Newsletter 15-26

Issue 15-26, June 26, 2015

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
NASA ARM FAST OPPORTUNITY
SPITZER CYCLE 12 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
SOFIA CYCLE 4 CALL FOR PROPOSALS
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The DPS Committee convened its annual meeting in sweltering Washington, DC on June 15.
On June 16, we had a very productive session at NASA Headquarters with Jonathan Rall, Jim Green
(dialing in), Max Bernstein, and about a dozen Program Officers. We also made several visits to
Senate and House offices on Capitol Hill. Makenzie Lystrup, our DPS Federal Relations Subcommittee
(FRS) Chair, will be reporting on those visits in an upcoming DPS Newsletter. Here are some highlights
from our Committee meeting and NASA visit:

Planning for the Fall DPS meeting at National Harbor is in full swing. The Local Organizing
Committee (LOC) and Science Organizing Committee (SOC) are putting together a tremendous
program, with a full slate of workshops on Sunday and the usual night events.  I thank Neil Dello
Russo (SOC Chair) Andy Rivkin (LOC Chair) and their teams for the great job they are doing.
We will not have a banquet this year because the cost was too prohibitive ($100+ for just a
“heavy” reception).  We hope to reinstate the banquet in future years if it can be done for a
reasonable price.   Also this year we begin a standing history session.  As with our education
session, historical session talks will not count against the one first-author-talk rule.
The abstract deadline is August 25, 2015.

Here are the main highlights from our NASA Headquarters visit: The program officers suggested
holding a peer-review training workshop at the DPS meeting; future ROSES calls will continue
using Step-1 proposals to assemble review panels before the Step 2 deadline; and the Solar System
Workings (SSW) Program in ROSES 2015 will have two,Step-2 due dates separated by 6 months
to spread the workload at Headquarters and will have a single due date in ROSES 2016. The
Committee reiterated its commitment to advocate for sustained NASA research funding.
We also mentioned the need to reinstate the Education & Public Outreach (E&PO) supplements
to individual investigator grants, and to preserve the careers of young investigators.

Finally, our DPS elections are now live. Make your voice heard! Please respond to the notice to vote.

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NASA ASTEROID REDIRECT MISSION (ARM) FORMULATION AND
ASSESSMENT TEAM (FAST) OPPORTUNITY

NASA anticipates releasing a “Dear Colleague Letter” that invites applications for membership on the
ARM FAST. The Letter will request that each application should be no more than two pages in length.
The application should describe the applicant’s current research and expertise in one or more of the four
areas identified above. In addition, a statement of how much time the applicant will have between
September and December of 2015 for activities related to the ARM FAST should also be included.
Input by members into the FAST process will be gratuitous, with no expectation of compensation.
NASA plans to offer invitational travel, at NASA’s expense, to members asked by NASA to travel to
FAST meetings. Additional details will be described in the “Dear Colleague Letter” and associated
FAST charter.

The following schedule describes the anticipated major milestones of NASA’s “Dear Colleague Letter”
for application to the ARM FAST. These dates are subject to change.

“Dear Colleague Letter” released: On or around July 7, 2015;

Application Due Date: Release + 1 month;

Selections Announced (target): Release + 2 months

The issuance of this Community Announcement does not obligate NASA to issue the “Dear Colleague
Letter” and solicit applications. Any costs incurred by prospective investigators in preparing submissions in response to this Community Announcement are incurred completely at the submitter’s own risk. The
ARM FAST “Dear Colleague Letter” may contain provisions that differ from this announcement, in which
case those in the Letter will take precedence. Questions or comments about this Community Announcement
on the ARM FAST “Dear Colleague Letter” may be addressed to: Dan Mazanek, NASA ARM Mission Investigator, NASA Langley Research Center, 1 N Dryden, Mail Stop 462, Hampton, VA 23681;
Email: [email protected]; Tel: 757-864-1739. E-mail correspondence is preferred.
Comments should be provided to Mr. Mazanek within 1 week of this announcement in order to be
considered in the Letter. The character string “ARM FAST” (without quotes) should be included in the
subject line of all transmissions.

http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/viewrepositorydocument/cmdocumentid=470318/solicitationId=%7BA680142F-8F79-93C8-CED4-644C30C5F31A%7D/viewSolicitationDocument=1/ARM_FAST_Invite_Letter_Final_V3-submitted.pdf

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SPITZER CYCLE 12 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Dear Planetary Community,

On behalf of NASA and the Spitzer Space Telescope Project, the

Spitzer Science Center (SSC) at Caltech is pleased to announce

the release of the Cycle-12 Call for Proposals (CP). Both the NASA

Astrophysics and the Planetary Science Divisions are providing

support for Spitzer operations. The Cycle-12 CP solicits ~1,000 hours

of General Observer (GO) and Snapshot proposals. Innovative investigations

with scientific high risk/gain are particularly encouraged. The Director plans

to select up to 250 hours of high risk/gain programs.

The maximum proposal size for Cycle-12 is 100 hours and

Cycle-12 programs will execute in the December 2015 – September 2016 timeframe.

Priority in the selection of Cycle-12 will be given to programs that highlight

— Astro2010 science themes

— Planetary science programs observing targets in our Solar System.

• — Investigations that concentrate on developing the scientific landscape that JWST
will explore, or will help maximize the JWST scientific return.

All programmatic and technical information for Cycle-12 is available electronically from

the Proposal Kit section of the Spitzer Science Center website at

http://ssc.spitzer.caltech.edu/warmmission/propkit/

Joint HST or Chandra observations can be proposed as part of a

Spitzer Cycle-12 proposal.

Proposal Deadline: 11 September 2015, 4:00 PM PDT

All proposals must be submitted electronically using Spot, the

SSC proposal planning and submission software. Spot is available

from the SSC proposal kit website and a new version is expected

to be available in late July. The required Cycle-12 proposal templates

are available now at theProposal Kit website. The proposal submission

system will open by August 1.

Any questions should be addressed to the Spitzer Helpdesk at

[email protected]

Spitzer Science User Support

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SOFIA CYCLE 4 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Deadline for proposal submission: July 10, 2015

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Cycle 4

observing Call for Proposals (CfP) was released on May 1, 2015.

The Call solicits observing proposals from the U.S. and international

astronomical community for up to 450 hours of science observing using

SOFIA, and is issued on behalf of NASA by the Universities Space

Research Association (USRA). The Cycle 4 observing period will be from

February 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017.

The deadline for proposal submission will be 04:00 UTC July 11, 2015

= 21:00 Pacific Daylight Time on Friday July 10. Proposal selections will

be announced in early October 2015.

The proposal process consists of two phases. Phase I requires the

preparation and submission of a scientific context, a scientific

justification, a feasibility analysis, and a high-level description of the

proposed targets and observations. Peer review and proposal selection will

be based on the Phase I submission. Proposers who are awarded time will be

required to submit detailed observation specifications during Phase II.

A formal update to the CfP on this website is scheduled for June 8, 2015.

However, no major changes in capabilities are expected relative to those

described in the current version of the Cycle 4 CfP document.

The SOFIA Cycle 4 Call for Proposals document, links to the Observer’s

Handbook for Cycle 4, and other details about preparing and submitting a

proposal can be found at the “Cycle 4: Phase I Information” link:

http://www.sofia.usra.edu/Science/proposals/cycle4/index.html

SOFIA is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

The aircraft is based at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s

Facility in Palmdale, Calif. NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center manages the

program. NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., manages the

SOFIA science and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities

Space Research Association (USRA) headquartered in Columbia, Md., and the

German SOFIA Institute (DSI) at the University of Stuttgart.

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) ESA RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP IN SPACE SCIENCE

content/esa-research-fellowship-space-science

The European Space Agency awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year.

The aim of these fellowships is to provide young scientists, holding a PhD
or the equivalent degree, with the means of performing space science
research in fields related to the ESA Science and Robotic Exploration
Programmes. Areas of research include planetary science, astronomy and
astrophysics, solar and solar-terrestrial science, plasma physics and
fundamental physics. The fellowships have a duration of two years and are
tenable at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in
Noordwijk, Netherlands, or at the European Space Astronomy Centre (ESAC) in
Villafranca del Castillo, near Madrid, Spain.

Applications are now solicited for fellowships in space science to begin in
the fall of 2016. Preference will be given to applications submitted by
candidates within five years of receiving their PhD. Candidates not holding
a PhD yet are encouraged to apply, but they must provide evidence of
receiving their degree before starting the fellowship.

ESA fellows are enrolled in ESA’s Social Security Scheme, which covers
medical expenses, invalidity and death benefits. A monthly deduction covers
these short-term and long-term risks.

The deadline for applications is 1 October 2015.

