Subject: [DPS Members] DPS Mailing #10-17 : season's greetings and updates, job opportunities, upcoming meetings, and more Issue10-17, December 22, 2010 +-----------------------------CONTENTS--------------------------------+ 1) Update and Season’s Greetings from the DPS Leadership 2) DPS Membership Renewals For 2011 3) BAAS to be electronic-only beginning in 2011 4) Observing with ALMA - Early Science 5) Call for Proposals for Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) Campaign Science 6) Job Opportunities 7) Upcoming Meetings : Joint EPSC-DPS 2011 and other meetings +---------------------------------------------------------------------+ 1---------1---------1---------1---------1---------1---------1---------1 UPDATE AND SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE DPS LEADERSHIP We bring you good news in this mailing, as well as important updates and notices. The 2010 DPS meeting books are nearly final. We had record attendance - 1042 people - at the Pasadena meeting. Our DPS meeting now rivals or exceeds attendance at the AAS summer meeting, which in summer 2010 had 743 attendees. Thanks to conservative planning and a larger-than-expected attendance, the meeting will clear about $100k. This goes a long way towards recovering the our organization's financial stability, and our ability to cover unpredictable meeting costs in the future. Look for a nice article with photos in the Winter AAS Newsletter courtesy of Rick Fienberg, the AAS Press Officer. Thanks Rick!. The DPS is working with Steve Squyres and the NRC to set up a series of town hall meetings around the country for the roll out of the Decadal Survey in March 2011. Look for details in future e-news. In the upcoming meetings section hereafter, you’ll find the first announcement for our 2011 Joint DPS-EPSC Meeting., to take place in Nantes, France 3-7 October 2011. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABSTRACT DEADLINE FOR THE 2011 joint EPSC - DPS MEETING WILL BE MAY 31, 2011. This is a significantly earlier deadline than for a regular DPS meeting, so please plan accordingly. Plans for the 2011 meeting are proceeding nicely. Renu Malhotra of the University of Arizona has graciously agreed to co-chair the Scientific Organizing Committee with Manuel Grande from University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK. We have appointed a new member to our Federal Relations Subcommittee, Makenzie Lystrup, who is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Colorado. Wishing you and your families very safe and joyous holidays! - Melissa McGrath and the DPS Committee . 2---------2---------2---------2---------2---------2---------2---------2 DPS MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS FOR 2011 The 2011 renewal period is open online at http://dps.aas.org/membership/ You will find there all the information you need on how to renew your membership whether an AAS member or non-AAS members. Please take the time to update your member data also if you have changed status or e-mail or address recently. Also, you can pay for 2010 combined with 2011 if you had forgotten your subscription this year. For your convenience you may renew online at members.aas.org. Prompt cooperation saves the AAS substantial cost and increases funding for our program. Please direct any questions regarding your renewal status to [email protected] or (202) 328-2010 extension 101. While you are renewing please take a moment and consider making a contribution to one of our important programs or prize funds and help ensure the stability and growth of your DPS. 3---------3---------3---------3---------3---------3---------3---------3 BAAS TO BE ELECTRONIC-ONLY BEGINNING IN 2011 At the urging of the Publications Board, the Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society (BAAS) will be distributed purely electronically beginning with the January 2011 edition. The new format will add flexibility and ensure wider dissemination beyond subscribers and attendees of our meetings. The core content of the BAAS--the abstracts of AAS and Division meetings--will continue to be accepted digitally and will appear online and be properly referenced and available for discovery via ADS. Meeting attendees will be able to access abstracts by a variety of electronic means, including online HTML pages, downloadable PDF files, and a variety of ebook formats. Logistical information and presentation titles will appear in a separate printed meeting program provided to all attendees. The AAS annual report, which used to be included in the BAAS, is already a stand-alone electronic publication (http://aas.org/publications/annual_report). Certain types of peer-reviewed papers that used to run in the BAAS have migrated to other journals. Obituaries will continue to be published; they'll appear in the electronic-only BAAS and on the AAS website, and they'll be submitted to ADS as always. Electronic-only publication will make obituaries better illustrated and more widely read and valued. As communications technology continue to evolve, we'll make adjustments to how we present and disseminate information important to our members, meeting attendees, and other stakeholders. Our decisions will be guided by your input, so please let us know how you like (or don't like) the new version of the BAAS by sending an email to [email protected]. 