Issue 13-22, September 3, 2013
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1) IN MEMORIAM: BISHUN N. KHARE (1933 – 2013)
2) IN MEMORIAM: BRUCE MURRAY (1931-2013)
3) IN MEMORIAM : MICHAEL J. WARGO (1951-2013)
4) 45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS
5) MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM (ROUND VIII) –
COMET SIDING SPRING MODELING
6) CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY (IRTF)
7) OBSERVING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT NEW HORIZONS MISSION TO PLUTO
8) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
9) LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECENT PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY
10) 2014 NASA ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN
11) APPLICATION FOR THE GSA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION'S EUGENE M. SHOEMAKER IMPACT CRATERING AWARD
12) AURORAL PLANETARY IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY (APIS) SERVICE
13) SPECIAL ISSUE OF ICARUS : RESULTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY OPERATIONS
14) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
15) UPCOMING MEETINGS
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IN MEMORIAM : BISHUN N. KHARE (1933 – 2013)
Our colleague and friend Bishun Khare died quietly on August 20 at the age of 80. Bishun is widely known for his early work on organic solid residues (tholins) related to the aerosols in planetary atmospheres and the interstellar medium, performed for many years at Cornell University in collaboration with Carl Sagan. Their 1984 paper gave the optical constants of Titan tholin from the X-ray to microwave region, and has served as a fundamental input to modeling work that included planetary surfaces in addition to atmospheric aerosols. That key paper has received well over 300 citations, and has stimulated much additional research on tholins, both in the US and in Europe. In 1996, Bishun moved from Cornell to NASA Ames Research Center on a Senior National Research Council fellowship, and subsequently joined the SETI Institute. He continued his research on many topics in his Ames lab, and mentored a great number of students, including supervising the thesis work of graduate students. Bishun was a patient, kind, and sharing individual, who loved to talk about science, especially the organic materials in Nature and those he could synthesize in his lab.
Composed by D. Cruikshank
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IN MEMORIAM: BRUCE MURRAY (1931-2013)
Bruce Murray, former JPL Director, co-founder of the Planetary Society, and Caltech Emeritus Professor passed away on August 29.
In the words of JPL's Director Charles Elachi "Bruce was JPL’s fifth Director, serving from 1976 to 1982, but his association with JPL goes back much further. He was a Caltech geologist and a key member of the Mariner 4 Imaging team that captured the first close up image of Mars in 1964. It was only the first of four planetary missions in which he played a vital role as a scientist.
Shortly after Bruce became Director, JPL was the scene for mission operations for the landings of Viking 1 and 2 on Mars. The following year Voyager 1 and 2 were launched, and Bruce led the lab through the Voyagers’ encounters at Jupiter and Saturn. He worked tirelessly to save our nation’s planetary exploration capability at a tumultuous time when there was serious talk of curtailing future missions. Along with Carl Sagan and Lou Friedman, he founded The Planetary Society. Long after returning to Caltech as a professor, he continued to be a strong voice in expressing the importance of space exploration."
Obituaries have been posted in various websites, including The Planetary Society and the Los Angeles Times.
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IN MEMORIAM : MICHAEL J. WARGO (1951-2013)
It is with great sadness that we note the unexpected passing of
Mike Wargo, Chief Exploration Scientist for NASA's Human Exploration
and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD). Mike was a leading
contributor to NASA's human lunar and planetary exploration program.
He was involved in many lunar missions, including Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter and the LCROSS satellite. In his nearly two decades at NASA,
he received numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service
Medal and seven group achievement awards. He worked tirelessly to
integrate science community input into human exploration planning as
the primary interface with NASA's Mars, Lunar, and Small Bodies
Assessment Groups. His openness, enthusiasm and energy will be sorely
missed. More extensive memoria may be found at:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/wargo/
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes
/obituary.aspx?pid=166329664#fbLoggedOut
NASA is asking the International Astronomical Union to name a crater on
the moon in his honor "so his name will be forever enshrined in the
heavens." Gifts may be made to MIT in memory of Michael Wargo for the
Department of Materials Science Endowed Fellowship Fund by contacting
Bonny Kellerman, bonnyk@mit.edu or at 617-253-9722.
