observations and theory to study the orbits of small bodies and the dynamical histories of the giant planets, with implications for planetary migration in the solar system as well as in exoplanetary systems. Volk is also a member of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Solar System Science Collaboration.
Hanley, a staff astronomer at Lowell Observatory working in collaboration with the Northern Arizona University Astrophysical Materials Lab, uses laboratory astrophysics techniques to study the properties of ices at the low temperatures and pressures relevant to outer solar system bodies like Pluto and Titan. Hanley is also interested in how the presence of chlorine salts affects the stability of water on worlds across the solar system. Hanley also serves as the
chair of the DPS Professional Development Subcommittee.
Volk and Hanley join Dr. Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín as scientific editors for the PSJ. Along with PSJ Editor Dr. Brian Jackson, the scientific editors work to maintain the high standards of science and author support that have exemplified the PSJ since its launch in 2019. With an annual publication rate of 300 articles and an impact factor of 4.3, The Planetary Science Journal has, in less than six years since its first issue, become one of the premier journals in the world devoted to recent developments, discoveries, and theories in planetary science.
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NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY – SEMESTER 2026B – CALL FOR PROPOSALS, OPEN TILL APRIL 1
The Call for Proposals for the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) is open March 1 until April 1, 5pm Hawaii Standard Time.
IRTF supports facility and visitor instruments that offer a unique range of imaging capabilities with broad and narrow band filters and spectroscopic observing capabilities covering wavelengths from 0.4µm to 25µm with low resolution of 50 to high resolution of 85,000. Non-sidereal tracking of solar system objects, including near-Earth objects, and non-standard tracking and scanning modes are particular strengths. A co-axial wide field optical imager provides contemporaneous photometric monitoring and ToO target identification.
Excellent pre-observing training and supports are available for new observers and those unfamiliar with the instruments.
ToO interrupt and time critical programs are supported. Observing is usually conducted fully remotely. In-person observing to build experience or conduct particularly challenging programs is available, accommodation is included and transportation between the observatory and accommodation may also be provided.
For more information about proposing to time on IRTF, full details on the instruments, exposure time calculators and all other information needed for proposal preparation, visit https://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/observing/callforproposals/
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ACTION ALERT: ASK YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE THROUGH CONSTITUENT APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS (ACT BY MARCH 6)
2026 NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUMMER SCHOOL APPLICATIONS
Dear Colleague,
I’d like to call your attention to the deadline of March 23, 2026, for application to the 38th Annual Planetary Science Summer School (PSSS) experience at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena CA. I would appreciate your support in getting the word out to grad-level students, post docs, faculty members, and early career scientists and engineers, to help us gather a qualified pool of candidates. Please share the announcement to your contacts who may have an interest or can suggest other qualified candidates to apply. Thanks so much for your support!
Rosaly Lopes/ja
Manager, NASA Science Mission Design Schools
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
M/S 180-109
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena CA 91109
(818) 393-4584
Now through March 23, 2026, NASA is encouraging applications for its 38th Annual Planetary Science Summer School. Offered by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, PSSS is a 3-month long early career development experience to help prepare the next generation of planetary science and engineering mission leaders. Participants learn the process of developing a science hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, mission life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each.
Applicants with the following education and career experience are eligible: Science and engineering Doctoral Candidates (advancement to candidacy required), recent Ph.D.’s (up to five years beyond their Ph.D.), Postdocs, Junior Faculty with a Ph.D., and Non-research Engineering Master-level students within six to nine months of graduation will be considered on a space-available basis.
Open to U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents and a limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated countries living with continuous residence in the U.S at the time of application and extending through the full program period. There is no charge to attend. We strive to create a welcoming environment where participants’ contributions and unique perspectives are valued.
Session 1: Preparatory Sessions May 14 – July 24. | Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X July 27 – July 31.
Session 2: Preparatory Sessions May 28 – August 7. | Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X August 10 – 14.
PSSS is roughly equivalent in workload to a rigorous 3-credit graduate-level course, requiring an average effort of 10-12 hours per week. Participants spend the majority of the first 10 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, prior to spending the final culminating week being mentored by JPL’s Advance Project Design Team, or “Team X” to refine their mission concept design, then present it to a mock review board of NASA Center experts.
