Issue 14-3, February 8, 2014
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1) NOTE FROM THE CHAIR
2) PARTICIPATION IN THE JWST SOLAR SYSTEM WORKING GROUPS
3) CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PROCESSING OF PLANETARY STEREO IMAGERY
4) NASA’S SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION RESEARCH VIRTUAL INSTITUTE’S EXPLORATION SCIENCE FORUM
5) NEW DRAFT VERSIONS OF ROSES-2014 SECTIONS
6) CALL FOR CHAPTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO “VENUS AND MERCURY: PROSPECTIVE ENERGY AND MATERIAL RESOURCES”
7) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
8) UPCOMING MEETINGS
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NOTE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Colleagues,
Most of the activity by the DPS leadership during the past few weeks has been devoted to regular behind-the-scenes work. We have discussed meeting support, Icarus, sponsorships for the up-coming DPS meeting, and more. The Tucson DPS Local Organizing Committee, ably led by Joe Spitale, conferenced on Friday with our AAS meeting support team, and things are on track for a successful meeting in November. With the AAS public policy personnel, the DPS Federal Relation Subcommittee Chair Makenzie Lystrup visited a number of staffers on the Hill she will provide more details in a future e-mail distribution.
Here in Washington, those who follow space news have been buzzing about a recent Slate essay by Charles Seife about the future of NASA, wherein the Agency is likened to a panda (http://slate.me/1nWoPc3). Casey Dreier of The Planetary Society took issue with some aspects of the article¹s tone and content, and has posted a response (bit.ly/1jj9MZw). Both are worth a perusal; perhaps give some thought to how you might have written either the main article or the response.
Another Slate essay to check out is the Pluto lovefest by Robert Irion (http://slate.me/1b23yur). It provides a succint and salient popular-level overview of our current knowledge of the Pluto system, and touches on why Pluto is relevant to the history of the Solar System and what the New Horizons spacecraft might find in July 2015. Now is a good time to create your own personal Pluto lecture! Share it widely to build excitement for next year¹s flyby.
Finally, the image of Earth taken last week by the Curiosity lander from the surface of Mars (http://1.usa.gov/1khPDmO) reminds me once again of the words of another DPS Chair: ³Like it or not, for the moment, the Earth is where we make our stand. It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known² (Carl Sagan, in Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space). As we continue to explore our Solar System and the planets beyond, let us all bear in mind the responsibility we share for our home planet and for each other.
Heidi Hammel
DPS Chair
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PARTICIPATION IN THE JWST SOLAR SYSTEM WORKING GROUPS
The JWST Solar System Working Group is looking for participants in Focus Groups to develop case studies for observations with JWST of Solar System bodies. These studies will be employed to help guide the project on specific needs or capabilities necessary for enabling science in a specific area. The project is actively developing and implementing the observatory capabilities and will finalize these in the next few years. Focus Group findings will be reported in the form of a white paper and/or publication and will (1) describe specific scientific questions (2) provide observation scenarios and data products needed (3) and evaluate JWST instruments and observatory performance to accomplish these goals (sensitivity, field of view, spectral coverage, pointing capabilities, etc) and (4) provide the project with key concerns regarding capabilities that may not be currently offered and should be considered. Subgroups and contacts so far include: Asteroids (A. Rivkin, JHU/APL), NEOs (C. Thomas, NASA GSFC/ORAU), Comets (C. Woodward, U. Minnesota), Gas/Ice Giants (J. Norwood, New Mexico State Univ.), TNOs (A. Parker, UC Berkeley) , Binaries (J. Stansberry, STScI), Occultations (J. Stansberry, STScI), Satellites and Rings (M. Tiscareno, Cornell), Mars (G. Villanueva, NASA GSFC/Catholic Univ.), and Titan (C. Nixon, NASA GSFC).
If you are interested in participating or would like to know more details about these groups, please contact either the lead listed above directly or Stefanie Milam at stefanie.n.milam (at) nasa.gov.