More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science,
on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form can retrieved from
http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship

Questions on the scientific aspects of the
ESA Fellowship in Space Science not answered in the above pages can be sent
by e-mail to the fellowship coordinators, Dr.Oliver Jennrich or Dr.Bruno
Altieri at the address [email protected]

B) AGU SCIENCE WRITING INTERNSHIP

https://rew12.ultipro.com/AME1056/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*12042D32220D97D6

C) DIRECTOR OF SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION DIVISION,

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/406373000

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UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) 2ND ANNOUNCEMENT: FROM INTERSTELLAR ICES TO POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC
HYDROCARBONS: A SYMPOSIUM TO HONOR LOU ALLAMANDOLA’S CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE MOLECULAR UNIVERSE

Annapolis – Maryland – USA

September 13-17, 2015

*Abstract submission and registration are now open*

**Deadline for abstract submission: 26 June 2015**

Dear colleagues,

This is the second announcement of the meeting “From interstellar ices to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons:
A symposium to honor Lou Allamandola’s contributions to the molecular Universe”.

Abstracts should be submitted by June 26 for consideration. Details on the meeting and registration
will be available on the website: http://ices2pahs.strw.leidenuniv.nl

Extensive advances in the field of Astrochemistry have been made thanks to simultaneous
efforts in astronomical infrared spectroscopy and to dedicated laboratory simulations and
theoretical studies aimed at reproducing observed spectra throughout the interstellar medium.
The molecular complexity, both organic and mineral, found in inter/proto-stellar and solar system
environments have been attributed to primarily grain-surface and bulk chemistry reactions.

This symposium will be composed of contributions from participants working on
dedicated laboratory experiments, theoretical calculations of basic processes and chemical reaction
networks, as well as astronomical observations of complex molecules and, more generally solid
state materials in space. This gathering is in honor of a major influence to this area of Astrochemistry,
Dr. Louis Allamandola, one of the leading spokespersons of the interstellar polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH) model.

The scientific topics of this meeting include:

· Ices – Spectroscopy, Energetic Processing

· Surface Chemistry

· PAHs in Ices

· Identification, Observation, and models of PAHs

· Formation of complex species in Ices – Astrobiology

The format of the meeting will consist of invited talks, contributed talks, and posters.
A list of invited speakers can be found on the conference website.

The Symposium will be held at the Historic Inns of Annapolis (http://www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/) located in Annapolis, MD USA.

We are looking forward to an exciting meeting and hope to welcome you in Annapolis this fall.

From the Scientific Organizing Committee,

Stefanie Milam (NASA/GSFC), Alexander Tielens (Univ. Leiden), Jason Dworkin (NASA/GSFC), Doug Hudgins (NASA/HQ), Jamie Elsila (NASA/GSFC), Murthy Gudipati (NASA/JPL), Max Bernstein (NASA/HQ), Louis d’Hendecourt (Université Paris-Sud)

B) AGU SESSION P013 – JOVE YOU INSIDE OUT: GIANT PLANET INTERIORS, ATMOSPHERES, AURORAE, AND IONOSPHERES

We solicit new research findings about the magnetospheres, ionospheres, aurorae, neutral atmospheres
and deep interiors of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We especially encourage presentations about

studies in anticipation of Juno’s arrival at Jupiter, and the final phase of Cassini mission to Saturn, as both spacecraft will begin a critical phase of their missions in 2016; Juno will enter its orbit around Jupiter, and
Cassini will go into the “Grand Finale” orbit which will take it inside the inner-most rings of Saturn.
Other sources of data to be covered in our session include the continuing observation of Saturn by the
Cassini spacecraft, and other recent space- and ground-based observation. We solicit results of long-term
monitoring of all giant planets using ground- and space-based telescopes. We also encourage reports of
recent activities at Uranus and Neptune. In addition, we solicit modeling and theoretical presentations
that address these observational findings.

Deadline to submit an abstract: 5 August 2015, 11:59 P.M. EDT

To submit abstracts to this session, visit:
https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm15/preliminaryview.cgi/start.html

Conveners:
Kunio M Sayanagi, Hampton University
Ulyana Dyudina, Caltech
Scott G Edgington, JPL
Padma Yanamandra-Fisher, SSI

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Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-25

Issue 15-25, June 25, 2015

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DPS ELECTIONS 2015 : PROCEDURE AND HOW TO VOTE
CANDIDATE BIOS AND STATEMENTS

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DPS ELECTIONS : PROCEDURE AND HOW TO VOTE

The 2015 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee is now open, and will close on July 31st 2015.

To vote, go to http://aas.org/vote/. You will need your AAS member login ID (which defaults to your membership number), and your password.

If you have trouble voting on line, the AAS can do a proxy vote and vote on your behalf (send an e-mail
to [email protected]). You will still get an automated email confirmation and a separate manual email, both
with who you voted for and a confirmation number.

You should vote for one of the two candidates for Vice-Chair:

Lucy McFadden, Goddard Space Flight Center

Ralph McNutt, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab

The elected Vice-Chair will begin serving in November 2015 and will become the DPS Chair in October 2016.

You should vote for two of the five candidates for DPS Committee:

Adrienne Dove, University of Central Florida

Gianrico Filacchione, Institute for Astrophysics and Planetary Science from Space

Paul Hayne, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Carly Howett, Southwest Research Institute

Joe Spitale, Planetary Science Institute

The successful candidates will serve on the Committee for three years after November 2015.

The detailed vitae and position statements for each of the candidates follow. This information is also linked from the main election page http://aas.org/vote/

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CANDIDATE BIOS AND STATEMENTS

Candidate biographical notes and statements follow in alphabetical order.

CANDIDATES FOR VICE-CHAIR (Vote for 1)

A) LUCY MCFADDEN : VICE CHAIR

Education:

PhD., University of Hawaii, Geology and Geophysics, 1983

M.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, 1977

BA, Hampshire College, Astronomy and Geology concentration, Amherst, MA 1974

Career:

Goddard Space Flight Center, 2010-present

2010-2013 Chief for Higher Education

2013-present Physical Scientist Co-Investigator, Dawn – Vesta and Ceres

University of Maryland, College Park, Graduate Faculty, 1996-2010

1996-2010 Co-Investigator, NEAR, Deep Impact, EPOXI, Dawn missions

1997-2001 Director College Park Scholars, Science, Discovery & the Universe

1992-1995 National Science Foundation, Visiting Professor

University of California, San Diego, California Space Institute, Research Scientist 1987-1995

University of Maryland, Geology and Astronomy Departments, Research Associate, 1983-1987

Honors and awards:

NASA Group Achievement Awards for Shoemaker-Levy 9 Outreach, NEAR, EPOXI, Dawn, 1998, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2011

Space Frontier Foundation Vision to Reality Award-Deep Impact Team 2005

National Science Foundation Antarctica Science Service Medal-2009

Asteroid 3066 McFadden

Editorships and Editorial Boards:

Editor, Encyclopedia of the Solar System, 1st and 2nd editions, 1999, 2007

Icarus Editorial Board, 1993-1995

Community Service:

Hampshire College Board of Trustees, 2013-2016

AAS Prize Committee 2013-2016

Concord Academy Board of Trustees, 2002-2008

AAAS Member-at-Large Section D (elected) 2000-2004

Explore-It-All Science Center, Vice-President, 1996-2000

AAS-DPS committee (elected) 1994-1997

American Geophysical Union-Planetology secretary (elected) 1990-1992

National Research Council – Committees on Data Management (CODMAC) 1985-1988 and Planetary Exploration (COMPLEX) 1989-1992

Statement: McFadden

The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) is a community of scientists who lead exploration of solar systems. It is one of the World’s most significant channels for disseminating these results and plays a leading role in educating and informing the many groups who enable our discipline to thrive. These include students, teachers, administrators, legislators and the general public. We engage students of all ages in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at local, national and international venues. At our annual meeting, where we present and discuss recent results with our colleagues, program managers, educators and the press, we are heard around the World. The publication of Icarus is another conduit for communicating our interpreted data and the DPS is responsible for it. The Federal Relations sub-committee communicates with and informs members of Congress and their staff of the planetary science community’s progress toward meeting the goals of the Planetary Decadal Survey and voicing the importance of Congressional support for our research enterprise. As DPS Vice-Chair/Chair, I will lead the Division for Planetary Sciences focusing on its mission and acknowledging the needs of the community’s constituents from universities and research institutions world-wide and at NASA centers. I will continue to engage NASA Headquarters leadership in dialogue about our planetary programs and plans for the future.

My background and experiences uniquely span the range of those of the community and include being a past-student, post-doc, research scientist, visiting professor, non-tenured research professor, and now, a NASA civil servant. These allow me to understand the perspectives of most of our community. I remember clearly my concerns as a graduate student and early career scientist. I have served on advisory committees of the National Academy of Sciences and NASA review panels and have led research and education programs in secondary and post-secondary education. I have been Co-Investigator on past missions and am presently co-I of NASA’s Dawn mission working with a team of international scientists. As a NASA employee I am committed to working with my NASA headquarters colleagues who make much of planetary exploration possible. Together we can meet the goals of Visions and Voyages for the Planetary Sciences for the decade 2013-2022, promote solar system exploration in the public consciousness, address national goals to strengthen STEM and the public understanding of science and advance the investigation of the solar system and other planetary systems.