[From the PEN]
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45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS AND GRANTS
Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences
1. Registration (last chance for regular !)
Regular Registration: 24 July - 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September - 19 September 2013
2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.
3. Prizes, members meeting
Please attend our Prizes and Members meeting (all in Plaza A) :
- (109) Monday, 7 Oct., 1:30pm-2:20pm: Welcome; Kuiper Prize Lecture: Small is NOT Dull: Unraveling the Complexity of Surface Processes on Asteroids, Comets and Small Satellites, J. Veverka
- (119 ) Monday, 7 Oct., 7:30pm-8:30pm: Sagan Medal Public Talk: Near-Earth Objects: Finding Them Before They Find Us, Don Yeomans
- (203 )Tuesday, 8 Oct., 10:30-12:00 : Members Meeting
- (212 ) Tuesday, 8 Oct., 7:30pm-9:00pm : Agency Night
- (306 ) Wednesday, 9 Oct., 1:30pm-2:20pm: Sagan Medal (D. Yeomans); Urey Prize Lecture: From Pebbles to Planets, A. Johansen
- (409 ) Thursday, 10 Oct., 1:30pm-1:45pm: Masursky Award (R. Greeley); Eberhart Award (R. Kerr)
4. Late Abstract Deadline Reminder
If you are still waiting on research results, or if you just forgot to submit your abstract before the regular deadline, you are in luck! There are 6 more days to submit a late abstract for a poster session. Visit the following webpage for additional information: aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-abstract-and-presentation-information
5. Hartmann Travel Grants for Denver 2013
We are pleased to announce that there were 11 winners of the Hartmann student travel awards for the DPS 2013 Denver meeting. We look forward to seeing these students in Denver, and we will introduce them at the DPS Business Meeting on Tuesday at 10:30 in Plaza A.
The DPS encourages all DPS members to make a contribution to the Hartmann Travel fund (see donation info at http://dps.aas.org/meetings/travel_grant). We sincerely thank all the DPS members who have already contributed.
Heidi B. Hammel
DPS Vice Chair
6. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy...you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, debbie.kovalsky@aas.org or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh...
7. Banquet :
Come to Denver Museum of Nature & Science for the DPS Banquet on Wed. Oct. 9th
Fun evening of good food, music (in planetarium, featuring surprise planetary musician) and a free roam of the Space Odyssey and Gems & Minerals (including spectacular gold from the Colorado hills). No speeches!
Student Ticket: $60
Regular Ticket: $80
Please sign-up for the Banquet using the online registration form. If you have already registered for the meeting but would like to attend the Banquet, please call our Registrar Tracy Beale at 202-328-2010 ext. 106. Banquet tickets are limited.
8. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, debbie.kovalsky@aas.org or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh...
9. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.
To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care
More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
http://dps.aas.org/development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund
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MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM (ROUND VIII) –
COMET SIDING SPRING MODELING
The Mars Exploration Program has issued, in August 2013, a Request for Proposal for round VIII of the Mars Critical Data Products program. This RFP provides support of the modeling the dust and particle environment of Comet 2013 A1 (Siding Spring) during its encounter with Mars in October 2014. The intent is to provide data products useful for risk assessment and mitigation strategy development for the Mars orbiter missions, due to possible impacts from dust and ion tail particles as this comet encounters Mars. Proposals are due on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.
Details of the RFPs are posted at: https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/RFP/MJ-2692-072413/default.htm or https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/bizops/.
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CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY (IRTF)
DEADLINE: 01 October 2013
NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Observing Proposals. The due date for the 2014A semester (February 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014) is Tuesday, October 1, 2013. See our online submission form. Information on available facility and visitor instruments can be found at: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/Facility/. Observing on-site or remote observing is available with NSFCAM and CSHELL. NSFCAM has been upgraded with a new array and controller; please see the instrument webpage for more information, including performance.