4---------4---------4---------4---------4---------4---------4---------4 OBSERVING WITH ALMA - EARLY SCIENCE ALMA is currently under construction and should start full operations in 2013. However, already in 2011, ALMA will be operated with a limited number of antennas (16) and restricted capacity (e.g. baselines < 1 km). The first Call for Proposals for this “ALMA Early Science” phase could be issued in the first semester of 2011. To help the IRAM community to prepare this important milestone, the IRAM ARC node will be organising a 3-day workshop on November 29th to December 1st 2010 at the institute’s headquarters (Grenoble, France): http://www.iram-institute.org/EN/content-page-183-7-67-183-0-0.html Likewise, the UK ARC Node will be organising a Community Day event in the week of 13th December 2010. An announcement is expected to be posted soon on their home page: http://www.alma.ac.uk/ 5---------5---------5---------5---------5---------5---------5---------5 CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR GEMINI PLANET IMAGER (GPI) CAMPAIGN SCIENCE Dear Colleague, The Gemini Observatory plans to announce a Call for Proposals for Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) Campaign Science. This message is a request for letters of intent from prospective GPI campaign projects. Please see the announcement at http://www.gemini.edu/node/11575, which includes links to additional information. GPI is a technologically advanced instrument designed specifically for obtaining images and low-resolution spectra of faint objects or features very near to bright objects. While GPI's primary science goal is the detection and characterization of exoplanets, its high contrast capabilities will allow significant scientific advances in such areas as circumstellar disks, stellar evolution and mass transfer, fundamental stellar astrophysics including binaries, and Solar System objects. All areas are open to campaign science proposals. Letters of intent are due January 20, 2011, and should be sent to Gemini Deputy Director/Head of Science Nancy Levenson ([email protected]). We expect the final Call for Proposals to be released February 1, 2011, with an anticipated deadline of March 31, 2011. Sincerely, Verne V. Smith Director NOAO System Science Center 6---------6---------6---------6---------6---------6---------6---------6 JOB OPPORTUNITIES a) USGS Astrogeology Announcement to Hire a New Science Center Director The incumbent serves as Director of the Astrogeology Science Center (ASTRO) in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and manages and directs all scientific activities therein. The USGS ASTRO Science Center conducts the major segment of the USGS’s program of scientific research into the geologic nature and history of the planets and satellites in the Solar System. The program encompasses a variety of scientific and technical disciplines including geology, geophysics, computer science, cartography, geodesy, space science, physical science, and remote sensing. This interdisciplinary position may be classified in any of the following professional occupational series; General Physical Science GS-1301; Geophysics, GS-1313; Chemistry, GS-1320; Geology, GS-1350. Astronomers and astrophysics will typically apply under General Physical Science (GS 13-01). This opportunity closes 19 Jan 2011. To find a detailed description of this position and additional information on qualifications and application procedures, please click on the USAjobs link below: Former and Current Federal Employees: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=2116388 Non Federal Employees: http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?OPMControl=2116371 -- Dr. Timothy N. Titus Research Space Scientist Acting Science Center Director USGS Astrogeology Science Center Work:928-556-7201 Cell:928-640-0077 Fax: 928-556-7014 Email: [email protected] b) The CoRoT team at Laboratroy of Astrophysics in Marseille (France, LAM) offers a postdoctoral research position in the field of stellar and exoplanetary astrophysics. A PhD in astrophysics, planetary science or related field is required. Download/Website: http://www.oamp.fr Contact: [email protected] or [email protected] c) The Wellesley College Department of Astronomy invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the beginning assistant professor level to start in Fall 2011. We are especially seeking candidates whose research specialties lie in planetary science or a closely related area, such as extrasolar planetary or solar astronomy. The successful candidate will teach introductory astronomy courses as well as new courses in areas such as remote sensing, planetary geology, or climate change, that would be broadly appealing to students from related disciplines. The candidate must have demonstrated teaching ability and must be committed to carrying out a vibrant program of research that involves undergraduates at multiple levels. The Department of Astronomy is housed in an unusually fine facility, the newly renovated Whitin Observatory. Telescopes include historic Clark refractors and a 24" reflector used for teaching and research. We hope to find a candidate who will share our sense of stewardship of the Observatory. Candidates must have a Ph.D., and some postdoctoral experience is preferred. Wellesley College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin Jan 15; for instructions see https://career.wellesley.edu. Kim K. McLeod Professor and Chair, Astronomy Department Whitin Observatory, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA 02481 (781)283-2709 http://www.wellesley.edu/Astronomy/kmcleod [email protected] d) U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Southwest Area Astrogeology Science Center Science Center Director