B) RALPH MCNUTT: VICE CHAIR

Education:

Ph.D. (Physics), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 1980

B.S. (Physics), summa cum laude, Texas A&M University, 1975

Positions:

2011 – present Branch Scientist Chief Scientist for Space Science, Science and Analysis Branch JHU/APL

2004 – 2010 Space Physics Group Staff, JHU/APL

2002 – 2004 Space Department Chief Scientist, JHU/APL

1998 – 2002 Assistant Group Supervisor, Space Department Instrumentation Group JHU/APL

1996 – present Principal Professional Staff, JHU/APL

1992 – 1996 Senior Professional Staff, JHU/APL, Laurel, Maryland

1991 – 1992 Research Associate Professor, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

1990 – 1992 Senior Project Scientist, Visidyne, Inc.

1990 Sponsored Research Staff, MIT

1986 – 1990 Associate Professor of Physics, MIT

1986 – 1988 Consultant, Visidyne, Inc., Burlington, Massachusetts

1982 – 1986 Assistant Professor of Physics, MIT

1981 – 1987 Consultant, Sandia National Laboratories

1981 – 1982 Sponsored Research Staff, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts

1980 – 1981 Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Experience:

(Curent) Co-Investigator and Project Scientist, MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER); Co-Investigator, Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS) – Solar Probe Plus (Institutional Co-I for the EPI-Lo Instrument); Co-Investigator, New Horizons (Principal Investigator for the PEPSSI instrument); Co-Investigator Voyager PLS and LECP instruments; Member, Ion Neutral Mass Spectrometer Team, Cassini Orbiter spacecraft.

(Previous) Principal Investigator for (1) NASA “Vision Mission” concept (interstellar probe); (2) NASA Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) grants; (3) Phase I and II studies of Interstellar Probe architecture-NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC); (4) NASA Solar System Exploration Division Planetary Instrument Definition and Development Program (PIDDP); and (5) effort on outer planet radioisotope electric propulsion (under NASA Glenn Research Center). JHU/APL Instrument Scientist: Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (XGRS) Facility Instrument. Study Lead: JHU/APL Pre-Phase A study of a solar probe spacecraft. Associate Editor, Geophysical Research Letters, 1994-1996. Deputy Project Scientist, Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP; DoD/SDIO).

Community Service:

Member: NASA Advisory Council (NAC) Heliophysics Subcommittee (2014 – current)
Chair: NASA Nuclear Power Assessment Study (NPAS) (2014 – 2015)
Co-Chair (with General William Hoover): Committee on Radioisotope Power Supplies, National Research Council (NRC), 2008-2009
Member: NASA Standing Review Board on Radioisotope Power Systems (2010 – current)
Member: Steering Committee, NRC Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey (2009 – 2011)
Member: NRC Innovations Working Group for the Heliophysics Decadal Survey (2011)
Deputy Chairman: NASA Science Definition Team for Solar Probe (1996-1999)
Member: NASA Sun-Earth Connections Advisory Subcommittee (SECAS) (1997-2001)
Member: NASA Senior Review Panel for the Planetary Data System (2009).
Member: NASA Science Definition Teams (SDT) and Science and Technology Definition Teams (STDT) for Solar Probe (2004-2008), Interstellar Probe (1999), and Pluto Express (1995)
Member: Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Steering Committee (2005-2007)
NRC Committees: New Opportunities in Solar System Exploration (2007-2008), Assess Solar System Exploration (2007), Assessment of NASA’s Mars Architecture 2007-2016 (2006), Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion (2004)
Member: NASA Task Force on Technology Readiness (TFTR) (1999)
Member: NASA Sun-Earth Connection Roadmap Team, Galveston Strategic Planning Workshop (1999)

Professional Societies

Committee Member of the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) (2011-2014); Full Member and Trustee for Basic Sciences (2013-2015), International Academy of Astronautics (IAA); Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA); and Member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), Sigma Xi, The Planetary Society, and the American Nuclear Society (ANS).

Publications – over 180 published technical papers and over 270 published scientific abstracts; papers can be found at ISI Web of Science™ for Researcher ID E-8006-2010 (http://www.researcherid.com/rid/E-8006-2010)

Statement: McNutt

Planetary Science has been, and remains, one of the most recognizable aspects of science, technology, and leadership in these broad areas of human endeavor, both within the United States and around the world. Hard-won accomplishments have provided paradigm shifts in our understanding of the solar system and, most importantly, our home world around us. Despite the advances and importance, the field remains under substantial cost pressure in the current and notional out-year U.S. budgets. The DPS provides a vitally important means for advocating and educating U.S. policy makers on the current accomplishments, the promise for what can come, and the needed technological advances to ensure that future plans, as embodied in the series of Planetary Decadal Surveys, are accomplished. Similarly, timely flow of information to the DPS membership is important as a part of this necessary advocacy. My previous membership on the DPS Committee and work with the Federal Relations Subcommittee has provided an experience base for leading advocacy both with the Congress and Administration. My current and continuing membership as a Trustee for Basic Sciences in the International Academy of Astronautics provides a unique vantage point for many aspects of space science and engineering around the world, and especially with the developing nations, which are embarking on the road to space. My service on various NASA committees and effort in both planetary science and heliophysics has provided me with a unique vantage for examining and identifying synergies between both fields in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and my recent installation as the Chief Scientist for the Planetary Science Division will enable yet anther channel of communication between NASA and DPS on the topics of data openness and availability, which are of increasing importance. On the side of technology, I have been, and remain, an advocate for providing for radioisotope power systems, as most recently discussed in the newly released Nuclear Power Assessment Study. These systems will be required for carrying out many of the community science goals in the current Decadal Survey, Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013–2022, for which I was a member of the Steering Committee. A clear priority for the DPS in the coming years needs to the continuing advocacy for adherence to this plan and for the funds to do so. If elected your representative of DPS, I look forward to leading a partnership across the DPS membership to continue and advance Planetary Science.

CANDIDATES FOR COMMITTTEE (Vote for two)

A) ADRIENNE DOVE: COMMITTEE

Position:

Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, University of Central Florida

Research Area:

My research is focused on dust dynamics and plasma interactions on planetary and spacecraft surfaces. I use laboratory experiments to create analogous environments to study low-velocity collisions between mm- to cm-sized dusty particles, and to create plasma environments similar to those near planetary surfaces and around Earth in order to understand both dust-plasma interactions and the charging conditions on spacecraft.

Education:

Ph.D., University of Colorado, Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, 2012

B.S., University of Missouri, Physics and Astronomy, 2006

Positions:

Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida, starting Fall 2015

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Central Florida, 2012-2015

Graduate Research Assistant, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado, 2007-2012

Service:

NASA SSERVI Exploration Science Forum 2015 SOC Co-Chair

DPS SOC Member and Panel Chair, 2014

NLSI Lunar Science Forum SOC Member, 2013

Panel Member, External Reviewer, Executive Secretary for various NASA programs

Graduate Student Rapporteur at the Inner Planets Panel Meeting of the Planetary Science Decadal Survey for the National Academy of Sciences, Boulder, CO (April, 2010)

Creator/Co-organizer of the Lunar Graduate Conference (LunGradCon) (2009 – 2011)

Co-organizer Southeastern Conference on Women in Physics

Journal reviews (Planetary and Space Science, Advances in Space Research, Physics of Plasmas)

Organizer for International Observe the Moon Nights in Boulder, CO and Orlando, FL

Statement: Dove

As an early career planetary scientist, I will be an advocate for students and other early career researchers, who face unique challenges in our changing community and economy. I am a member of several early-career groups within the community, and was a co-creator of LunGradCon, a conference specifically intended for students and early postdocs. Additionally, it will be very important for me to promote public outreach and education efforts within the community and in the broader community. Outreach is essential in order to educate the public, and also to generate excitement about the amazing science being done by members of our community. The DPS has made great efforts to increase visibility and training in these areas recently, which I will be eager to help continue.

This spring, I participated in the AAS Congressional Visit Day, and was able to begin building relationships with members of Congress who represent my district and others. It was an informative experience, and highlighted to me the importance of that type of advocacy, in order to bring awareness of the importance of planetary science and of having a well-defined planetary exploration program. We are currently enjoying a huge swing in momentum towards funding exciting planetary science research, and we should do everything possible to continue that upswing in interest and excitement. The DPS has done well in recent years with its efforts to invigorate the annual meetings, and with its directed calls to action in order to rally the community around essential issues at key times. I think that DPS should continue to be responsive to the community and promote a balanced program for planetary science and exploration. The DPS committee should continue in its leadership role with these efforts, and as part of the committee, I would work to find ways to be even more effective in organizing our community.

B) GIANRICO FILACCHIONE: COMMITTEE

Bio/CV

Staff scientist at Institute for Astrophysics and Planetary Science from Space (INAF-IAPS, Rome, IT)

– Research Focus

I use remotely sensed VIS-IR data to characterize the formation and evolution processes of planetary bodies.

Current research involves comets, icy satellites, rings and planetary atmospheres.

I’m involved in the development and calibration of spaceborne instruments (VIS-IR imaging spectrometers and cameras)

– Education:

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, University of Naples, IT, 2006.

Degree in Physics, University of Rome, IT, 2001.

