Issue 17-08, February 19, 2017
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- OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP UPDATES
- EUROPA LANDER SDT REPORT RELEASED
- 2017B NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS
- UPCOMING MEETINGS
- JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
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OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP UPDATES:
1. Next OPAG meeting is Feb 22-23 in the grand ballroom of the Georgian
Terrace Hotel in Atlanta. See final agenda at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/.
Highlights include updates on Juno, Cassini, and Europa Clipper,
Europa Lander SDT report and community discussion, report from the
Roadmaps to Ocean Worlds study, and presentations on seven New Frontiers
mission concepts to outer planets and ocean worlds.
Webex:
OPAG Workshop 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 | 7:00 am Eastern Standard Time
(GMT-05:00) | 12 hours 50 minutes |
Recurrence: Every day, from Wednesday, February 22, 2017, to
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Meeting Link: https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?MTID=m4f25a0acefb7ee05be4dc1ac6dadfb96
Meeting number: 998 698 611
Meeting password: W@lc0m31
Audio connection:
Conference Number: 1-888-324-7108
Participant Code: 3118411
Please use the link below to test your connection prior to the meeting.
https://www.webex.com/test-meeting.html
2. Summer OPAG meeting: Please join us September 6–7, 2017 in
La Jolla, California, at the Samuel H. Scripps Auditorium
(https://scripps.ucsd.edu/about/venues/seaside-forum), next to the
largest ocean in the inner solar system. Additional details will be
posted on the OPAG website (http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/) as
they become available.
-Alfred McEwen and the OPAG steering committee
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EUROPA LANDER SDT REPORT RELEASED
The SDT report for the pre-Phase A study of a Europa lander
mission concept has been released and is available at
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/docs/Europa_Lander_SDT_Report_2016.pdf.
Community members are encouraged to read the report and attend a
town hall event on Sunday, March 19, from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. LPSC.
The town hall is intended to provide an extended opportunity to
communicate the science content of the report to the scientific community
and, equally importantly, to engage in constructive discussion with the
scientific community. A second town hall will take place on the afternoon
of Sunday, April 23, at AbSciCon.
For questions please contact Dr. Curt Niebur at [email protected].
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2017B NASA KECK CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The 2017B NASA Keck call for proposals is available with proposals
due March 16, 2017
Highlights for 2017B (see guidelines for complete details):
1. Keck Observatory Archive (KOA) Check: In an effort to use the NASA
time on the Keck telescopes as efficiently as possible, starting in 2017B we
will ask proposers to verify to the TAC that their science goals cannot be met
through public observations already in the KOA. To accompish this, the PI
must enter text into a box on the submission page explaining why the data in
KOA are not sufficient to meet their science goals. Please see
this section in the call guidelines for more information and instructions.
1. Time Domain Astronomy: Observers now have the ability to propose both
cadence/Time Domain Astronomy (TDA) and Target of Opportunity (ToO)
programs following the policies outlined here (TDA policies) and
here (ToO policies). For Semester 2017A, four Keck partners (UC, Caltech,
UH, and NASA) have agreed that TAC-approved ToO/TDA projects may
interrupt observers at any of the four institutions. Each TAC can award up
to a combined total of six ToO/TDA observations which interrupt any of the
other institutions. PIs may ask for their time to be uninterruptable, i.e. as
exempt from ToO or TDA interrupts. Programs scheduled as half nights or
smaller will not be interrupted. It is anticipated that interruption-free time
will be rarely granted.
2. Information on strategic grading of NASA Keck proposals.
3. Letter for Mission Support proposals must be requested from NASA HQ
by March 1, two weeks before the submission deadline.
4. Check the WMKO instrument page for the current list of available instruments.
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NASA intends the use of the Keck telescopes to be highly strategic in support
of on-going space missions and/or high priority, long-term science goals.
Proposals are sought in the following discipline areas: (1) investigations in support
of EXOPLANET EXPLORATION science goals and missions; (2) investigations
of our own SOLAR SYSTEM; (3) investigations in support of COSMIC ORIGINS
science goals and missions; and (4) investigations in support of PHYSICS OF THE
COSMOS science goals and missions. Direct mission support proposals in any of
these scientific areas are also encouraged.
The proposal process is managed by the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute
(NExScI) at Caltech.
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Complete proposal call information: http://nexsci.caltech.edu/missions/KeckSolicitation/
Questions: [email protected]
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
A) ASTROBIOLOGY 2017
Dear Colleagues,
We announce that registration is open for Astrobiology 2017.
This conference will take place in beautiful Chilean Patagonia at
Coyhaique (November 26th-December 1st, 2017).
http://www.astrobiology2017.org
The astrobiology community in the IAU has the tradition to hold
a series of scientific meetings every three years. For a truly multidisciplinary
discussion, we welcome researchers at the frontier of science from the
fields of astronomy, planetary and space science, chemistry, biology,
geology, philosophy, sociology and ethical issues, among others.
