Issue 17-16, April 11, 2017
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- VOLUNTEER AS A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
- NASA FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT LAB (FDL) APPLICATIONS OPEN
- ROSES-17 AMENDMENT 5: C.22 OREX-PSP FINAL TEXT
- NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION SEEKS REVIEWERS FOR SOLAR SYSTEM OBSERVATIONS (SSO) PROPOSALS
- SALMON-3 MMX NGRS PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
- TAKE THE PLANETARY MAP SURVEY (MAPSIT)
- VEXAG MEETING #15 NOVEMBER 14-16, 2017
- JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
- UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
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VOLUNTEER AS A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
Join NASA’s efforts to engage the public about the August 21, 2017 total solar
eclipse by volunteering as a Subject Matter Expert!
NASA welcomes scientists, engineers, science writers, amateur astronomers,
and science educators to identify themselves as subject matter experts, or SMEs,
available and interested in supporting programs around the nation on August 21.
By volunteering, groups seeking an expert speaker can reach out to you to join
their event.
To be considered as a SME, you will need to have a minimum understanding of
selected eclipse content. Before filling out the application form
(https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/subject-matter-expert) you must download and
review eclipse training documents. In addition, you must meet the following
requirements:
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a basic working knowledge of astronomy especially eclipses and the
sun-Earth-Moon system.
• Be available to support a solar eclipse event somewhere in the country as a
speaker/eclipse educator.
For more information, access to eclipse training documents, and to apply, visit:
https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/subject-matter-expert
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NASA FRONTIER DEVELOPMENT LAB (FDL) APPLICATIONS OPEN
NASA Frontier Development Lab (FDL) has announced its 2017 challenges
and opened the application process for participants, with a deadline of
April 19, 2017. FDL is looking for 12 planetary scientists and 12
computer scientists with machine-learning emphasis. Applicants must
have a masters, doctorate or post-doc level of understanding in this
year’s problem areas (Heliophysics, Astronomy, Exogeology, Data
Science, Software Engineering or Advanced Statistics). The challenge
questions for 2017 cover planetary defense, space weather and space
resources.
Hosted by the SETI Institute in Mountain View, CA, FDL is an applied
research accelerator established to tackle knowledge gaps in space
science by bringing together machine learning expertise and physical
science specialists at the PhD level. Interdisciplinary teams address
tightly defined problems and the format encourages rapid iteration and
prototyping to create outputs with meaningful application. The 2017
8-week program will accept 24 participants and will run June 26 –
August 18, 2017.
To learn more about FDL, the 2017 challenge questions, and to apply,
please visit the FDL website at:
http://www.frontierdevelopmentlab.org
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ROSES-17 AMENDMENT 5: C.22 OREX-PSP FINAL TEXT
OSIRIS-REx launched September 8, 2016, with the primary objective of
traveling to the near-Earth (Apollo type, spectral class B) asteroid
101955 Bennu, obtaining a sample containing at least 60 g of regolith
material, and delivering this sample back to Earth. Once the spacecraft
reaches Bennu, a wide range of observations and measurements will be
made to characterize and map the asteroid, identify and characterize in
detail sites where samples might be collected, and finally to collect a
sample from the optimal site and stow it for delivery to Earth.
The objective of the OSIRIS-REx Participating Scientist Program
(OREx-PSP) is to enhance the scientific return during the
asteroid-operational phase of the OSIRIS-REx mission by expanding
participation in the mission through new investigations that broaden
and/or complement existing investigations.
Step-1 proposals are due May 4, 2017, and Step-2 proposals are due July
11, 2017. Questions and comments on this draft program element should
be directed to Jeffrey Grossman and or Christina Richey at
This Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement ROSES 2017
will be posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at:
and will appear on the RSS feed at:
https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2017/
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NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION SEEKS REVIEWERS FOR
SOLAR SYSTEM OBSERVATIONS (SSO) PROPOSALS
The planetary science division is seeking subject matter experts to serve as mail-in
and/or panel meeting reviewers of proposals submitted to the ROSES-17 Solar System
Observations program element.
To volunteer please go to:
https://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/2017-solar-system-observations
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SALMON-3 MMX NGRS PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE
The Planetary Science Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate
released, on March 21, 2017, a Program Element Appendix (PEA) to the
Third Stand-Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice (SALMON-3), soliciting
proposals for the development of, and science investigations using, a
Neutron and Gamma-Ray Spectrometer for the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA) Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission. The Pre-Proposal
Conference for this PEA will be held, via Webex, on Monday, April 17,
2017, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT. Details on attending this conference
will be posted on the acquisition homepage for the MMX PEA:
http://soma.larc.nasa.gov/mmx/
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TAKE THE PLANETARY MAP SURVEY (MAPSIT)
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short anonymous survey about
planetary map creation and use. This request takes <5 minutes and
covers all types of mapping efforts focused on non-terrestrial bodies.