Deadline : 1 March 2014.
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CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY PHOTOGRAMMETRIC PROCESSING OF PLANETARY STEREO IMAGERY
The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility at the Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey would like to announce a Call for Participation for a training opportunity on April 29 – May 1, 2014, on Photogrammetric Processing of Planetary Stereo Imagery using SOCET SET®. The training is free to participants, and will cover end-to-end, hands-on photogrammetric procedures for surface extraction from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE image pairs. The topics include
• An introduction to photogrammetric procedures and surface generation techniques;
• Overview of HiRISE imagery; and
• Workflow and data exchange between ISIS and SOCET SET.
The hands-on training will include ISIS preprocessing, SOCET SET import of image and reference data, control point selection, orientation procedures, triangulation and bundle adjustment, manual and automated surface extraction of digital terrain models (DTM), editing, and data export.
If you are interested in participating in this opportunity, please send an email to Dr. Raad Saleh ([email protected]) with the following specific information: your name, title, affiliation, address, full contact information, and a short statement describing your interest in the training. Please note that seating for this session is very limited, so please express your interest as soon as possible.
Please note the following:
1. Training will be 3 days, from Tuesday through Thursday, April 29 – May 1, 2014.
2. The training will be based exclusively on a standard set of HiRISE stereo images.
3. ISIS, SOCET SET and the Guest Facility support the use of images from several planetary cameras in addition to HiRISE. While this hands-on training will be based on HiRISE images, it would be our pleasure to advise participants on the suitability of other planetary cameras for their research projects. Furthermore, we can provide one-on-one support to producing DTMs at later days.
4. The Guest Facility has a single workstation available year-round for users who need to generate their own products. If you would like to stay longer (after this training) or come at a later date to generate your own products using the Guest Facility, please let us know the kind of images you would be using and how many DTMs you hope to produce so that we can schedule your visit accordingly.
5. For more information about the Guest Facility, and for Frequently Asked Questions, please visit: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/geology/photogrammetry-guest-facility. Go to Downloads at the bottom of the page and follow the link “Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility FAQ”.
6. If you are interested in ISIS training, please see: http://isis.astrogeology.usgs.gov/IsisWorkshop/index.php/IsisWorkshop
With your participation, we look forward to realizing another successful and productive training session. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or require further information.
Contact: Dr. Raad Saleh
Training Coordinator, The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility
United States Geological Survey
Email: [email protected]
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NASA’S SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION RESEARCH VIRTUAL INSTITUTE’S EXPLORATION SCIENCE FORUM
(formerly the Lunar Science Forum):
First Announcement
The Solar System Exploration Research Institute (SSERVI) is pleased to announce the 1st annual NASA Exploration Science Forum (ESF), to be held in person July 21-23, 2014 at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA. This year’s forum will feature scientific discussions of exploration targets of interest (the Moon, near-Earth asteroids, and the moons of Mars). Science sessions will focus on recent mission results and in-depth analyses of science and exploration studies. Dedicated side-conferences for graduate students and young professionals (a graduate student conference and Next Generation Lunar Scientists and Engineers, NGLSE) will coincide with the ESF. Public engagement discussions will be interwoven among science topics as well. Additionally, a 1.5-day meeting discussing science and exploration in the Global Exploration Roadmap (GER) will immediately follow the ESF, where the scientific community is welcome to attend.
Abstracts will be accepted February 18 through midnight PDT April 26, 2014 at
http://sservi.nasa.gov/NESF2014/
We look forward to another exciting meeting focusing on the intersection of science and exploration!