Important notice: SpeX will not be available for semester 2014A. SpeX is being upgraded with new arrays and array controllers. We plan to recommission SpeX in time for Semester 2014B. As a consequence we plan to accommodate key projects requiring large amounts of observing time using CSHELL, NSFCAM, and visitor instruments during semester 2014A.
For good photometry NSFCAM requires flatfielding with twilight sky observations. Please include the time required for this in your observing request.
The C/2012 S1 (ISON) observing campaign will not be extended into semester 2014A. However we would like to continue archiving any additional comet ISON data on a voluntary basis. Information on comet ISON can be found at:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/12111886/additional_information_for_comet_ISON.pdf
To keep our bibliography up to date and to ensure future funding of the IRTF: please check for your latest publications at:
http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/biblio/Refereed.html
http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/biblio/Non_Refereed.html
Send any missing references to William Walters (walters@ifa.hawaii.edu).
We appreciate an acknowledgement in your papers to the IRTF and the instrument used.
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OBSERVING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT NEW HORIZONS MISSION TO PLUTO
The July 2015 New Horizons encounter with Pluto presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly link our Earth-based view of the Pluto system with 'ground truth' provided by in situ measurements. With the encouragement of Dr. James L. Green, Director of Planetary Science, NASA Headquarters, a call for observations is being made in support of the New Horizons mission. Observers throughout the international community are invited to participate. The goal of the observing campaign is to establish an extensive Earth-based measurement context for the state of the Pluto system at the time of the flyby, including evolving trends in the system for at least one year prior- and post-flyby. Further details on the campaign are available here:
http://www.boulder.swri.edu/nh-support-obs/
Please register your interest by sending an email to:
nhobs "at" boulder.swri.edu
In addition, informal workshops (information sessions) are being planned during the European Planetary Science Conference (EPSC) in London 8-13 September and during the Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting (DPS) in Denver 6-11 October. The DPS workshop will be on Tuesday, 8 October at 12:00noon-1:00pm in the Plaza Ballroom E at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.
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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
NASA released a Centennial Challenge for Extreme Environments Request
for Information (RFI) soliciting feedback as it considers a challenge
to foster technology maturation for subsystems operating in extreme
environments, such as the surface of Venus. The challenge under
consideration is a phased series of demonstrations focused on
electronics/mechanisms, thermal management, power, and eventually a
simple system/probe. The purposes of this RFI are: (1) gather feedback
on the competition, (2) determine the level of interest in competing
and, (3) understand the applicability to terrestrial applications.
A NASA challenge to draw out creative and innovative solutions to our
technology problems is an exciting opportunity for the planetary
community. This challenge may be another way to leverage scarce
resources to eventually allow scientists to "probe" the more difficult
destinations in our solar system.
The planetary science and the technology and engineering communities
are encouraged to respond to the RFI and provide inputs by September
10, 2013. Details of the Challenge conditions and prize award can be
found at:
http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=157076
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LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECENT PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY
The New Frontiers 2009 AO, the Discovery 2010 AO, and the Jupiter Icy
Moon Explorer (JUICE) Instrument AO contained new features such as
incentives for the use of specific, NASA-developed technologies,
extended reserve requirements and concurrent evaluations by
international partners.
In anticipation of the next AOs for the Discovery and New Frontiers
Programs, NASA seeks information from the scientific and mission
management community on perceptions of the distinctive features of the
three recent AOs. This information may be used as the basis for
further dialogue via a subsequent, virtual, town-hall style meeting.
Responses are required as PDF documents, not exceeding five pages,
uploaded through NASA's NSPIRES system. Each response shall address a
single issue, identified by the respondent, that may be common to all
of the AOs, some of them, or relevant to only one of them. There is no
limit on the number of responses that an individual or institution may
submit.
Responses are due by October 15, 2013. For instructions, go to:
http://nspires.nasaprs.com
Select "Solicitations," then "Open Solicitations," and NNH13ZDA014L.