Poll results will help inform how planetary geoscience mapping efforts
can be improved. Results and paths forward will be posted on the MAPSIT
webpage by end of summer:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/mapsit
Please forward the above link as needed to interested community
members. Thank you in advance for your time.
MAPSIT Steering Committee
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VEXAG MEETING #15, NOVEMBER 14-16, 2017
Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) Meeting #15 will be held on
Tuesday-Thursday, November 14-16, 2017, at the Applied Physics
Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland.
Current plans are:
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – NASA and Mission Reports
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 – Venus Science and Technology Reports
Thursday, November 16, 2017 – VEXAG Activities (adjourn at mid-day)
If you’ll be attending in person and haven’t done so already, please
enter your name on the Meeting Registration/Intent to Attend Form on
the VEXAG Web-Site:
https://www.hou.usra.edu/meeting_portal/registration/?mtg=vexag2017
on or before October 29. Look for a one-page abstract call in the summer.
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JOBS, POSITIONS, OPPORTUNITIES
A) TWO POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS AT NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY
The Edwards research group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
at Northern Arizona University seeks two postdoctoral scholars. This
group works on characterizing the surfaces of rocky planets and
instrument development. The successful candidate will carry out
independent research related to the job, is expected to publish
scientific papers and, may submit proposals for external funding.
Minimum Qualifications:
A PhD in geoscience/remote sensing/planetary science or a related field
Preferred Qualifications (Job 603079):
* Experience with thermal infrared/visible-near infrared/visible remote
sensing data of planetary surfaces, especially the Moon or Mars
* Experience with planetary science software packages (e.g. ISIS, IDL,
Python, etc.)
* Strong background in scientific programming
* Experience with GIS, thermal modeling and/or spectral modeling of
planetary surfaces
Preferred Qualifications (Job 603080):
* Strong working knowledge of laboratory spectroscopic methods
* Experience using laboratory/field instruments to address outstanding
problems in geoscience/planetary science
* Optical instrument development experience
* Solid modeling and thermal modeling experience
Applications must include a curriculum vitae, cover letter, statement
of research interests and contact information for three professional
references.
Application deadline: April 20, 2017 11:59PM MST
For questions, please contact: [email protected]
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
A) AIDA THIRD INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP
Johns Hopkins Applied Laboratory, Laurel, MD
June 20-22, 2017
The 3rd AIDA International Workshop will be held June 20-22, 2017 at the
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) in Laurel, Maryland.
The AIDA project is a technology demonstration of asteroid deflection by a
kinetic impactor. It is an international cooperation composed of two missions,
the NASA DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), which is the kinetic
impactor, and the ESA AIM (Asteroid Impact Mission). The combination of
DART and AIM is AIDA. The first AIDA international workshop took place
in October, 2014, and the second AIDA workshop was held in June, 2016.
The 3rd AIDA International Workshop will discuss planetary defense and
science topics:
Predictions of momentum transfer by kinetic impactor; determinations of
momentum transfer from Earth-based remote sensing and from in situ
observations at the target [65803] Didymos; kinetic impact simulations;
Didymos physical properties and dynamical system, with changes induced
by kinetic impact; impact ejecta dynamical fates and evolution; science
proximity observations at Didymos.
For additional information see http://dart.jhuapl.edu/aida-workshop2017/
B) ENABLING EXOPLANET OBSERVATIONS WITH JWST
STScI, Baltimore, MD
10-12 July 2017
This workshop will provide a forum for the exoplanet community to learn
about and discuss planning JWST observations to characterize transiting
exoplanets. Talks will inform potential users about science opportunities
and tools for observation planning. Data challenges will introduce the
community to planned data products and identify key tools and resources
for further data reduction and interpretation. With a Cycle 1 proposal
deadline in early 2018, this workshop will serve as an important opportunity
for the transiting exoplanet community to begin building high-quality
JWST observing programs.
Registration is now open. The registration fee is $165.00 to attend the
workshop. For more information regarding this workshop, please visit
http://www.cvent.com/d/n5q7nc.
C) EPSC CONFERENCE
Riga, Latvia
17-22 September 2017
Dear colleagues,
this is a reminder for the upcoming abstract submission deadline of the next
EPSC conference (http://www.epsc2017.eu) that will be held in Riga on
17-22 September 2017.
The “Abstract submission deadline” is May 3, 2017, 13:00 CEST.
We would like to invite you to submit an abstract to the Session:
SB5 – “Ceres and Vesta – 10th anniversary of Dawn Special Session”.
Session summary: September 2017 marks 10 years since the launch of
NASA’s Dawn mission. Dawn has been the first mission to orbit two different
targets in the main asteroid belt: the largest asteroid Vesta and the dwarf
planet Ceres. Dawn’s overall results represent a huge leap in our understanding
of these bodies.
In this session we welcome contributions that cover: 1) latest results obtained
from the Dawn mission on both Ceres and Vesta, concerning geology,
mineralogy, surface composition and/or geophysics, 2) comparative
analysis of Vesta and Ceres in terms of surface processes, internal structure,
thermal evolution and origins.