– Missions:

Cassini/VIMS team member, 2001 – present

Cassini Participating Scientist, (2011-2014)

Deputy PI, Rosetta/VIRTIS, June 2013 – present

Co-Investigator, Juno/Jiram (2008-present)

Co-Investigator, BepiColombo/SymbioSYS (2004-present)

Instrument Scientist, Juice/Majis (2012-present)

– Awards:

(2005) ESA award to Venus Express mission team.

(2008) NASA Group Achievement Award to Dawn team.

(2009) NASA Group Achievement Award to Cassini-VIMS team.

(2012) NASA Certicate of Appreciation to JIRAM team.

(2012) NASA Group Achievement Award to JIRAM team.

(2014) NASA Group Achievement Award to JIRAM team.

– Service:

Icarus editorial board (January 2014-present)

– Statement: Filacchione

In my view, advocate planetary exploration, promote science programs, disseminate results through annual DPS meetings and Icarus journal are the main institutional goals of the DPS.

Our Society must continue to advocate decision makers in governments and space agencies. This is of paramount importance to ensure sustainable planetary exploration and to coordinate international collaborations on new programs. At the same time we need to focus our energies on outreach activities in order to promote planetary science to young students, teachers and general public.

Modern planetary science needs multidisciplinary expertise (observations from spaceborne payloads and from Earth, theoretical studies, computer simulations, laboratory measurements) for which I believe the promotion of new science programs led by DPS is beneficial.

Through the organization of annual meetings our community has a timely and proficient way to communicate new results but also to mentor the next generation of young planetary scientists. Since DPS membership is international I will support the organization of joint meetings with other european and asian professional societies which can give further global visibility to our Division and establish more strong international relationships. Finally, I will support a more proficient exploitation of Icarus, the Division-sponsored journal, which since 1962 is a well-recognizedl venue to publish planetary science results.

With the aim to serve our community, on these points I’m offering my candidature to the DPS committee nomination.

C) PAUL O. HAYNE: COMMITTEE

Staff Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Research Focus: Planetary geophysics, volatiles, and climate; emphasis on spacecraft and ground-based remote sensing

Education:

PhD – Geophysics and Space Physics, UCLA, 2010

MS – Geophysics, Stanford University, 2005

BS – Geophysics, Stanford University, 2003

Employment:

2012 – present: Staff Scientist, Geophysics and Planetary Geosciences Group, JPL

2010 – 2012: Postdoctoral Scholar, Geological & Planetary Sciences Division, Caltech

Professional Experience:

Co-Investigator and JPL Science Lead, Lunar Flashlight mission, 2012 – present

Co-Investigator, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter/Diviner, 2010 – present

Science team member, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/Mars Climate Sounder, 2012 – present

Science team collaborator, Cassini/VIMS, 2006 – present

Service:

Study Co-lead: “New Approaches to Lunar Ice Detection and Mapping,” Keck Institute for Space Studies, 2012-2013

Mentor: Caltech SURF program, 2012 – present

Panel member and external reviewer: NASA (various programs)

Reviewer: Icarus, J. Geophys. Res., GRL, Planet. Space Sci., etc.

Co-founder: Young Scientists for Planetary Exploration, 2012

Raconteur: Planetary Science Decadal Survey, 2009-2010

President: UCLA Earth & Space Sciences Student Organization, 2007-2008

President: Stanford Astronomical Society, 2002-2004

Statement: Hayne

As the foremost professional organization directly serving planetary scientists, the DPS serves a critical role by empowering its members to pursue productive and fulfilling careers. This means long-term vision and advocacy for political and monetary support from the funding agencies, and also the nimbleness to respond quickly to the evolving needs of the community. As an early career researcher, I have witnessed an emerging revolution in both the demographics and career trajectories of planetary scientists, which the DPS has already taken steps to embrace. However, there is still much to be done.

As a member of the DPS Committee, I would advocate strongly for early career and underrepresented groups. I was a founding member of Young Scientists for Planetary Exploration (now an active, international Facebook group with >1,000 members), which started as a vehicle for getting students and young scientists directly engaged in fighting the devastating 21% cuts to the 2013 NASA Planetary Science budget. We collected hundreds of signatures and wrote letters directly to our congressional representatives. We held forums for young scientists at the DPS and LPSC meetings. Although we will never know the true impact of these efforts in restoring the budget, I would like to think that the voices of early career scientists are particularly powerful, especially in such numbers. Engaging these young scientists in DPS activities will be one of my top priorities as a Committee member.

Recently, the DPS has made strides toward fostering an inclusive community, where traditionally underrepresented groups can thrive. As a DPS Committee member, I will work hard to improve and expand these efforts. For example, existing groups such as Women in Planetary Science should be tapped to lead seminars for the broader DPS membership. As another example, representatives from DPS could visit undergraduates at predominantly minority institutions, to present the research and funding opportunities available in graduate school. If we are to preserve the vitality and vision of the planetary sciences, the DPS must take such steps to support a creative and adaptable scientific community. I would be honored to contribute to this goal as a member of the DPS Committee.

D) CARLY JACQUELINE AMY HOWETT: COMMITTEE

Senior Research Scientist at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), Boulder Colorado USA

Education

PhD, University of Oxford , 2005
M.Sc., University College London, 2001

Main research interests: Surface Properties of Icy Worlds

Using remote sensing techniques to characterize the surface properties of icy worlds with the goal of understanding their underlying formation mechanisms. My recent focus has been characterizing the heat flow and thermal inertia variations across the Saturnian icy satellites.

Career

Southwest Research Institute, 2008-present

Oxford University, Postdoctoral Research Assistant, 2005-2007

Professional Service:

Panel member, and external reviewer for various NASA programs
Journal reviews (Icarus, Nature, Science & Journal of Geophysical Research)
Division of Planetary Science Meeting official social media account holder (Facebook and Twitter)
Local organizing committee for the Division of Planetary Science Meetings 2013 and 2014
SwRI-Denver Comic Con Liaison

Missions

Cassini CIRS Co-Investigator 2014-present

Cassini NASA Early Careers Fellow 2014-present

Cassini Participating Scientist 2011-2014

New Horizons, Science and Instrument team member on Ralph, 2013-present

Galileo NIMS team member, 2001-2003

Statement: Howett

The proposal pressure that our planetary community faces is our greatest challenge. I have been working as a soft-money researcher over a decade and during this time I’ve witnessed the relentless hurt it’s causing our entire community. This situation will only continue to worsen if we don’t fight back, strongly lobbying NASA, Congress and the Administration for increased support. If elected I would work with the DPS committee to prove to both the funding-agencies and the public how critical and exciting our research is, and the value they gain from supporting it. I will leverage my experience in both conventional and unconventional techniques (e.g. social media and outreach) in this fight.

I have worked with and for ESA on a variety of missions and have seen how successful and strong foreign collaborations make planetary science. I will seek to build on the work the DPS committee has already begun in fostering these ever-important relationships.

I am passionate that the planetary committee be one of equal and fair opportunity. I will continue to advocate for female and other minority scientists, for example by insuring that conferences provide affordable childcare and every conference room is completely accessible to all. I will fight to remove the biases in recruitment and career development that hold women and minorities back from achieving their full potential.

I would be honored to serve on the DPS committee, to fight for everyone in planetary science to get the support, funding and opportunities they need to flourish – so that as a community we can continue exploring.

E) JOSEPH SPITALE : COMMITTEE

Senior Scientist, Planetary Science Institute; Tucson, AZ

Areas of scientific interest:

Planetary Rings, Satellite Dynamics, Enceladus Plumes, Asteroid Dynamics

Education:

B.S. Caltech; Physics, 1995

Ph.D. University of Arizona; Planetary Sciences, 2001

Experience:

Cassini Imaging Team Associate; 2001 — present

PSI Senior Scientist; 2011 — present

Adjunct Lecturer, University of Arizona; 2011 — present

Cassini Participating Scientist; 2012 — present

Service:

Chair of Local Organizing Committee DPS Annual meeting #46; Tucson AZ. 2014

University of Arizona, Dept. of Planetary Sciences graduate field studies class

R&A panel service

Peer review of journal articles and mission instruments

Statement: Spitale

As the chair of the local organizing committee for last year’s DPS meeting in Tucson, I had a chance to work with the DPS and the AAS to implement a number of ideas to improve the effectiveness of our annual meeting. Tucson was a great meeting overall, but I think we can do better still and I intend to apply the lessons of our successes and failures toward that objective. I count the Tucson banquet among our more tangible successes. The banquet is a critical element of the annual meeting, as it brings scientists together in an informal setting with no regard to discipline. In Tucson, we were able to increase student participation by offering a half-price reception-only option. We insisted on vegetarian options of equivalent quality to the non-vegetarian options, and we found that gluten-free constraints could be accommodated with a virtually imperceptible change to one main-course item. We accommodated the broadest variety of tastes and dietary restrictions possible by providing a buffet instead of plated meals. We made the banquet menu available at the time of registration to give members a better idea as to what to expect. Each meetings has its own challenges, but I hope that my experience from the Tucson meeting will be of use for future meetings.