Doris Daou
Associate Director
Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute
(202) 358-1686 (NASA-HQ)
(650) 604-2021 (ARC)
(650) 417-1485 (Mobile)
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NEW DRAFT VERSIONS OF ROSES-2014 SECTIONS
The Planetary Science Division (PSD) has posted at:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/PSD-RandA/
new draft versions of the following ROSES-2014 Appendices: C.1 The
Overview, C.2 Emerging Worlds, C.3 Solar System Workings, a table of
tentative proposal due dates, and a FAQ that addresses questions
concerning proposing after the reorganization. The posted versions of
Emerging Worlds and Solar System Workings incorporate clarifications
requested by the community following the open-comment period and the
January Planetary Science Subcommittee meeting. Appendix C.1, The
Overview, contains the descriptions of the Planetary Science Division
program elements and contains other information that is shared by
multiple program elements, such as the two-step proposal process.
If you have any comments or feedback on the posted documents, please
direct them to the Program Officer in charge of the relevant program
element or, if that is not clear, please feel free to send them to
Jonathan Rall, the PSD R&A Lead, at [email protected]
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CALL FOR CHAPTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO “VENUS AND MERCURY: PROSPECTIVE ENERGY AND MATERIAL RESOURCES”
“Venus and Mercury: Prospective Energy and Material Resources” is
the 4th book in this series. Previous books focused on Mars, the Moon,
and Asteroids. We would like to invite chapter contributions related
to Venus and Mercury exploration, past-present-future missions, unique
technologies, resources, energy harvesting etc. The book will be
published in early 2015.
For reference, the first three books in the series are:
Mars: Prospective Energy and Material Resources
Moon: Prospective Energy and Material Resources
Asteroids: Prospective Energy and Material Resources
Please contact editors: Viorel Badescu ([email protected])
or Kris Zacny ([email protected])
[From PEN. Edited for length]
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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job
You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]
A) THREE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH POSITIONS AT THE US GEOL. SURVEY ASTROGEOL. SCIENCE CENTER
The U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, has up to three full-time permanent interdisciplinary (Geologist, Geophysicist, Physical Scientist, or Space Scientist) research positions now posted online. The soft-money positions are at the GS-13 grade level (comparable to associate professors in academia). Candidates with strong research credentials in planetary science or in remote sensing and geoscience applicable to planetary studies are sought. Experience with both obtaining NASA research grants and working on planetary space missions is especially important. The application opportunity will be open from February 3, 2014 to February 21, 2014.
Mission Statement: The USGS Astrogeology Science Center serves the Nation, the international planetary science community, and the general public’s pursuit of new knowledge of our Solar System by:
• Conducting innovative, fundamental research that advances the fields of planetary cartography, geoscience, and remote sensing
• Developing state-of-the-art software and techniques for the scientific and cartographic analysis of planetary remote sensing data
• Participating in the collaborative planning and operation of space exploration missions
• Producing accurate cartographic products, recognized internationally as benchmarks
• Establishing data archive and mapping standards that foster international consistency
• Archiving and distributing data and products for efficient access through modern technology
Vision Statement: The USGS Astrogeology Science Center is a national resource for the integration of planetary geoscience, cartography, and remote sensing. As explorers and surveyors, with a unique heritage of proven expertise and international leadership, we enable the ongoing successful investigation of the Solar System for humankind.
Please see our website (http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/) for more information on the scope and breadth of our research program. Also see http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/About/Careers/ to learn more about the Astrogeology Science Center and living and working in Flagstaff, AZ.
To learn more or to apply, go to USAJOBS: http://www.usajobs.gov and view Vacancy Announcement Number PAC-2014-0206 (open to all candidates) or PAC-2014-0212 (current or former Federal employees) for a position as a Geologist, Geophysicist, Physical Scientist, or Space Scientist. Applicants must apply online by the closing date of the announcement (midnight Eastern Time on 02/21/2014). If you are already an existing registered user you do not need to create a new account in USAJOBS. If however, this is your first time using USAJOBS please visit (http://www.usajobs.com/FIRSTTIMERS.ASP) for tutorials and additional information for creating a user account on USAJOBS and applying for Federal employment. All applicants must upload or fax their college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) by the closing date of the advertisement or they will be disqualified. The only exception are current Federal employees who are currently in the series for which they apply. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
B) NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities for
scientists and engineers to conduct research largely of their own
choosing, yet compatible with the research opportunities posted on the
NPP Web site.
Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete
one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s
missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science,
astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human
exploration and space operations, and astrobiology.
An example of one of the research opportunities in planetary science
is:
https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18696
Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before
beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree
requirements. U. S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and
foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may
apply.
Stipends start at $53,500 per year, with supplements for high
cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial
assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and
$8,000 per year is provided for professional travel.
Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and
November 1.
The latest NPP Newsletter:
http://bit.ly/18GSlHK
For further information and to apply, visit:
http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm
Questions: [email protected]
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
A) GOLDSCHMIDT 2014 MEETING
The Californian Goldschmidt will take place in Sacramento between
June 8th and June 13th, 2014. Goldschmidt 2014 will follow the
pattern established for the recent Goldschmidt conferences, and
should be the prime forum for all recent developments in Geochemistry
and related fields. Field trips will be also running around the
conference dates.
http://goldschmidt.info/2014/program/programViewThemes
The abstract deadline is on February 8th, 2014 at 23:59 (GMT). TODAY !
The conference features sessions related to planetary science
research, with the following special sessions and conveners:
Theme 1 Cosmochemistry:
01a: The Solar System and its Stellar Environment
Liping Qin, Philipp Heck
01b: Early Protoplanetary Disk Evolution and Planetary Accretion
Noriko Kita, Dominik Hezel, Sasha Krot
01c: The Ingredients for Life in Planetesimals and Their Delivery to
the Terrestrial Planets
Laurent Remusat, Zita Martins, Conel Alexander
01d: Volatiles in the Solar System, Origins of Volatiles in Planets
and Early Planetary Atmospheres
Tomohiro Usui, Kevin Zanhle, Francis Albarede, Anne Peslier
01e: Early Time Initiative for U-Pb Chronometry of Extra-Terrestrial
Materials
James Connelly, Claudine Stirling, Yuri Amelin
01f: The Future of Cosmochemistry: Sample Return Missions, Recent Falls,
and Advances in Analytical Methods
Harold C. Connolly Jr., Christopher D. Herd, Laurence Garvie
01g: Collisional Evolution of Terrestrial Planets: Accretion and Post-
Accretion Bombardment
Alessandro Morbidelli, David Kring, Sean Raymond, Diana Valencia
In addition to Cosmochemistry, another focus of the Californian
Goldschmidt 2014 meeting is Planetary Chemistry with the following
special sessions and conveners:
02a: Building Blocks of the Planets
Stein Jacobsen, Rasmus Andreasen, Thorsten Kleine, Frederic Moynier
02b: Processes and Timescales of Planetary Differentiation
Audrey Bouvier, Paul Warren, Francis Nimmo
02c: Compositions of the Interiors of the Terrestrial Planets – Causes
and Consequences
James Day, Radjeep Dasgupta
02d: Chemistry of Planetary Atmospheres
Bruce Fegley, Channon Visscher
02e: Oxidation State of the Planets
Jessica Warren, Katherine Kelley, Fred Davis
02f: Crust Formation on Extra-Terrestrial Bodies and its Importance for
Planetary Chemistry
Yang Liu, Larry Nittler, Carol Raymond
02g: Lunar Minerals, a Window into the Origin and Evolution of the Moon
Alberto Saal, Francis McCubbin
B) WATEREUROPE 2014,
Interdisciplinary Conference About Water,
Zaragoza, June 12-14, 2014
http://www.cecam.org/workshop-1089.html
WaterEurope gives a stage for European water researchers to seed and foster new collaborations among scientists coming from different backgrounds and sharing the same multidisciplinary interests about water and its uncommon properties. We believe that the state of the art in this field requires a close interchange among theories and experiments. To this goal, we invited leading experts in a number of experimental and theoretical fields involving water science in order to promote interaction and cross-fertilization between different standpoints.