KEY DATES
* Early Registration deadline: May 19th
* Oral contribution submission deadline: July 28th
* Regular registration deadline: Oct 13th
* Poster contribution deadline: Oct 13th
* Late registration deadline: Nov 17th
* Conference starts: Nov 26th
CONFERENCE TOPICS
* Star and planet formation
* Extrasolar planets / Habitable zones and habitable planets
* Planets in the solar system / Comets and meteorites
* Prebiotic molecules in the ISM and protoplanetary disks
* Early Earth environments and the emergence of life
* Life in extreme conditions and early life
* Search for life in the Universe
* Societal and ethical issues linked to astrobiology
* Education in Astrobiology
INVITED SPEAKERS Over 20 superb invited speakers have already
confirmed. The updated list can be found at: http://astrobiology2017.org/speakers/
TRAINING SCHOOL We are also preparing a two day training
school with lectures on basics of Astrobiology open to all participants.
This school will precede the conference and take place on Santiago
during Friday 24th and Saturday 25th. There is no extra cost for
participants of the conference but space is limited. Interested
participants of the TS should reserve a seat during registration.
STUDENT SUPPORT We expect to be able to provide a reduced
number of travel funds for students. Instructions to apply for it will be
provided on the webpage during coming March.
B) IUGG SYMPOSIUM ON PLANETARY SCIENCES
Dear Colleague
The 1st IUGG Symposium on Planetary Sciences (IUGG-PS 2017),
interdisciplinary observation and understanding of the Solar System
will be held in Berlin, Germany, July 3-5, 2017. More information
can be found at http://www.dlr.de/iugg-ps2017
Best Regards
Shuanggen
On behalf of Organizing Committees
C) LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS/PLANETARY SCIENCE SESSION
AT SUMMER AAS MEETING
Abstract submission (and registration) for the 2017 LAD meeting, held
with the 230th AAS meeting (June 4-8th, 2017, in Austin TX) are now
open! Please go to https://aas.org/meetings/aas230 for all the details.
The LAD meeting will begin in the afternoon of Monday June 5th and end
with a morning session on Thursday June 8th, with morning and afternoon
sessions Tuesday and Wednesday. There will also be a LAD plenary talk
on Tuesday morning by Dr. Bonnie Buratti of JPL on results from the
ROSETTA mission, with a focus on the importance of laboratory measurements
to our understanding. Session topics & confirmed invited speakers include:
Dust & Ices – with invited speaker Dr. Christine Joblin (IRAP)
Plasmas – with invited speaker Dr. R. Paul Drake (UMich) on upcoming
major challenges and opportunities in plasma physics studies in the lab
Molecular Physics – with invited speaker Dr. Catherine Walsh (Leeds),
speaking on chemical complexity in protoplanetary disks in the era of
ALMA and Rosetta
Planetary Physics – with invited speaker Dr. Michael A’Hearn (UMd),
speaking on studies of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Atomic Physics – with invited speaker Dr. Stuart Loch (Auburn) speaking
on methods for generating error estimates for theoretical calcuations
Nuclear/Particle Physics – with invited speakers Dr. Annika Peter (OSU)
talking about Dark Matter searches and detection techniques
Substantial room has been left in the schedule for contributed talks (and posters),
so please plan to attend and present your latest results at what will be a top
meeting for Laboratory Studies in 2017!
Also, if you are interested in laboratory studies applicable to either
Astrophysics or Planetary Science, please consider joining the LAD division:
D) EUROPEAN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONGRESS 2017
Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija
17–22 September 2017, Riga, Latvia
Abstract deadline: 3 May 2017, 13:00 CEST.
Dear colleagues,
We invite the world-wide community of planetary scientists to submit
an abstract for presentation of their recent work at the EPSC 2017 Meeting,
which will take place at Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija, Riga, Latvia,
17–22 September 2017.
The previous meeting joint meeting with DPS in Pasadena, CA, United
States, was hugely successful and enjoyable.
The EPSC2017 will revert to the traditional EPSC structure, with sessions
for industry and amateurs and this year’s outreach theme will be enlarging
our community. We expect a very well attended meeting, with many high
quality presentations.
The meeting will consist of oral and poster sessions, as well as
workshop-style sessions.
The current list of sessions is organized around the following topics:
TP Terrestrial Planets
LSE Lunar Science and Exploration
OPS Outer Planet Systems
MG Magnetospheres and Space Physics
MT Missions, Techniques and Industry
EX Exoplanets and Origins
AB Astrobiology
SB Small Bodies
LF Laboratory and Field Investigations
OEP Outreach, Education, and Policy
AM Amateur Astronomy
The scientific programme and abstract submission are accessible at:
http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EPSC2017/sessionprogramme
Please browse the list of sessions and identify the session that most closely
matches your area of interest; your abstract can be submitted directly to that session.
Information on registration and social events will become available soon
on the meeting web site.
Please forward this message to colleagues who may be interested.