As a soft-money scientist, I am especially sensitive to the deteriorating R&A funding situation. Our current predicament, which is perceptibly worse than a year ago, when it was perceptibly worse than the previous year, seemed inconceivable just three years ago, when it was difficult to imagine that the situation could get any worse than it was at that time. The decadal survey outlined the funding requirements for a healthy planetary program and provided rational priorities for the allocation of funding among the elements of the program in the event that a healthy program could not be maintained. In particular, the survey provided for the scientific expertise upon which our program is founded to be protected above all. The program is not healthy, yet the descope survey’s priorities are being ignored. As a result, the loss of a generation of planetary scientists is becoming real possibility. That process of attrition has has already begun, but it is not too late to avert a catastrophe for US space science research. The DPS must continue to play a central role in advocating for the planetary program through outreach to the public and to lawmakers.

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-24

Issue 15-24, June 4, 2015

+————————————–CONTENTS————————————–+

DPS MEMBER WILLIAM J. BORUCKI WINS 2015 SHAW PRIZE IN ASTRONOMY
SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) OPEN POSITIONS
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

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DPS MEMBER WILLIAM J. BORUCKI WINS 2015 SHAW PRIZE IN ASTRONOMY

Congratulations to DPS member William J. Borucki of NASA Ames Research

Center who was announced on Monday as the 2015 winner of the Shaw Prize in

Astronomy for his conceiving and leading the Kepler mission, which greatly

advanced knowledge of both extrasolar planetary systems and stellar interiors.

When contacted, he said of winning the prize that “it has been a pleasure to see the

science community use the Kepler results to produce a cornucopia of discoveries.”

The Shaw Prize (http://www.shawprize.org/) has been called “The Asian Nobel”,

and has awarded prizes of $1,000,000 in Astronomy, Biology, and Mathematics

since 2002. Present DPS members who have prevously won the Shaw Prize include

Geoff Marcy in 2005 and Peter Goldreich in 2007.

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SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) OPEN POSITIONS

Dear SBAG community,

The SBAG Steering Committee is composed of members that represent the

diverse nature of the SBAG community, and each member serves a multi-year

term. There are three positions open on the SBAG Steering Committee starting

in August 2015. We are looking for candidates in the following areas:

* SBAG Technology Lead – Responsible for leading SBAG roadmap activities

related to technology, for contributing technology input to guide SBAG meeting

agendas, and for providing technology expertise at SBAG meetings and Steering

Committee discussions. Three-year term.

* Comet Science Expert – Serve as a SBAG Steering Committee member and

provide specific expertise on topics and issues related to cometary science, to

complement the expertise of the continuing Steering Committee members.

Three-year term.

* Early Career Secretary – An individual who recently received an advanced

degree or an exceptional graduate student, with responsibilities to assist the chair

with logistical details associated with SBAG and SBAG meetings. Two-year term.

To indicate your willingness to serve in any of these positions, please email

Nancy Chabot ([email protected]) and include a CV by June 22, 2015.

Best wishes,

Nancy Chabot

SBAG Chair

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) POST-DOCTORAL POSITION FOR MARS COLOR/PHOTOMETRY

Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral position associated

with MRO’s High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), located

at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona.

The research emphasis will be on surface and atmospheric photometric

normalization and color analysis, leading to new standard and special

data products, and related research. This work is also needed in

preparation for the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS)

on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.

Experience in remote sensing and image processing is required.

Independent research is also encouraged in other areas related to

planetary geology and surface processes. Work on terrestrial or other

planetary analogs and quantitative studies using digital topography,

spectral imaging, and other data are encouraged. Experience in analysis

of Mars remote-sensing datasets is desirable. Researchers with primary

experience and training in terrestrial remote sensing are welcome.

To apply, go to:

https://www.uacareertrack.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1432754767378

For further information contact Alfred McEwen ([email protected])

or Shane Byrne ([email protected])

B) FREELANCE EDITORS – EARTH, ATMOSPHERIC AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

Deadline: June 29, 2015

content/freelance-editors-earth-atmospheric-and-planetary-sciences

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) ESO Workshop, Garching, Germany, 30 November – 4 December 2015

The objective of this workshop is to prepare that part of the community

interested in Solar System research for making the best use of the Extremely

Large Telescopes (ELTs). In complement to many successful space planetary

missions, ground-based observations are still essential for understanding the

physico-chemical properties of Solar System objects.

The workshop coincides with the end of the primary mission of three potentially

pivotal interplanetary space missions, Rosetta with the first landing on a comet,

New Horizons with the first visit to a trans-Neptunian dwarf planet and DAWN

now in orbit around Ceres. The main objective is to prepare the planetology

community to make the best use of the new generation of ELTs and special emphasis

will also be given to other ground-based facilities (e.g., ALMA) and to ground

and space synergies. A second objective will be to review the specific constraints

raised by Solar System observations with the E-ELT (e.g., as examples of fast

moving objecs), and to address relevant recommendations to the E-ELT Project Office.

More details can be found on the workshop webpage or by email.

The deadline for abstract submission has been extended to 30 June 2015 and

the registration deadline is 31 October 2015.

The webpage is: www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2015/solsys2015.html

B) LUNAR AND SMALL BODIES GRADUATE CONFERENCE 2015 –

ANNOUNCEMENT AND ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Registration is now open for the 6th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies

Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2015) to be held on Monday, July 20,

2015 at the NASA Ames Research Center, preceding the NASA Exploration

Science Forum (ESF). With the expanded interests of the Solar System

Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the scope of this year’s

LunGradCon is expanded to include both lunar and small bodies science.

LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career

postdocs to present their research on lunar and small body science in a

low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In

addition to oral presentations, the conference presents opportunities for

professional development and networking with fellow grad students and

postdocs, as well as senior members of SSERVI. A limited amount of

funding will be provided for travel and lodging costs. The deadline for

registration and abstract submission is June 5th 2015, 11:59 PM PDT.

For more details, please visit:

http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/2015/

or email any questions to: [email protected].

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-22

Issue 15-22, May 20, 2015

+————————————–CONTENTS————————————–+

IN MEMORIAM: STANTON J. PEALE (1937-2015)
SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) MEETING #13:
REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY PHOTOGRAMMETRIC
PROCESSING OF PLANETARY STEREO IMAGERY USING ISIS AND SOCET SET
FAMELAB
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

N.B. Distribution of the May 20, 2015 issue of the DPS Mailing was delayed by
a server shutdown at the AAS Office. Apologies for any now-out-of-date entries.

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

IN MEMORIAM: STANTON J. PEALE (1937-2015)

Stanton J. Peale passed away on May 14, 2015 in Santa Barbara from
complications of leukemia. He was 78. Stan was surrounded by family
and friends prior to and during his passing. He was a kind and
brilliant planetary scientist with expertise in dynamics and
geophysics. His career spanned over five decades. After earning his
PhD at Cornell University in 1965, he took a faculty position at the
University of California, Los Angeles, and then at the University of
California, Santa Barbara, where he worked from 1968 until 2015. His
most recent work was submitted for publication on May 11, 2015. His
contributions include the prediction of widespread volcanism on
Jupiter’s moon Io, the derivation of a general theoretical framework
that governs the rotational states of bodies subject to tides, the
study of tidal evolution in satellite systems, and the development of
an ingenious procedure to determine the size and state of Mercury’s
core. He was also a pioneer in the study of extrasolar planets, both
in terms of their dynamics and their detection by microlensing. Stan’s
work illustrated the power of physics to probe the interiors of
planets. Stan was awarded the Newcomb Cleveland Prize (1979), the
James Craig Watson Medal (1982), and the Brouwer Award (1992). He was
elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2009. He was a
wonderful, beloved colleague and will be deeply missed.

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG) MEETING #13:

REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

Dear SBAG community,

The website for the 13th SBAG Meeting, which will be held

June 29 – July 1 in Washington, DC, is now available:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/

The website contains logistics information, the current agenda, and

the opportunity to register. Registration is free but is important for

planning and to document the community interest in having future

NASA-supported SBAG meetings. Please register for the upcoming

meeting if you plan to attend.

Best wishes,

Nancy Chabot

SBAG Chair

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY PHOTOGRAMMETRIC
PROCESSING OF PLANETARY STEREO IMAGERY USING ISIS AND SOCET SET

The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility at the Astrogeology
Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey would like to announce
its Call for Participation for a training opportunity on July 27-29,
2015. This training will cover photogrammetric processing of planetary
stereo imagery using ISIS and SOCET SET software developed by BAE
Systems. The training is FREE to participants, and will cover end-to-
end, hands-on photogrammetric procedures for surface extraction
(i.e., digital elevation model generation) from Mars Reconnaissance
Orbiter HiRISE image pairs. For additional information and sign-up
instructions, please see:

http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/facilities/photogrammetry-guest-facility

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

FAMELAB

Calling all early career scientists: Passionate about science?
Love to communicate… or want to learn how? Join us at Phoenix
ComiCon on May 30th for the 4th regional heat of FameLab USA’s
Season 3!