The goal of this session is to highlight the major achievements of the Dawn
mission, and to illustrate recent discoveries and ongoing work on Vesta and
Ceres through direct analysis of Dawn data, study of analogs and/or theoretical
models.
To submit you may use the following link:
https://administrator.copernicus.org/authentication.php
Looking forward to see you in Riga,
the conveners
Katrin Stephan
Michael Toplis
Francesca Zambon
D) FORMATION OF COMPLEX MOLECULES IN SPACE AND ON PLANETS,
FROM INTERSTELLAR CLOUDS TO LIFE
Tartu, Estonia
17 – 22 July 2017
The summer school course aims to cover the biochemical evolution in the
universe from formation of the first molecules in interstellar clouds
to the assembly of the first cells on Earth. The course consists of
lectures, student-led discussions and poster sessions. The following
subjects are included:
– Formation of the elements in space
– Chemical processes in dark clouds, star-forming regions and
protoplanetary disks
– Atmospheric processes in rocky, gaseous planets and their satelites
– Emergence of Homochirality
– Formation of complx molecules in hydrothermal systems
– From carbon molecules to biogenic activity
– Assembly of first cells
Participants will also have the possibility to display their own
research results in a poster session. Furthermore, a half-day excursion
to interesting sites in the area (Ice Age Museum, Lake Peipus) and a
walk in Tartu are included as a social programme.
The event is aimed for students an early career scientists and open to
applicants from all nationalities. Detailed information about the
summer school and the application procedure (deadline 31 May 2017) can
be found at the website:
http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Tartu2017
E) THE EARLY HISTORY OF PLANETARY SYSTEMS AND HABITABLE PLANETS
Conference for Early Career Astrobiologists
Tartu, Estonia
8 – 10 August 2017
The Astrobiology early career scientists conference “The Early History
of Planetary systems and habitable planets” will be hosted in Tartu,
Estonia. The event will start on the morning of August 8th and finishes
in August 10th in the evening.
The main (but by no means exclusive) themes of the conference are:
– Formation of protoplanetary disks and planetary systems
– Early History of Earth and other planets
– Impacts and their role in the evolution of planets
– Formation and evolution of planet and satellite atmospheres
– Co-evolution of Earth’s geosphere and biosphere and the evolution of
life
– Habitability and factors influencing it
– Life in extreme environments and its possible role in the evolution
of life on Earth
– Habitable extrasolar planets: detection and characterisation
– New aspects of planetary evolution
A large number of bursaries is available for students and early career
scientists (up to 8 years after their Ph.D) covering meals and
accommodation during the entire meeting (evening August 7th, to morning
August 11th). Deadline for registration is 29th June 2017.
Information can be found at the website:
F) IMPACTS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE EVOLUTION OF LIFE
Saaremaa, Estonia
25 July – 3 August 2017
The summer school course “Impacts and their Role in the Evolution of
Life” will take place from 25 July to 3 August 2017 at Kuressaare and
the Kaali impact crater site on the island of Saaremaa, Estonia. The
course consists of lectures, practical exercises and student-led
discussions. Participants will also have the possibility to display
their own research results in two poster sessions. The following
subjects will be covered:
– Roles of impacts in the formation of habitable planets
– Physical and chemical properties of comets and meteorites
– Detection and investigation of impact craters by geological methods
and remote sensing from space
– Ecological consequences of impacts and the role of impacts in mass
extinctions
– Transfer of life through meteorite impacts
– Threat of life on our planet by near-Earth asteroids and comets
Practical exercises include:
– Electromagnetic mapping of impact sites
– Analysis of pollen indicators of the Kaali impact event.
– Microscopy of impactites
– Georadar profiling
Bursaries covering meals and accommodation are available for a number
of students from most European Countries. Application deadline is 30
April 2017. The website:
http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Impacts2017
G) GEOSCIENCES FOR UNDERSTANDING HABITABILITY IN THE UNIVERSE
EGU Galileo Conference
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas, Azores
25 – 29 September 2017
This conference will address some hotly debated questions in the field
including the following:
– What effects do core and mantle have on evolution and habitability of
planets?
– What is the relation between (plate) tectonics and atmospheric
evolution?
– What role does the mantle overturn play in the evolution of the
interior and atmosphere?
– What is the role of the global carbon and water cycles herein?
– What influence do comet and asteroid impacts exert on the evolution
of the planet?
– How does life interact with the evolution of Earth’s geosphere and
atmosphere?
– How can we use our knowledge of the solar system geophysics and
habitability for exoplanets?
The conference will be held at the Hotel Terra Nostra Garden, Furnas,
Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. The hotel is a newly renovated Art Deco
hotel witha large, famous botanical garden. The Joao Paulo Airport with
frequent direct flights to the European mainland is located only 45 km
from the venue. The deadline for registration and abstract submission
is 15 June 2017.
The website of the event is found at:
http://www.egu-galileo.eu/gc2-habitability/
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Send submissions to:
Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])
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