Register here for PSSS Pre-application Q&A Webinar on March 4, 2026, from 2:30 – 3:30 pm Pacific Time.
COMMUNITY SURVEY: COSMOCHEMISTRY AND PLANETARY SCIENCE (2026)
The Cosmochemistry and Planetary Science (2026) survey seeks to capture a snapshot of current perspectives across the cosmochemistry and planetary science community. Responses will inform a forward-looking review chapter for the upcoming book Meteorites the Early Solar System III.
The questionnaire is anonymous, all questions are optional, and it takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
F.19 COMPASS FAQ POSTED AND OFFICE HOURS MARCH 13 AND 18
F.19 Collaborative Opportunities for Mentorship, Partnership and Academic Success in Science (COMPASS) funds collaborations between NASA Centers and academic institutions that will advance NASA’s scientific priorities and train the future STEM workforce. COMPASS prioritizes collaborations with academic institutions that have not traditionally been funded by NASA as part of an effort to provide funding to a broad range of recipients rather than to a select group of repeat players. COMPASS prioritizes research that reflect NASA and the Administration’s priorities and advance the Science Mission Directorate and NASA’s research goals. COMPASS creates undergraduate and graduate student research opportunities that provide professional development opportunities for students that help to build the United States’ STEM workforce.
Links for virtual office hours Friday, March 13, 2026, 10 AM Eastern Time and Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 4 PM Eastern Time are available from the file posted under other documents on the right side ofthe NSPIRES page for COMPASS.
STAND WITH ASTRONOMERS AFFECTED BY RECENT FEDERAL RULINGS
To stand with our astronomy and space sciences community members currently affected by recent federal rulings in the US, we (choir, Black in Astro, Astro Poverty Survey, Movement Consulting) would like to uplift our ongoing mutual aid program offering financial assistance to those negatively impacted. Since this mutual aid effort began, we have distributed over $10k to support a broad range of expenses including housing, food access, childcare, DEIA programs, and research-related needs to support active projects. We share this success and our gratitude to the community, and invite you to continue sharing this mutual aid initiative with your communities to reach folks both giving and receiving aid. Thank you for joining us in building solidarity, hope, and a community of care.”
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NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY STRATEGIC PLANNING – SEEKING COMMUNITY INPUT – SURVEY CLOSES MARCH 6
The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) 10-year strategic plan is being developed. The plan will cover an important period for observatories on Maunakea. It will ensure that IRTF continues to be a leading facility for researchers in planetary science and astrophysics as JWST makes more ground breaking discoveries and Rubin, Roman, NEO Surveyor and other facilities, both ground and space based, begin producing vast amounts of data.
IRTF is a facility open to anyone, regardless of affiliation. We are seeking broad community input on the evolution of the scientific landscape, science priorities and cases, the roadmap for new capabilities and ideas for new instrumentation, enhancements to operations and training, and improvements to the archive, to chart the course for IRTF for the next decade.
A survey has been developed to gather inputs from across the planetary science and astrophysics research communities. We encourage everyone with an interest in IRTF to provide their input.
Everyone that completes the survey can participate in a prize draw for an observing session with IRTF that includes full support and training for planning, conducting and reducing the observations.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL AND ICARUS
The current issues for both DPS-affiliated journals are here:
Full details for several new positions can be found on the DPS job board.
A summary of recent job announcements and postdoc opportunities is listed below.
ESA Archival Research Visitor Program
To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, the European Space Agency (ESA) welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research projects based on data publicly available in the ESA Space Science Archives Home – ESDC – Cosmos
The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists, at all career levels, who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States. All visits must comply with the ESA security directives, which may necessitate additional checks. Early-career scientists and PhD students are particularly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
During their stay, visiting scientists will have access to archives and mission specialists for help with the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported.
Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits. Research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.
Applications received by 30 April 2026, 23:59 UTC, will be considered for visits in autumn 2026 and winter 2027.
For further details, including areas of research and contact information, please refer to COSMOS Visit us! – ESDC or write to the programme coordinators at [email protected]
NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship – Application Deadline April 2, 2026
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, planetary science, heliophysics, astrophysics, biological and physical science, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration systems, space operations, space technology, and astrobiology. Search for NPP research opportunities here: NPP 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. Please see current eligibility requirements. Stipends start at $70,000 per year, with supplements for higher 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 travel and professional development.
Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.