FameLab is a fun-filled day of competition, coaching, and camaraderie
that’s all about science communication. You craft a 3-minute,
powerpoint-free talk on your research or a related topic and deliver
it in a supportive environment to judges who give only constructive
feedback. No slides, no charts-just the power of words and any prop
you can hold in your hands. The heart of the whole thing is a workshop
conducted by communication professionals to help you enrich your
skills. Everyone wins!

All info about the Phoenix competition is here:

http://famelab-eeb.arc.nasa.gov/competitions/season3-phx2015/

or email Daniella Scalice with any questions at:
[email protected]

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) PLANETARY RADAR RESEARCH SCIENTIST

The Arecibo Observatory has an opening for a postdoctoral or research
scientist position in the Solar System Studies group studying near-
Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo
Observatory Planetary Radar system and the William E. Gordon Telescope.
This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving,
and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies
with the Arecibo Planetary radar system. Experience with radar
observations and techniques is not a prerequisite. Experience and
interest in astronomical observations of Solar System objects,
small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and / or
numerical inverse modeling are desirable. The incumbent would be
resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and be an employee of Universities
Space Research Association. The incumbent would be expected to
participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent
research program, and would be encouraged to apply for partial
funding support. The Observatory and the Solar System group have
significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment
support are available.

To apply please visit:

http://tinyurl.com/lgecxmp

For further information, please contact Dr. Mike Nolan at:
[email protected]

B) POST-DOC POSITIONS RELATED TO HITRAN

We are seeking talented young individuals for positions of postdoctoral

associates and visiting students to participate in the HITRAN group.

Postdoctoral associates will be involved in the preparation of the HITRAN

compilation. The responsibilities will include construction of the spectral

line lists for the molecular species relevant to the modelling of planetary

atmospheres. This will include, but is not limited to, collecting available

experimental and theoretical data, assessing their quality and creating

semi-empirical models for calculating parameters that are not available

in the literature. In addition to being co-authors on the widely cited

HITRAN paper, the candidates will have an opportunity to work on

first-author publications in the field of atmospheric and/or astronomical

spectroscopy.

The candidates are expected to have a working experience in the field

of molecular spectroscopy (understanding of different types of molecular

symmetries, transitions, selection rules, working with Hamiltonians, etc).

The knowledge of lineshape issues is a plus. Familiarity with the HITRAN

database is desired. Experience with Fortran and/or Python is required.

Proficiency in English language and good communication skills are required.

Candidates will have to be able to work both independently and within a team.

Applicants are expected to have completed their PhDs no earlier than

July 2011 and be able to start their duties no later than October 1, 2015.

The position is for one year and provides a stipend of $59,000 per annum

(changing to $60,000 in January 2016). Depending on the performance and

the availability of funding the position may be extended to another year.

Medical insurance can be covered.

Applications (with CVs) and independently two reference letters should

be sent to Iouli Gordon ([email protected]) and Laurence Rothman

([email protected]).

C) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION:

SOLAR-SYSTEM EXPLORATION SCIENCE

The Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of
Science, the University of Tokyo invites applications for a position as
an assistant professor in the area of Solar-System exploration science.
We seek a creative individual with leadership ability in the field of
solid planetary science based on planetary exploration and observations
including instrumental development. The successful candidate can have a
science background other than solid planetary science. The successful
candidate will be appointed at the earliest possible date after
September 1, 2015, and is expected to teach laboratory classes at both
undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A Ph.D. or equivalent
qualification at the time of appointment is required. If not already
fluent in Japanese, he or she will be expected to achieve fluency
sufficient for giving lectures and performing administrative duties
within several years.

Applications must be received by June 22, 2015 via either e-mail or
postal mail.

More information is available at:
http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/open-positions/2458/

D) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION: PLANETARY
GEOCHRONOLOGY/ INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT

We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to help develop our LIBS-MS
geochronology instrument. Examples of projects that may be pursued
include understanding how LIBS and mass spectrometry techniques can
be used to understand planetary lithologies, comparing K-Ar and Ar-Ar
ages of planetary samples with complex thermal histories, and/or
investigating experimental conditions (pressure, temperature, viewing
angle, measurement techniques, etc.) to optimize flight instrument
workflow and hardware. Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr.
Barbara Cohen ([email protected]) directly to develop a
research proposal. Applications are due July 1 and must be submitted
through the NASA Postdoctoral Program web site:

http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/

Dr. Barbara Cohen
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
256-961-7566
[email protected]

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6

UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) NASA PRE-PROPOSAL WEBEX/TELECONFERENCE:

MINORITY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

PROJECT (MUREP) AMERICAN INDIAN AND ALASKAN NATIVE
STEM PARTNERSHIP (MAIANSP)

Pre-proposal Teleconference/Webex
Thursday, May 21, 2015
3:00 pm EDT

You are strongly advised to check the MAIANSP page in NSPIRES webpage
before connecting for any changes.

Announcement Number: NNH14ZHA001N, Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance (CFDA) Number: 43.008

The teleconference will provide an in-depth overview of the MAIANSP
opportunity and proposal requirements. Please visit the MAIANSP
page in NSPIRES for information regarding this NASA opportunity.

After the presentations, there will be a brief Q&A session.

Connection Instructions:

WebEx (for the visua; component)

Meeting Number: 395 781 200
Meeting Password: MAIANSP123!

https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?MTID=m661bd1635c25281
4ff5b28d893d50ed7

To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link:

https://nasa.webex.com/nasa/j.php?MTID=m3d02ab7a3671f4c
09e3427b69cd22ce6

Teleconference (for the audio component)

Call-in number: 866-844-9416
Participant passcode: 9768771

If calling from outside the US, send an email to the
[email protected] for an out-of-country phone number.

Presentation slides and a written transcript of the teleconference
will be posted to the NSPIRES website. Questions asked during the
call will be part of the MAIANSP FAQ document.

Questions regarding this session should be sent to:
[email protected]

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-21

Issue 15-21, May 12, 2015

+————————————–CONTENTS————————————–+

NASA ROSES-15 CHANGES TO SUMMARY OF SOLICITATION
VENUS EXPLORATION ANALYSIS GROUP (VEXAG)

CALL FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

MAY 2015 MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM ANALYSIS GROUP

(MEPAG) NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE

SUMMER SCHOOL: FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF

PLANETARY SYSTEMS AND HABITABLE PLANETS

NASA ROSES-15 AMENDMENTS 13 AND 14
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

NASA ROSES-15 CHANGES TO SUMMARY OF SOLICITATION

A number of corrections and clarifications have been made to the ROSES-15

Summary of Solicitation.

In response to comments from proposing organizations, the ROSES-2015 Summary

of Solicitation has been modified in a few ways. First, award dollar values are no longer

required for the current and pending support section. Second, we have clarified the rules

about the order of components of the Scientific/Technical section of the proposal, as well

as the location of the Table of Personnel and Work Effort. Finally, new program elements
previously added to ROSES via amendments now appear in the list of appendices.

A more detailed description of these changes and comparisons to what appears in the

guidebook for proposers appears at: http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2015.

Proposers should also read the ROSES-2015 Summary of Solicitation.

Questions concerning these changes may be directed to: Max Bernstein at [email protected].

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

VENUS EXPLORATION ANALYSIS GROUP (VEXAG)

CALL FOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

VEXAG is seeking volunteers for VEXAG Executive Committee members to

replace those who have successfully completed their service to the

community. The new members will start this year and their term will

run for two years.

Also, the VEXAG Early Career Scholars Focus Group is looking for

interested group members.

If you are interested, send your resume and a statement of how you

could contribute to VEXAG to Lori Glaze and Pat Beauchamp, VEXAG Chair

and Co-Chair ([email protected], [email protected])

by June 30, 2015.

VEXAG activities for the next two years are expected to be community

building with an emphasis on:

– Venus Exploration Goals, Objectives, and Strategies

– Technology Development and Laboratory Measurements

– International Collaboration

– Early Career and Young Scholar Development

– Venus International Reference Atmosphere

VEXAG is a community-based forum established in July 2005 to assess

scientific priorities and strategies for exploration of Venus. VEXAG

is currently composed of a chair and five focus groups, where the

focus groups actively solicit input from the Venus community on the

topics listed above.

More information may be found here:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

MAY 2015 MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM ANALYSIS GROUP

(MEPAG) NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE

Dear Members of the Mars Community,

On behalf of Lisa Pratt (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and

Serina Diniega of the Mars Program Science Office, the March 2015

edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be

found at:

http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov

Please send your Mars community announcements and calendar items for

inclusion in the newsletter to Meredith at:

[email protected].

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

SUMMER SCHOOL: FORMATION AND EVOLUTION OF

PLANETARY SYSTEMS AND HABITABLE PLANETS

We would like to invite interested researchers and students to apply

for the summer school “Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems and

Habitable Planets”, which will take place in Moletai, Lithuania (close

to Vilnius) from 21 to 30 August 2015.