The Conference Program will include the following topics: water properties and their applications; water in biological systems; water in energy materials, water in nanoconfinement; water in food science and cryoprotection; water in drug-design; water in planetary science.
The list of invited contributors will be periodically updated in the conference web-page: http://www.cecam.org/workshop-1-1089.html
Important Deadlines:
Conference registration for contribution
18 April 2014
Announcement of acceptance of abstracts
25 April 2014
Early registration fee payment
2 May 2014
Final program communication
9 May 2012
You can register and submit your abstract at the web-site:
http://www.cecam.org/workshop-4-1089.html (for a talk) and
http://www.cecam.org/workshop-3-1089.html (for a poster).
We would be very grateful if you could circulate the conference notice to your colleagues, post-docs, and Ph.D. students, and encourage them to submit talks and/or posters.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Zaragoza,
The Organizing Committee of WaterEurope 2014,
Livia Bove, Jordi Martí, and Giancarlo Franzese
E-MAIL: [email protected]
C) ORIGINS 2014
July 6 (Sun) −July 11 (Fri), 2014
Nara, Japan, http://www.shinkokaido.jp/en/
The 2nd joint international conference of ISSOL (The International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life + the International Astrobiology Society) and Bioastronomy (Commission 51 of the International Astronomical Union)
Abstract Submission until 21 February 2014:
http://www.origin-life.gr.jp/origins2014/general.html
Registration at (http://www.origin-life.gr.jp/origins2014/), click the tab “Registration”, and enter the Registration system (https://amarys-jtb.jp/origins201407).
D) AOGS 2014
28 Jul – 1 Aug 2014,
Royton Hotel, Sapporo, Japan
http://www.asiaoceania.org/society/index.asp
For further information see:
http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2014/public.asp?page=mars2/confSessionList.asp
Submit Abstract/Apply For Reduced Fee (Deadline: 11 February 2014)
Abstract Submission<http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2014/public.asp?page=abstract.htm>
Please consider submitting an abstract to the following sessions:
– PS02 : Icy satellites and rings
http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2014/mars2/convenerSessionView.asp?sID=104
This session will be devoted to outer planet satellites, rings and icy dwarf planets. The session will include solicited, contributed, and poster presentations addressing observational, laboratory, and theoretical studies relevant to past, ongoing, and future missions.
Relevant topics include:
(1) interior structure, composition and thermal evolution,
(2) surface geology and composition,
(3) orbital dynamics and satellite interactions,
(4) structure and dynamics of planetary rings,
(5) physical properties of ring particles and small satellites of
outer planet satellites.
For the Conveners: Jun Kimura (Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Tech, Japan), [email protected]
– PS03: Outer solar system satellites with an atmosphere
http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2014/mars2/confSessionView.asp?sID=105
This session welcomes papers about the outer planets satellites with
atmospheres, with special emphasis on observations (both from space and
from the ground), modelling, and theoretical interpretation, with emphasis
on the moons that are geologically active, show time variable properties,
and have a tenuous or thick gaseous environments or plumes. Thus, Titan
with its thick nitrogen atmosphere is found to have seasonal changes as
monitored by the Cassini spacecraft since 2004. Enceladus radiates more
heat than can be fully explained (as does Io) and expels a plume of water
vapor and other constituents from its southern pole. Europa’s surface
shows signs of relatively recent geological activity and carries a tenuous
oxygen atmosphere. Similarly, Ganymede (and possibly Callisto), has a
small oxygen atmosphere, but also its own magnetosphere, and the internal
activity that is necessary to generate its magnetic field. Neptune’s moon
Triton has a nitrogen-methane atmosphere, much like Titan, but with a
pressure that is more Pluto-like. We would also like to have presentations
on the habitability potential of such environments. In addition, abstracts
on satellite interactions with their neutral environments, supporting
laboratory investigations and concepts for future spacecraft missions and
investigations are also relevant to this session. Other work on icy
satellites can be included in another PS Session.