The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invites applications for a full-time permanent position located in Flagstaff, AZ. The USGS seeks an established scientist of national reputation with demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and administrate the Astrogeology Science Center. The Center, with approximately 70 employees and a $10 Million budget, conducts the major segment of the USGS program of scientific research into the geologic nature and history of the planets and satellites in the Solar System. Astrogeology, founded in 1963 by Gene Shoemaker, has been actively involved with nearly all of NASA's spacecraft missions to other planets and satellites. Astrogeology conducts innovative, fundamental research that advances the fields of planetary cartography, geoscience, and remote sensing. Astrogeology maps planetary surfaces, producing accurate cartographic products which are internationally recognized as benchmarks. Astrogeology also supports both spacecraft operations and data analysis through its ability to develop and maintain state-of-the-art software and techniques for scientific and cartographic analysis. Applicants must be United States citizens. Ph.D. or equivalent experience is required. Candidates need a strong background in research science, preferably the planetary sciences, and proven leadership skills in managing "soft-money" research organizations. Familiarity with (1) development of state-of-the-art scientific software and/or techniques for the scientific or cartographic analysis of planetary remote sensing data and (2) data analysis and digital geologic map (GIS database) construction are valuable, but not required. Candidates with a strong publication record in the planetary sciences, experience managing project portfolios, and proven scientific leadership skills are highly encouraged to apply. For detailed vacancy announcement, including specific qualification requirements and application procedures for this opportunity go to: http://jobview.usajobs.gov Current Federal Employees Refer to: Vacancy Announcement: PAC-2011-0135 Non-Federal Employees Refer to: Vacancy Announcement: PAC-2011-0141 Deadline for applications: January 19, 2011 The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. e) POST-DOC OFFER: Extrasolar planets Job Summary: Detection and dynamics of extrasolar planets in small mass multi-body systems. We are looking for a highly motivated young scientist, to work in the field of detection and dynamics of extrasolar planets in multi-body systems. The successful candidate should have a strong background in Solar System dynamics plus computational experience. Job description: The successful applicant is expected to do research in one of the following topics: extra-solar planet searches and study, planet formation and evolution, dynamics of multi-planetary systems. The main goal is to cover both theory and observations with particular attention to the dynamics of multi-body configurations and diversity of their dynamical environments. The research can involve the reduction the observational data, the use of computer simulations and/or theoretical analysis to detect and characterize the planetary systems around the neighboring stars. Computational experience is required and a background in Solar System dynamics is a plus. Applications by researchers working on other research topics related to the field of exoplanets will also be accepted and evaluated. Qualifications: The candidate must have a Ph.D degree in Astrophysics, or equivalent experience. Application deadline: 17th January 2011 Expecting starting date: Spring 2011 Type of contract: The initial position (Pos-Doctoral Fellowship) will be of a one year contract, eventually extensive to three additional years. Annual salary of €18,000, after taxes, according with "FCT" guidelines. Benefits include social security and 25 vacation days. Host institution: Physics Department, University of Aveiro, PORTUGAL (EU). ------------------------------------------ APPLICATION PROCEDURE: ------------------------------------------ Job Reference: BI/FIS-35/I3N/DEZ-2010 Language: English Candidates should send the application (hard copy and e-mail) with the following documents: 1. CV (including publication list) 2. A brief research plan (maximum 3 pages) 3. Name and contact of 2 scientists who can provide a letter of recommendation if needed. 4. The application should include a motivation letter mentioning: expectations of applicant, short summary of current research interests, and relevance of research profile of candidate for the hosting institution. Contact and further information: http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=21150 e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +351 234 378 117 7---------7---------7---------7---------7---------7---------7---------7 UPCOMING MEETINGS You may want to consult the excellent Planetary meetings and Conferences Calendar at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/ a) Fourth International Workshop on the Mars Atmosphere: Modelling and Observations February 8-11, 2011 ; Paris, France http://www-mars.lmd.jussieu.fr/paris2011/ b) PLATO Science Conference Berlin, 24-25 February 2011 http://www-astro.physik.tu-berlin.de/plato-2011/index.html c) 42nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC 2011), 7-11 March 2011, The Woodlands, Texas http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2011/ Abstract deadline : January 4, 2011 d) The Importance of Solar System Sample Return Missions to the Future of Planetary Science March 5-6, 2011 ; The