The summer school will present an overview of the pathways of formation

of habitable planets both in our and extrasolar planets. It is co-

organised by the Nordic Network of Astrobiology, the Erasmus+ Strategic

Partnership “European Astrobiology Campus” and the EU COST Action

“Origins and Evolution of Life on Earth and in the Universe”. Its

programme includes:

– Lectures by internationally leading scientists covering a broad range

of astrobiology

– Observations of star transits as well as other interesting

astronomical objects like Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet with the 1.65-m

and broad field 51-cm telescope at the Moletai Observatory

– Remote observations using other telescopes in Europe

– 2 Poster sessions for students and early career scientists

– Participant-led discussions about forefront-topics

Deadline for application is 15 June 2015.

Further information about the event can be found at:

http://www.nordicastrobiology.net/Moletai2015/

Please forward this announcement to all possibly interested graduate

students and early career scientists.

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

NASA ROSES-15 AMENDMENTS 13 AND 14

AMENDMENT 13 : RELEASE OF A NEW PROGRAM ELEMENT –

CITIZEN SCIENCE ASTEROID DATA, EDUCATION, AND TOOLS (CADET)

The Citizen Science Asteroid Data, Education, and Tools (CADET) is a

joint solicitation of the Near Earth Objects (NEO) Program within

NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD) and the Asteroid Grand

Challenge (AGC) Program within NASA’s Office of the Chief Technologist

(OCT). It seeks innovative proposals to adapt, develop, and web-enable

software tools for asteroid data analysis and to make them accessible

and easily usable by nonprofessionals, including amateur astronomers,

students, and citizen scientists.

Step-1 proposals are due by June 15, 2015, and Step-2 proposals are

due by July 15 2015.

Go to: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

and: : http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2015/

Questions concerning this program element may be directed to:

Jason Kessler, Office of the Chief Technologist

[email protected]

AMENDMENT 14: NEW HOMESTEADER PROGRAM

The Homesteader Program supports the advanced development of

technology, including instruments, relevant to mission concepts for

the next two New Frontiers Announcements of Opportunity (AO). The goal

of the program is to mature proposed technologies and reduce their

technical risk such that the accompanying mission concepts are better

prepared for the next two New Frontiers AOs.

Note that the Homesteader Program itself does not solicit

investigations or hardware for a flight opportunity. This Homesteader

opportunity is open to any technology utilized as part of at least

one of the seven mission concepts included in the Decadal Survey list

recommended for the New Frontiers program. It is a priority for NASA

to invest in technology developments that mitigate the risks of

mission concept proposals proposed in response to New Frontiers AOs.

Mandatory Step-1 proposals are due by June 5, 2015, and full Step-2

proposals are due by July 20, 2015.

Go to: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

and: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2015/

Questions concerning this program element may be directed to:

Curt S. Niebur

[email protected]

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6

JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN SOLAR-SYSTEM EXPLORATION SCIENCE

University of Tokyo, Tokyo Japan

The Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, the

University of Tokyo invites applications for a position as an assistant professor in

the area of Solar-System exploration science. We seek a creative individual with

leadership ability in the field of solid planetary science based on planetary exploration

and observations including instrumental development. The successful candidate can

have a science background other than solid planetary science. The successful candidate

will be appointed at the earliest possible date after September 1, 2015, and is expected

to teach laboratory classes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A Ph.D. or

equivalent qualification at the time of appointment is required. If not already fluent in

Japanese, he or she will be expected to achieve fluency sufficient for giving lectures

and performing administrative duties within several years. Applications must be

received by June 22, 2015 via either e-mail or postal mail.

More information is available at: http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/open-positions/2458/

B) APPLICATION EXTENSION – DIRECTOR, NASA ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE

Application deadline extended to July 10, 2015.

NASA seeks a new Director for the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI).

The ideal candidate will be an internationally recognized scientist

with proven experience in leading or managing large interdisciplinary

research programs or projects, possessed with a vision for leading the

Institute into the future. Applicants for this position should have a

broad scientific perspective on astrobiology, experience in conducting

interdisciplinary scientific research, and demonstrated skills needed

to harness the strengths of disparate research communities towards a

greater goal. S/he should understand how to grow a research endeavor

and respond to changing budget climates while focusing on maximizing

the scientific return on NASA’s investments in astrobiology. S/he

should have experience in leading a diverse staff ranging from

established scientists to support personnel, resource planning, and

executing budgets and schedules. S/he should be comfortable with

modern information technologies and distributed research teams. NASA

is interested in applicants who will find ways to infuse astrobiology

into NASA flight missions.

Apply at:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/393518700

You can also go to USAJobs at:

https://www.usajobs.gov/

In the keyword search box, type vacancy number “AR15S0001”. Select

“Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute”, then click “Apply Online”.

C) RESEARCH SCIENTIST IN IMAGE PROCESSING

California Institute of Technology

The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech seeks an experienced

image processing technician or scientist to run the new Bruce Murray Laboratory

for Planetary Visualization. The Murray Labe will be a focal point for innovation in

the use of remote sensing data sets and development of image processing tools to

bring geospatial and three-dimensional information essential for geosciences into

the hands of students and researchers.

https://jobs.caltech.edu/postings/3010

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7

UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) WORKSHOP PRIOR TO METSOC MEETING

A workshop about the first billion of years of impact records in the

Solar System will be held in Berkeley on the Saturday and Sunday (July

25–26) immediately preceding the Meteoritical Society meeting (which

will be held in Berkeley on July 27–31).

Title: The First Billion Years of Impact Records: Evidence from Lunar

Samples and Meteorites

July 25-26, 2015, Saturday and Sunday

Organizers: Audrey Bouvier (University of Western Ontario), William

Hartmann (Planetary Science Institute), Marc Norman (Australian

National University) and Vera Assis Fernandes (Museum für Naturkunde,

Leibniz-Institut für Evolutions- und Biodiversitätsforschung)

Abstract deadline – May 19th using USRA meeting portal:

https://www.hou.usra.edu/meeting_portal/abstract_submission/

Early registration fee (using the MetSoc registration portal) – $50

until June 29th

Main themes are:

– Radiometric clocks: what they tell us and what they don’t

– Cratering statistics: production functions and anchor-ages

– Dynamical models

– Impacts in the asteroid belt

– Shock effects in planetary materials and constraints on P-T-t shock

conditions

For more information:

http://metsoc2015.ssl.berkeley.edu/program/workshops/

Audrey Bouvier ([email protected])

B) EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE WITH JWST

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scheduled for launch

in October 2018, will be one of the great observatories of the next

decade. JWST and its suite of 4 instruments will provide imaging,

spectroscopic and coronagraphic capabilities over the 0.6 to 28.5

micron wavelength range and will offer an unprecedented combination

of sensitivity and spatial resolution to study targets ranging from our

Solar System to the most distant galaxies.

With JWST’s launch date approaching steadily and a first call for

proposals scheduled for the end of 2017, it is important to give the

astronomical community opportunities to present, highlight and

discuss scientific programs that will be made possible by JWST.

This is the context for the scientific symposium JWST-2015 “Exploring

the Universe with JWST”, which will take place during the week of

12-16 October 2015 at ESTEC, one of the centers of the European

Space Agency (ESA).

This conference will cover a broad range of scientific topics that will be

organized in the following categories:

The end of the “dark ages”: first light and reionisation.
The assembly of galaxies.
The formation and evolution of stars and planets.
Planetary systems and the origins of life (exoplanets)
Our Solar System.

Visit the meeting web page for more information:
http://congrexprojects.com/2015-events/15a02/introduction

Abstract deadline is June 1.

C) LUNGRADCON

The sixth annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2015)

will be held at NASA Ames on Monday, July 20, 2015. LunGradCon will address the

following research topics of the

NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute:

Dust/Regolith and Plasma
Geology and Geophysics
Volatiles/Exospheres
Missions and Human Exploration

LunGradCon will also present opportunities for social networking among LGC

participants and senior scientists and engineers from NASA ARC and the NASA

Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute.

http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/2015/

Abstract deadline: June 5, 2015

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-19

Issue 15-19, April 30, 2015

+————————————–CONTENTS————————————–+

DPS ELECTIONS 2015: CANDIDATE SLATE
CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
EPSC 2015 ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED
NASA ROSES-2015: MAJOR CHANGES TO FINAL YEAR OF CASSINI
PARTICIPATING SCIENTISTS PROGRAM
SBAG 13 MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

DPS ELECTIONS 2015: CANDIDATE SLATE

The DPS Nominating Committee has identified the following candidates for the
2015 DPS elections for Vice-Chair and Committee:

Vice-Chair (1 to be elected):

o Lucy McFadden, Goddard Space Flight Center

o Ralph McNutt, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Committee (2 to be elected):

o Addie Dove, University of Central Florida

o Gianrico Filacchione, Institute for Space Astrophysics and Planetology,

National Institute for Astrophysics, Italy

o Paul Hayne, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

o Carly Howett, Southwest Research Institute

Additional candidates, supported by a petition of at least 20 DPS members, may be nominated by May 30th.
Please send any nominations to the DPS Secretary, Anne Verbiscer, at [email protected].