We look forward to seeing you in Riga.
With best wishes,
Manuel Grande and Maria Teresa Capria
on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee
Mario Ebel
on behalf of Copernicus Meetings
E) RADIO EXPLORATION OF PLANETARY HABITABILITY
Join us at the upcoming AAS Topical Conference Series (AASTCS) meeting
Radio Exploration of Planetary Habitability, to be held in Palm Springs,
California, 7-12 May 2017.
https://aas.org/meetings/aastcs/radiohab
The idea of this meeting has grown out of the need to better understand
star-planet interaction and its impact on habitability of planetary companions,
especially those in close orbits around low-mass stars. The meeting will
address a wide range of the related topics, broadly divided into the following
three categories:
- Stellar activity and planetary habitability
- Detection of planets and planetary magnetic fields
- Relevant theoretical considerations
Emphasis will be placed on a potential impact of radio astronomy, especially
the existing and planned large radio telescopes, in this area of research.
Registration is open and abstracts are being accepted: Early registration
and abstract submission deadline: 8 March.
Hotel reservations in the meeting room block are now open, as well.
Reserve your room by 5 April to ensure the group rate.
More information will be added to the meeting website as it
becomes available.
Hope to see you in Palm Springs!
F) THE FIRST BILLION YEARS INITIATIVE
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/first-billion-years/
The basic structures and compositions of our solar system were set
during its First Billion Years — a time of planetary accretion and
differentiation, intense impact bombardment, and the beginnings of
habitable environments. To encourage transdisciplinary study of this
formative era, the Lunar and Planetary Institute is excited to announce
a new initiative: The First Billion Years.
The initiative’s core will be a coordinated series of topical conferences,
2017–2019, emphasizing fundamental processes during The First Billion Years:
Accretion, Differentiation, Bombardment, and the Rise of Habitability.
These conferences will include input from all relevant disciplines,
provide venues for cross-fertilization of ideas across disciplinary boundaries,
and facilitate major advances in our understanding of that seminal time.
Beyond the conferences, we anticipate spinoffs of special sessions at other
meetings, focused special publications, and topical workshops.
Become a key contributor and help shape the course of important
discussions surrounding The First Billion Years by participating in
the four topical conferences!
Accretion: Building New Worlds
Conference Date: August 22–25, 2017
Location: LPI, Houston, Texas
Differentiation: Building the Internal Architecture of Planets
Conference Date: April 23–27, 2018
Location: San Gabriel Valley, California
Bombardment: Shaping Planetary Surfaces and Their Environments
Conference Date: September 30–October 3, 2018
Location: Barringer Crater, Winslow, Arizona
Habitability in the Early Solar System
Conference Date: October 7–11, 2019
Location: Yellowstone National Park
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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
A) RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University
of Virginia is seeking outstanding candidates for a Research Scientist.
This position is term-limited. Primary responsibilities include participating
with the Cassini team members to develop rarefied gas dynamics models
to provide planning, data analyses and data interpretation of measurements
to be made by the Cassini spacecraft of Saturn’s Atmosphere during its
proximal orbits. This will include disseminating the scientific results at
national conferences and in peer reviewed scientific journals. Secondary
duties include writing scientific proposals to NASA and NSF to obtain
funding to further research in the area of planetary evolution.
Skills in the following areas are essential: Knowledge of Direct Simulation
Monte Carlo modelling for rarefied gas dynamics, Monte Carlo modeling
of ballistic exospheres on planetary bodies, familiarity with the data from
the INMS and CAPS instruments on Cassini, good oral and written
communication skills, as well as attention to detail and good record keeping.
A Ph.D. in Engineering Physics or a related field with at least two years
post-doctoral experience is preferred.
To apply, visit https://jobs.virginia.edu and search job posting number 0620345.
Complete an online candidate profile and attach a cover letter, detailed
curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity / affirmative action
employer committed to developing diversity in faculty at all levels and
welcomes applications from women, minorities, veterans, and persons
with disabilities.
B) POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: NEAR-EARTH OBJECT CHARACTERIZATION
https://lowell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Post-Doc-Moskovitz-2017.pdf
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at Lowell
Observatory to work on the physical characterization of near-Earth
objects. This position will be supervised by Dr. Nicholas Moskovitz.
The position is to be split with 80% of the time dedicated to the main
program and 20% for any other research of the postdoctoral associate’s
choosing. The start date is negotiable, but the preference would be for
late Summer or early Fall 2017.
The postdoctoral associate will work in collaboration with
Dr. Moskovitz and other project team members on an ongoing physical
characterization survey of near-Earth objects. This survey is working
to build a comprehensive dataset of astrometry, rotational light
curves, and spectra for hundreds of newly discovered NEOs. In addition
to assisting with target management and conducting regular (1-2 nights
per month) observing runs, the postdoctoral associate will be expected
to take a leading role in the survey’s spectroscopic observations,
reductions, and analysis.
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Send submissions to:
Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])
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