For the Conveners : Athena Coustenis (Paris Observatory, France), [email protected]
– Session PS04: C/Ison And Other Comets Of 2013
The year 2013 saw many interesting comets, from C/PanSTARRS, C/Lemmon,
2P/Encke to the globally observed sungrazer, C/ISON, and discovery of
C/Lovejoy. With the ROSETTA mission on its way to its target 67P/CG,
the field of cometary sciences is providing a rich field for observers,
modellers, and experimentalists to expand the field. We invite invited
and contributed presentations that address any aspect of these comets
of 2013 and other cometary studies. We anticipate a half-day to a full
day session.
For the Conveners: Padma A Yanamandra-Fisher (Space Science Institute, United States), ([email protected])
– Session PS05: Polarimetry Of Solar System, Exoplanets, Brown Dwarfs And Disks
Polarimetry is currently enjoying a rejuvenation in various
astronomical applications. As a complementary technique to imaging and
spectroscopy, polarization allows the investigation of scattering
properties of variety of media ranging from planetary atmospheres,
comets, small bodies (planetary satellites, asteroids, Kuiper Belt
objects, etc.) to detection and characterization of exoplanets, brown
dwarfs, star and planet forming regions; characterization of magnetic
fields and search for optically active molecules in a search for
habitability elsewhere than our earth. We invite contributions from
observers, modellers, laboratory measurements, instrument designers
and missions. We anticipate half to one day of presentations including
oral and poster contributions.
For the Conveners: Motohide Tamura (The University of Tokyo/NAOJ, Japan), [email protected]
– PS08 : Outer planets and their analogs in exoplanets
http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2014/mars2/convenerSessionView.asp?sID=110
Ten years ago the planetary science community was eagerly awaiting the successful Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI) of the Cassini spacecraft. It is now time to celebrate the excellent scientific returns and great achievements of this international mission to Titan and the Saturnian system. In addition, the New Horizons spacecraft will be at Pluto in July 2015, the JUNO spacecraft is on its way to Jupiter, and new plans are being developed for a Uranus Orbiter with Probe mission in the 2020’s. Across the Atlantic Ocean, the preparation of the JUICE mission is in up-swing for launch in 2025. Following in the footsteps of successful lunar missions of Japan, China and India, planetary scientists in Asia may soon join forces with their European and American colleagues in exploring the outer solar system. Thus it is timely to organize an AOGS session on outer planets to review significant scientific achievements in the areas of planetary and satellite atmospheres, magnetospheres, icy moons and the rings, including especially results on the Saturn system obtained by Cassini-Huygens, prior and anticipated observations of other outer planets and moons, and theoretical modeling of planetary phenomena. Because of tremendous advances made in the study of extrasolar giant planets, we solicit also abstracts on related topics – with a view to promote interdisciplinary dialogs among scientists and astrophysicists, in an international setting, as most appropriately exemplified by the 11th annual meeting of AOGS in Sapparo.
For the Conveners : Wing-Huen Ip (National Central University, Taiwan), [email protected]
E) COSPAR 2014
Moscow, Russia,
2 – 10 August
http://www.cospar-assembly.org/
The deadline for submitting abstracts for the 40th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), is 14 February 2014.
– C3.1 symposium « Planetary Atmospheres »
The symposium will address the physics of the atmospheres of terrestrial and outer planets.
It will be open for presentation of results of space missions, ground-based observations,
numerical modelling and theoretical studies.
The Symposium will consist of invited and contributed talks and posters.