Woodlands, TX http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/sssr2011/ e) European Geosciences Union (Egu) General Assembly 2011 Vienna, Austria, 3-8 April 2011 http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2011/home.html There will be several Planetary Sciences Sessions during the meeting, see http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2011/sessionprogramme/PS The abstract submission is open until 10 January 2011. f) Exploring Strange New Worlds: From Giant Planets to Super Earths Flagstaff, Arizona, May 1-6, 2011 http://nexsci.caltech.edu/conferences/Flagstaff g) 8th International Planetary Probe Workshop 6 – 10 June, 2011; Portsmouth, Virginia 4 – 5 June, Short Course: “Atmospheric Flight Systems Technologies” Sending space vehicles to other worlds is one of humankind’s most challenging and rewarding ventures. The 8th International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW‐8) will bring together scientists, engineers, technologists, mission designers, space agency leaders, and exceptional students from around the world for a compelling, weeklong collaboration focused on exploring solar system destinations via in‐situ missions. This 8th workshop will build upon the IPPW tradition by encouraging international cooperation in planetary probe missions, new technologies, and scientific discoveries. In addition, students from around the world will have a unique opportunity to present their work and to interact with the leaders in their discipline areas. IPPW‐8 will be held June 6‐10, 2011, near the NASA‐Langley Research Center in southeastern Virginia, USA. Our program includes invited talks, contributed presentations, posters, and opportunities for networking with colleagues. Preceding the workshop, on June 4‐5, we will offer a 2‐day short course on “Atmospheric Flight Systems Technologies.” Mark your calendars now! For more information: [email protected] h) 9th IAA Low Cost Planetary Missions conference June 21-24, 2011. Hosted at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel MD. The 9th Low-Cost Planetary Missions Conference, organized and hosted by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD, is an international forum for planetary scientists, technologists, engineers, managers, and agency officials to collect and exchange information and ideas for making this class of robotic mission scientifically valuable and yet affordably low cost. The Low-Cost Planetary Missions conference is designed to increase and enhance the global community of practitioners. Areas covered in the conference program include, but are not limited to: missions and scientific results; mission planning and operations; mission management, technology and engineering, and delivery methods. The Second Announcement and call for papers is posted: http://lcpm9.jhuapl.edu/submission.php Due date for Abstracts: February 1, 2011 Author notification will be sent by March 1, 2011 http://lcpm9.jhuapl.edu/index.php for more information. i) IUGG/IAMAS Genaral Assembly Melbourne 28 June- 7 July 2011, see: http://www.iugg2011.com/program-iamas.asp At that meeting, the ICPAE Commission has planned two Symposia: M05 Comparative Atmospheres of the giant planets and their satellites Conveners : Athena Coustenis, Darrell Strobel and Frank Mills Scope: Papers are invited which report progress on all aspects of our current understanding of the evolution of atmospheres of the outer planets, their moons and their interactions with their environment (rings, magnetosphere, surfaces). The emphasis will be on insights gained from recent space missions, including Cassini-Huygens and Earth-orbiting satellites. Contributions describing the atmosphere-related objectives of the relevant missions, analysis of observations, and the results of model simulations of atmospheric evolution are also welcome. Research on exoplanetary atmospheres in comparison to the ones in our solar system is also of relevance. The relation of all of these aspects to the field of Astrobiology shall be put forward. J-M07 Atmospheres and ices on terrestrial planets Conveners: Dimitri Titov, Ralf Greve, Athéna Coustenis Scope: Papers are invited on the physics and chemistry of the lower, middle and upper atmosphere, ionosphere and surface ice of the inner planets and comets. Comparative studies of the atmospheres of Venus, Earth and Mars, as well as the ices on Earth and Mars, are also invited, with emphasis on the differences and similarities in their climates. Results from recent missions to Mars, Venus and the terrestrial planets in general are of particular interest. Reports on improvements in general circulation models of the thermosphere and lower atmospheres of the planets, coupled atmosphere/cryosphere models and descriptions of future planetary missions are also invited, as well as advances in laboratory experiments. j) ORIGINS 2011 ISSOL and Bioastronomy Joint International Conference Montpellier, France, July 3rd-8th 2011 http://www.origins2011.univ-montp2.fr/ The poster of the Conference can be downloaded from the website portal http://www.origins2011.univ-montp2.fr/ Registration is open ! Call for Abstracts (submission opening: Dec 13th, 2010) Muriel Gargaud & Robert Pascal Chairs of Origins 2011 Organizing Committee k) Call for Expressions of Interest to organise EAS Symposia during JENAM2011 We invite the Astrophysics and Space Science communities to propose sessions for the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science 2011 in St. Petersburg, Russia, from 4-8 July 2011. A broad range of parallel sessions can be accommodated as (A) 'special sessions' consisting of up to 3 blocks of 1.5 hours and (B) longer sessions ('symposia') consisting of up to 6 blocks of 1.5 hours, stretching over 2 days. All proposals should be submitted as plain text email, with up to a maximum of 500 words, and should include the following information: 1. Title of proposed session 2. Summary of the goal(s) of the session 3. Names of organisers (at least two persons) 4. Justification for proposed duration of the session (how many 1.5-hour blocks?) 