Questions should be addressed to:
Dr. Michael New
202-358-1766
michael.h.new@nasa.gov
[Edited for length from the PEN]
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2014 NASA ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN
The NASA Astrobiology Program is presently engaged in creating a 2014 Strategic Plan. To ensure that it is aspirational, inspirational, and inclusive of the diversity of the astrobiology community, the Astrobiology Program engaged the services of an innovation consulting firm, KnowInnovation (http://knowinnovation.com/). The Strategic Plan enterprise was launched on May 6th with the first in a series of five hour-long webinars, each broadly focused on a topic connected to the 2008 NASA Astrobiology Roadmap but aimed at astrobiology's future (https://astrobiologyfuture.org/). Following each of these NASA PI-led webinars, over 500 members of the astrobiology community engaged in a spirited, week long, on-line debate that produced a rich record of controversy and critical knowledge gaps.
The second stage of Strategic Plan-making was launched the week of June 17th. Under the auspices of the National Research Council, 60 scientists gathered for four days at the Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA. The goal of the gathering was to build, by brainstorming, argument, and consensus, a collection of working documents, each focused on a broad research theme that could be easily explained and justified, then broken down into set of sub-questions, any one or combination of which would provoke further community input, or even stimulate a specific research project.
The output of the June face-to-face Strategic Plan enterprise was 21 working documents that encompassed research themes as diverse as:
• How did bio-relevant elements evolve into molecules?
• How can we best overcome our ignorance about microbial life on Earth?
• How would we find and identify an inhabited planet?
• How can we enhance the utility of biosignatures as a tool to search for life in the Solar System & beyond?
The next steps in the creation of the new Strategic Plan will move the process back on-line. Starting in September, the 21 working documents will be published on the astrobiologyfuture.org website and the astrobiology community will be invited to review them. One webinar will be held for each document, after which community members will be allowed to provide comments. Community members will also be able to add documents if a compelling case can be articulated for the existence of a gap in the existing documents.
In the January-to-February 2014 timeframe, the authors of the working documents will gather, either physically or virtually, to incorporate the community's comments. A face-to-face integration workshop will be held in late February to create a first draft of the Strategic Plan. This draft will be reviewed by the Planetary Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council and, possibly, an ad hoc committee of the National Research Council. Following the consideration of comments arising from these reviews, a final draft will be published in April 2014.
A more detailed summary of the face-to-face workshop can be found here: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/2014-astrobiology-strategic-plan/.
In conclusion, this is your community and NASA wants your input. Be part of this exciting process and make your voice heard!
Michael H. New, PhD
--
Astrobiology Discipline Scientist
Lead Discovery Program Scientist
Planetary Science Division
NASA Headquarters
Email: michael.h.new@nasa.gov
Washington, DC 20546
Office: 3-X-78
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APPLICATION FOR THE GSA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION'S EUGENE M. SHOEMAKER IMPACT CRATERING AWARD
Applications for the GSA Planetary Science Division's Eugene M.
Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award are due September 11, 2013.
The Eugene M. Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award is for undergraduate or
graduate students, of any nationality, working in any country, in the
disciplines of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, astronomy, or
biology. The award, which will include $2500, is to be applied for the
study of impact craters, either on Earth or on the other solid bodies
in the solar system. Areas of study may include but shall not
necessarily be limited to impact cratering processes; the bodies
(asteroidal or cometary) that make the impacts; or the geological,
chemical, or biological results of impact cratering. Details about the
award as well as an application form for interested students can be
found at:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kring/Awards/Shoemaker_Award/
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AURORAL PLANETARY IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY (APIS) SERVICE
Dear all,
The APIS service (for Auroral Planetary Imaging and Spectroscopy) was
officially opened at the occasion of the Magnetospheres of Outer
Planets meeting, Athens, 8-12 July 2013. It is now accessible at the
address:
http://lesia.obspm.fr/apis/
with the support of the Virtual Observatory of Paris.
It consists of a database of all HST Far-UV spectro-imaging
observations of the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus)
acquired by the STIS and ACS instruments from 1997 up to now
(which makes ~5000 individual images and spectra), declined under
various types of high level data (e.g. cylindrical/polar projections).
The data are available in different formats (jpg, pdf, fits) and
can be browsed and sorted out with a dedicated search interface.