Dmitri Titov and Larry Esposito
C3.1 Convenors
– B0.3 Symposium « Outer Solar System: New Data – Future Prospects”
This event considers the state of knowledge about the outer solar system. There is a steady stream of data and discoveries from spacecraft, ground-based telescopes, laboratory studies and theoretical investigations. At least five natural satellites are geologically active and show time variable properties. Both Enceladus and Io are radiating more heat than can be fully explained and this stimulates theoretical investigations and modelling studies. Titan with its thick nitrogen atmosphere shows seasonal changes as do Saturn’s atmosphere and rings. These are recorded by the Cassini spacecraft. In the Jovian system Europa’s surface shows signs of relatively recent geological activity. Ganymede, with its own magnetosphere, has internal activity that generates that magnetic field. These phenomena will be addressed by the concepts and new instruments being developed for the ESA JUICE mission that is to arrive at Jupiter in 2030 and then orbit Ganymede. Farther out, Pluto will be visited by the NASA New Horizons spacecraft in July 2015. Preparations for this will be well underway at the time of the 2014 COSPAR.
The B0.3 Organizing Committee will welcome papers about the outer solar system that address observations, modelling, and theoretical interpretation. Also welcome are papers on supporting laboratory investigations, and plans for future spacecraft missions and experiments.
– B0.6 Astrobiology: Life Signs Detections within Planetary Exploration
Astrobiology is researching whether life does or can exist or has existed on a planet other than Earth. To seek such evidence and understand how life could begin elsewhere, it is essential to understand how life emerged on Earth and to know what organic compounds were likely to have been available. Current scenarios for the origin of life invoke an exogenous delivery of organic matter to the early Earth by asteroids and comets. Laboratory analyses of extraterrestrial materials have revealed that they contain vast amount of complex organic matter able to trigger or aid the synthesis of biochemical compounds influencing the origin of life. Understanding how the planetary environment has influenced the transformation of these compounds, the evolution of life and how biological processes have changed the environment is an essential part of any study of the origin and search for signs of life.
In this session researchers are invited to present recent results and papers on:
• New Missions, innovative instruments and strategies searching for signs of life and prebiotic chemistry in the Solar System including Mars;
• Identification and characterization of suitable environments for prebiotic chemistry and life in the Solar System.
[Edited for length]
The Organizers: John Robert Brucato
INAF – Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Firenze Italy
E-Mail: [email protected]
And : Michel Viso
CNES, Paris France
E-Mail: [email protected]
E1.14 “Exoplanets” of the forthcoming 40th COSPAR Scientific Assembly.
Thanks to synergies between ground and space-based observations, we have learned that planets orbiting other stars are quite common and we have been able to perform statistical surveys of their occurrence, masses, sizes and eccentricities. At the same time, we have discovered that exoplanet properties can be very different, indeed, from what we can expect based on the knowledge of our Solar System. For a handful of exoplanets we could also investigate their atmospheric composition through spectra of increasing quality and resolution. Modelling studies concerning formation, evolution, climate and habitability issues are developing, as well as spectra simulations and laboratory experiments aimed to better understand and characterize worlds usually at dissimilar conditions from our Solar System bodies.
This COSPAR event aims to put together the broad community interested in the field to review major results, discuss proposed models and present new projects.
Main Scientific Organizer: Francesca Altieri, INAF- IAPS Rome, Italy
E-Mail: [email protected]
Deputy Organizer: Rens Waters, SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
Netherlands
E-Mail: [email protected]
F) INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INSTRUMENTATION FOR PLANETARY MISSIONS
Call for abstracts.
NASA/GSFC will host the International Workshop on Instrumentation
for Planetary Missions November 4-7, 2014, Greenbelt, Maryland
(Washington DC, USA).
The objective of the Workshop is to have a broad canvas of instrumentation and technology available to upcoming ‘Decadal Survey’ missions and those further out. It is also meant to be a forum of collaboration, exchange and discussions where science questions, and the technology needed to address them, are discussed.
Workshop details and abstract submission instructions can be found here:
http://ssed.gsfc.nasa.gov/IPM/
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Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])
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Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]