5. Anticipated audience size Proposals should be sent to Elias BRINKS <[email protected]> by the extended, but now hard deadline of 1st November 2010 for review by the SOC. Applicants will be notified about the outcome of the selection process by the end of November 2010. Individuals within the European astronomy and space science communities, and networks also, are strongly encouraged to propose and organise sessions. ******************************************************************* Call for nominations for the Tycho Brahe Prize 2011 One of the highlights of this year's JENAM was the award of the EAS Tycho Brahe prize to Ray Wilson. EAS Council now invites nominations for the Tycho Brahe Prize 2011. Full details, including nomination form can be found on the EAS webpages at http://eas.unige.ch/tycho_brahe_prize.jsp and clicking on the 2011 tab. Note the strict deadline of Friday, October 29, 2010 l) Asteroids, Comets, Meteors 2011 July 17-22, 2011 ; Niijita, Japan http://chiron.mtk.nao.ac.jp/ACM2011/ m) Gordon Research Conference on Origins of Solar Systems July 17-22, 2011, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA Chair:Michael R. Meyer; Vice Chair:Edward D. Young The 2011 Gordon Research Conference on Origins of Solar Systems will take place at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA 17-22 July. This unique interdisciplinary meeting includes astronomers and astrophysicists interested in star and planet formation, planetary scientists and cosmochemists interested in the early history, structure, and evolution of the Solar System, as well as scientists in related disciplines. By bringing together this mix of expertise the conference attempts to address fundamental questions that are not tractable within the confines of just one discipline. Our goal is to understand whether planetary systems like our own, and the potential for habitability that they represent are the exception or the rule in the Milky Way galaxy. The focus of the 2011 meeting (the 11th since this series began twenty years ago) will be "Composition of Forming Planets: A Tool to Understand Processes". Topics covered will include: 1) the initial conditions for planet formation in circumstellar disks, including estimates of solar nebula composition from the Genesis mission; 2) the evolution of the physical structure of the gas and dust from which planets form; 3) progress in our theoretical understanding of the major physical processes that control planet formation; 4) the interplay between disk dynamics and disk chemistry in determining the composition of forming planets including new results from the Herschel Space Telescope; 5) meteoritic constraints on the physical and chemical conditions in the solar nebula; 6) the role of giant impacts in the structure and evolution of forming planets; 7) satellites and rings of giant planets as mini-laboratories to study the process of planet formation; 8) current census of extra-solar planets including new results from the Kepler and COROT missions as well as other facilities; 9) the essential chemical conditions for life and whether those are readily obtained through our current understanding of planet formation; and many other topics. The conference will continue the usual format of invited lectures, extended discussion, and poster sessions. The meeting provides an excellent opportunity for young researchers to present their latest research results and to participate in the dynamic informal conversations that are typical of a Gordon Conference. We encourage young scientists, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, to attend. Special efforts will be made to promote interactions between invited speakers and junior participants and we expect to provide some financial support to facilitate the latter’s participation. n) 2011 Sagan Summer Workshop: Exploring Exoplanets with Microlensing Pasadena, CA, July 25-29, 2011 http://nexsci.caltech.edu/workshop/2011 o) First Announcement Of Rings 2011 Scientific Workshop Tentative Dates: July 27-29, 2011 Location: Cornell University in Ithaca, New York This workshop will explore the present state of investigations into the structure, composition and dynamics of planetary rings, emphasizing recent results from the Cassini Mission to Saturn as well as current theoretical work and numerical simulations. The format will combine daily oral sessions with ample time for splinter meetings and informal discussion. Contributed oral and poster papers are welcome. Possible session topics include ring origins, ring composition and particle size distributions, gravitational over/instablities and accretionary phenomena, dynamics of ring-embedded objects, dusty ring features' interactions with the electromagnetic environment, and comparative studies of various ring/disk systems. In addition to formal sessions we will allow time for outdoor activities to make the best of Ithaca's scenic setting in the heart of the Finger Lakes. These might include hikes to spectacular waterfalls, a dinner lake cruise featuring wines from local