Interactive tools (Aladin, Specview) also enable the user to
directly work on images and spectra online.
Please let us know if you have any question, comment or suggestion.
On behalf of the APIS team,
Laurent Lamy
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SPECIAL ISSUE OF ICARUS : RESULTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY OPERATIONS
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover has completed its first Earth year of operations, revealing a diversity of rock and soil types, including an ancient streambed, unusual igneous rocks, mudstones, mineral veins, and hydrated surface and subsurface materials. The elemental composition and mineralogy of the first drilled samples suggest conditions that could have been capable of supporting life. Now that initial operations and testing of the rover capabilities have been completed in the Yellowknife Bay area, the rover has begun its traverse towards the entrance to Mt. Sharp. As such, it is timely to coordinate results from MSL’s first year of operations into a journal special issue, submitted to Icarus by October 1, 2013.
This special issue is for papers that:
• Include observations and analyses of MSL data related to atmospheric science, geologic and geomorphologic studies, surface properties, radiation environment, and mineralogy and geochemistry of the surface and subsurface materials analyzed by Curiosity
• Incorporate additional orbital data sets of the Curiosity landing site region
Author guidelines for preparation of manuscript can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505620/auth...
Please contact the editorial office at icarus@astro.cornell.edu with any questions.
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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
For all Job opportunities, please visit http://dps.aas.org/jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
http://dps.aas.org/node/add/job
You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: dpsjobs@aas.org
A) ISSI POST-DOCTORAL POSITIONS
The International Space Science Institute invites applications for Two Post-Doctoral Positions for a two-year period starting in January 2014 or by agreement. One of the two positions is in Space Sciences, the other is in Earth Sciences. The successful candidates should have received a Ph.D. within the last five years in a field relating to either Space or Earth Sciences in general. All applications must be received by ISSI no later than October 31st, 2013.
For more information, please read the attached job description or click on the link below:
http://www.issibern.ch/spotlight/PostDoc13.pdf
B) POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, GEOPHYSICAL INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
The Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, is seeking a geoscientist to develop expertise for stereo photogrammetry with a range of Alaska and planetary data sets. The scientist will then use some of those data sets to conduct analyses of terrestrial and planetary volcanic and impact-melt features. Position is funded for three years, and it is common for postdocs to transition to permanent faculty positions at UAF. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field (successful dissertation defense in Fall semester, 2013, is acceptable). Experience in fluid mechanics, photogeology, volcanology, impact cratering mechanics, stereo photogrammetry, and using SOCET SET software are desired, but not required, job skills. See the YouTube recruiting video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BYleBbjjHc
Further inquiries can be directed to Robert Herrick
(rherrick@gi.alaska.edu).
Apply for position at:
http://www.uakjobs.com, posting 0067258
Review of applications will begin September 23, 2013, and applications will be considered until the position is filled.
C) AMES RESEARCH CENTER JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AR13B0014, RESEARCH SPACE SCIENTIST, AST, PLANETARY STUDIES, GS-1330-12/13
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/349635800
NASA, the world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands.
The Exobiology Branch (Code SSX) at NASA Ames Research Center is currently seeking interested applicants for the position of Research Space Scientist. The incumbent is responsible for conducting microbiological and/or geologic research to identify biosignatures that characterize past/present life in environments related to astrobiology.
He/she studies the origin, composition, structure, and evolution of the solar system, including planets and satellites; the Earth and Moon; and meteorites, asteroids, comets and dust. As a Research Space Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for conducting research involving modern field samples, ancient terrestrial rocks, meteorites, extraterrestrial materials, ices, Mars analog rocks, and returned data from spaceflight missions. He/she conducts research that emphasizes on the elucidation and characterization of modern, ancient, or extraterrestrial habitable zones and mineral biosignature. This includes the evaluation of preservation potential related to biosignatures; primary/secondary mineral phases associated with habitable zones; and the development of databases, microbial specimens, and geological collections for planetary studies and spacecraft missions.
D) JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS AT NASA'S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project at NASA's Goddard Space
Flight Center (GSFC) invites applications through the NASA
Postdoctoral Program (NPP) to carry out postdoctoral research in
astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation or planetary science. The
applicant will work directly with one of the JWST Project Scientists
and will be resident at GSFC. The science objectives of JWST include
the initial formation of galaxies in the early Universe, galaxy
evolution including active galactic nuclei (AGN), star and planetary
system formation, exoplanets and Solar System objects. Research
relevant to JWST's science goals could include theoretical studies or
be based on observations taken with current space-based or ground-
based facilities. See the AAS job register for details at:
http://jobregister.aas.org/node/45506
E) UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES
Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of
California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a position in
planetary sciences, at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level.
Applicants' research should focus primarily on processes and bodies
in this solar system (other than Earth). We have a preference for
candidates concentrating on research areas that include, but are not
restricted to: planetary atmospheres; planetary surface processes;
cosmochemistry; impact processes; and orbital dynamics. We also
welcome qualified applicants whose technical expertise will build
upon or complement our existing strength in areas such as planetary
interiors and fluid dynamics.
Apply at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00057
Refer to Position #JPF00057-14 in all correspondence.
CLOSING DATE: October 21, 2013.
UCSC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer,
committed to excellence through diversity.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS
Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html
A) 48TH ESLAB SYMPOSIUM: NEW INSIGHTS INTO VOLCANISM ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM
First announcement
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to the 48th ESLAB Symposium on “New insights into volcanism across the Solar System”. The Symposium will take place from 16 – 20 June 2014 at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) located in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
It will focus on volcanism in the Solar System. Of particular interest, but not limited to, will be new insights obtained over the last years from international space missions to planets (e.g., MESSENGER, LRO, Selene, etc.), Moons and cryo-volcanism. The connection with Earth by will be covered by experts on terrestrial volcanism.
The format will be made up of plenary sessions on topics related to volcanism in the Solar System, with contributed oral and poster presentations. Part of the Symposium may be devoted to parallel sessions on specialized topics where details can be discussed at greater length. This will depend on the response to the Call for Papers.
The second announcement with the call for abstracts and other detailed information is available on the meeting website: http://congrexprojects.com/2014-events/48-ESLAB/
Pre-registration is already available on this website which will ensure that you receive regular updates from the Symposium organisers.
Financial support may be available for students.
Kind regards,
The LOC, 48th ESLAB
B) JWST TOWNHALL AT THE DPS 2013 MEETING: OBSERVATIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
When: Thursday, October 10, 2013 12-1pm
Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza ABC
How: Email stefanie.n.milam (at) nasa.gov to register.
NOTE: Northrop Grumman will sponsor a free lunch for pre-registered
attendees only.
Last year we held a workshop to provide the community details about
the current instrument specifications and observing modes for solar
system targets, as well as the observatory constraints such as
brightness limits on planets, moving targets, tracking, and others.
All details can be found online at:
http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science/solar-system
This Town Hall meeting will bring the community up to speed on the
accomplishments and status of the recommendations provided to the
JWST team last year regarding solar system observations and solicits
the community for further input. We will feature a short science
presentation by Andrew Rivkin (JHU/APL).
C) IO WORKSHOP 2013: COORDINATION FOR THE EXCEED MISSION
Saturday 12th October, 2013
Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO
This 1-day scientific meeting will be held in downtown Boulder after DPS Denver to discuss the latest research and developments in Io science since the 2012 Io Workshop.
The Japanese EUV Sprint-A/EXCEED mission was to launch in August 2013 on the new EPSILON launch vehicle but has been delayed. EXCEED will observe the Jovian aurora and Io plasma torus for a number of months. This workshop will focus on topics which might benefit from EXCEED data and coordinated observations at all wavelengths, though presentations on other aspects of Io science will be accepted if time allows.
For more information, regular updates and to register your interest, please go to:
http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~con/ioworkshop2013
Organizers: Constantine Tsang, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Rosaly Lopes
Contact Email:con@boulder.swri.edu
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Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary (dpssec@aas.org)
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