vineyards, world-renowned museums (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Corning Museum of Glass, Museum of the Earth), and more. Participation in the workshop is open to anyone, but space may be limited to ~100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for registration and abstract submissions will be given at a later time, but if you think you may attend, please e-mail M. Hedman at [email protected] so we may begin to obtain a rough head count. The meeting dates may shift slightly depending upon availability of rooms in Ithaca. Please let us know if you would prefer other dates. Feel free to forward this notice to any interested colleagues p) Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (Aogs) 2011 August 8-12, 2011, Taipei. http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2011/public.asp?page=home.htm Abstract deadline : 15 March 2011. q) New-Horizons Workshop On Icy Surface Processes August 30 - 31, 2011 at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. The principal objective of this workshop is to review the state of knowledge and present new ideas pertaining to the geological and geochemical processes that operate on the surfaces of icy worlds, with the goal of aiding our understanding of the Pluto system during the first reconnaissance in 2015 by NASA’s New Horizons mission. In recognition of the Lowell Observatory’s key role in the discovery of the Pluto System, Lowell is hosting the workshop on the old Observatory grounds in Flagstaff AZ. The workshop is co-sponsored by Southwest Research Institute and NASA Ames Research Center. The workshop will focus on Solar System solid body icy surfaces (anywhere in the Solar System) and the physical and geological processes that shape icy landforms and mobilize surface materials. Subjects to be covered include possible analogs for surfaces of Pluto system, compositional considerations, the physical properties of surface materials, landscape and volatile origin and evolution, the implications for other KBOs, and the plans and expected datasets resulting from Pluto system investigations by the New Horizons mission. There will be both invited and contributed talks. Contributed oral or poster papers are welcome. Participation in the workshop is open to anyone, but is limited to ~75 researchers. Instructions for registration and submissions will be given at a later date. SOC: Jeffrey Moore, Will Grundy, Alan Stern, William McKinnon, and Paul Schenk LOC: Will Grundy POC: Carrie Chavez ([email protected]) r) EPSC-DPS 2011 A joint meeting of the European Planetary Science Congress – EPSC and the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences – DPS +-------------------- First Announcement and Call-for-Sessions The joint EPSC-DPS Meeting will take place at La Cité Internationale des Congrès Nantes Métropole in Nantes, France, 3-7 October 2011. This modern congress centre is very close to the centre of Nantes, an attractive city, the historical capital of Brittany, on the west coast of France, about 2 hours by high speed train from Paris. The aim is to provide an attractive platform for the worldwide planetary science community to exchange and present timely results, develop new ideas, and to network. The format of the meeting will be a mix of plenary sessions, topical oral and poster sessions, and workshops. Given previous experience with EPSC and DPS we are expecting a large attendance from around the world. We hope to make it THE planetary science meeting of 2011! The meeting website is http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011/. Travel funding will be available for students: Europlanet will provide contributions to a large number of European PhD students to support their attendance; DPS will provide scholarships to recipients of the Hartmann Student Travel Grant. We hereby invite you to take an active part in organizing the scientific programme of the conference by suggesting Sessions and Conveners at: http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011/provisionalprogramme If you have ideas for press or media events, please communicate them to Anita Heward, Europlanet Press and Outreach Officer, [email protected], or Vishnu Reddy, DPS Press officer, [email protected]. Important dates: 16 January 2011: Proposals for Sessions due 31 May 2011: Abstracts due 21 June 2011: Letter of Acceptance to authors 7 July 2011: Letter of Schedule to authors Future announcements: More information will be available in future updates and posted on the meeting website as well as sent by e-mail. Please also forward this email to interested colleagues. Best regards, Manuel Grande, Renu Malhotra For the Scientific Organizing Committee The EPSC represents a cooperation between Europlanet RI and the European Geosciences Union. The Europlanet RI project is an EU supported initiative to strengthen and unify European planetary science. A main objective is to achieve a long term integration of planetary sciences in Europe through the networking of the European research groups and to provide a major distributed European infrastructure to be shared, fed and expanded by all planetary scientists. The DPS is the world's largest professional organization dedicated to the study of the solar system and other planetary systems. Links : Meeting Homepage http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011/ Cité Internationale des Congrès Nantes http://www.lacite-nantes.com/uk/discover/press-pictures.html EuroPlaNet http://www.europlanet-ri.eu/ DPS Homepage http://dps.aas.org/ ---------------------------------+