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

CONGRATULATIONS TO NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Congratulations to DPS members Renu Malhotra, Sara Seager, and William Ward on their election to the
National Academy of Sciences. They join DPS members Robin Canup, David Jewitt, Jonathan Lunine,
Geoffrey Marcy, Jay Melosh, Gerald Schubert, and Jack Wisdom as members of this esteemed group.
Election to the Academy is widely regarded as one of the highest honors a scientist can receive.

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

EPSC 2015 ABSTRACT DEADLINE EXTENDED

Dear colleagues,

Due to high demand, we have decided to extend the abstract submission deadline

for a few more days. You may still submit an abstract by Wednesday,

06 May 2015, 23:59 UTC.

We look forward to receiving your abstract.

Best regards,

Mario Ebel

Copernicus Meetings

on behalf of the Scientific Organizing Committee

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
NASA ROSES-2015: MAJOR CHANGES TO FINAL YEAR OF CASSINI

PARTICIPATING SCIENTISTS PROGRAM

The final text for ROSES-2015 Program Element C.10 The Cassini Data
Analysis and Participating Scientists (CDAPS) Program has been posted.
The solicitation has been restructured and the prior version has been
replaced in its entirety.

The major changes are:

1) The Participating Scientist proposal is now separate from a parent
Data Analysis proposal. Step-2 Participating Scientist submissions
now require their own fifteen-page proposal that is accompanied by a
five-page appendix on the Relevance to the Cassini Participating
Scientist Program.

2) Only those Participating Scientist proposals that demonstrate
the need for future mission data for achieving successful closure
of the scientific objectives are eligible for selection.

The proposal due dates remain unchanged.
Step-1 proposals are still due by June 1, 2015.
Step-2 proposals are due by August 18, 2015.

All potential proposers are strongly urged to carefully read the
entire amended call, the Frequently Asked Questions, and all
other supporting documentation. These documents may be found on
the NSPIRES web page for ROSES-2015 Program Element C.10 CDAPS at:

http://tinyurl.com/CDAPS2015

Announcement: NNH15ZDA001N
Address:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

and RSS feed:

http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2015/

Questions:
Jared Leisner
[email protected]

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

SBAG 13 MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dear SBAG community,

We have posted a draft agenda for the SBAG 13 meeting to the SBAG website:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/

The SBAG 13 meeting will use the NASA Conference Tracking System (NCTS).

The NASA Science Mission Directorate is planning to submit the 1784 for this conference.

If you plan to attend and use the NCTS for your travel, please register ASAP.

Details: NCTS# 22158-15 – 13th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group

(SBAG), 06/29/15,Washington, DC

Logistical details for the meeting hotel and registration website are still being finalized.

Presentations from additional small body related proposed Discovery mission concepts are

still welcome. Please email me to get added to this section of the agenda.

Best wishes,

Nancy Chabot

SBAG Chair

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6

JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – CORNELL UNIVERSITY

The Center for Radiophysics and Space Research at Cornell University announces the
availability of a Research Associate position, posting #27416, in the field of planetary
surface exploration, to work on the Mars Science Laboratory and Mars Exploration
Rover missions. Qualifications include a PhD in astronomy; a record of research and
publication regarding martian geochemistry and mineralogy, and strong interest in
Mars rover science operations. Applications are being accepted until April 30, 2015
with an approximate start date of August 1, 2015. The position is for one year, with
continuation for two more years contingent upon funding and performance. Applicants
should submit a CV (including a list of publications) and a brief (1-3 pages) description
of research interests, and a research proposal (1-3 pages) all in a single pdf file, to Ms.
Lynda Sovocool at [email protected]. They should also arrange for three letters of
recommendation to be sent to the same email address (Please note the applicant’s name
in the subject heading).

http://planets.agu.org/employment.php

B) POSTDOC IN SPECTROPHOTOCLINOMETRY – PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE

Description:
The Planetary Science Institute is looking for a Postdoctoral
Research Scientist to help in the testing of Stereophotoclinometry
(SPC) in support of the OSIRIS-REx mission.

Key work:
– Developing proficiency in SPC
– Testing and refinement of the techniques to generate shape model
– Determining how both spacecraft position and camera errors
propagate into the shape model

Desired skills:
– Programming skills in Fortran
– Stereophotoclinometry
– Stereogrammetry
– SPICE kernels
– Background in how shape models are created and used in flight
missions
– Spacecraft navigation or experience with statistical minimization
and/or estimate processes
– Kalman filtering
– Error analysis
– Testing Procedures
– Laser altimetry

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. (BS considered with equivalent experience)
Strong UNIX skills.

https://www.psi.edu/sites/default/files/images/PostDoc position for Eric.pdf

PSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

C) JAXA INTERNATIONAL TOP YOUNG FELLOWSHIP

JAXA has issued an AO for its International Top Young Fellowship.

http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/researchers/young-fellowship/index.shtml

http://www.isas.jaxa.jp/e/researchers/young-fellowship/appli.shtml

Please feel free to broadcast the information to those who may be
interested.

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7

UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) THE 2015 TMT SCIENCE FORUM

Registration Deadline: May 22, 2015

The annual Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Science Forum brings together members of the

international community to meet, collaborate, and plan for future TMT science programs.

The Forum is the premier opportunity to learn about the status of the observatory, its

instrumentation and adaptive optics systems, and to get involved in shaping the future of TMT.

http://conference.ipac.caltech.edu/tmtsf2015/

B) 2nd LANDING SITE WORKSHOP FOR MARS 2020 ROVER-

VENUE AND HOTEL RESERVATION INFORMATION

The Second Landing Site Workshop for the Mars 2020 Rover will be
held August 4-6, 2015 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Monrovia, CA.

A room block has been made available at GSA rate ($138/night + taxes
and fees) and that includes full-American breakfast buffet, for the
duration of the meeting and 2 days before and after. To make a
reservation, call the hotel direct at 626-357-1900 or toll-free
at 877-361-5743, and mention the group name “Mars 2020 Landing Site
Workshop”. Alternatively, make a reservation via the personalized
group web page:

http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/L/LAXMVDT-MLW-20150801/index.jhtml

This rate will expire July 21, 2015.

Also, a reminder that this workshop has been designated a conference,
so civil servants, JPLers, and those whose travel funds will be run
through a NASA center must forecast. The 90-day cut-off for
forecasting is May 4, 2015.

If you have any questions about the Workshop logistics, please email
Dr. Serina Diniega ([email protected]), Mars Program Office.
For more information about this workshop and future announcements,
see:

http://marsnext.jpl.nasa.gov/

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-18

Issue 15-18, April 21, 2015

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————+

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED FOR THE 5TH FARINELLA PRIZE
DUNLAP INSTITUTE INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMICAL
INSTRUMENTATION SUMMER SCHOOL
DELAY OF STEP-2 DUE DATE FOR NASA HAYABUSA 2 PARTICIPATING
SCIENTIST PROGRAM
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED FOR THE 5TH “PAOLO FARINELLA” PRIZE

To honor the memory and the outstanding figure of Paolo Farinella

(1953-2000), an extraordinary scientist and person, a prize has been

established in recognition of significant contributions given in the

fields of interest of Paolo, which span from planetary sciences to

space geodesy, fundamental physics, science popularization,

security in space, weapons control and disarmament.

The fifth Paolo Farinella Prize is devoted to planetary sciences and

specifically to studies on the Dynamics and Physics of Comets.

Please read the call and download the candidature form at:

http://www.df.unipi.it/~paolic/publicinfo.html

You can also send questions to [email protected] or [email protected].

Thank you,

Paolo Paolicchi

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

2015 DUNLAP INSTITUTE INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTATION
SUMMER SCHOOL

University of Toronto, 26-31 July, 2015

Application Deadline: 24 April 2015

The school is aimed at astronomy, physics or engineering undergrads who will have completed
three years of their program by July 2015; or graduate students in the early years of their programs.

Details can be found at: www.dunlap.utoronto.ca/summer-school

All the best,

2015 Summer School Organizers

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
DELAY OF STEP-2 DUE DATE FOR NASA HAYABUSA2 PARTICIPATING
SCIENTIST PROGRAM

NASA Hayabusa-2 Participating Scientist Program Step-1 proposals were

due on April 1, 2015, and Step-2 proposals are now listed in the Tables of

due dates as “TBD.”

This amendment delays the due date for Step-2 proposals. Planetary

Science Division personnel are working with NASA’s international

partners on the Hayabusa2 mission to provide additional documents and

information about the mission for proposers to use in writing Step-2

proposals. The new date for the Step-2 proposal deadline has not yet

been determined, but it will be no less than four weeks after the

additional information is provided. Until then, the Step-2 deadline

for C.19 will be listed as TBD. NASA still anticipates that instrument

scientist awards would receive funding starting in FY 2016, and the

sample scientist awards would start with a small amount in FY 2017.

This Amendment to the NASA Research Announcement “Research

Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2015″ (NNH15ZDA001N)

is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at:

http://nspires.nasaprs.com/

and on the RSS feed at:

http://nasascience.nasa.gov/researchers/sara/grant-solicitations/roses-2015

Questions concerning this program element may be directed to:

Tony Carro at [email protected]

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) DIRECTOR, NASA ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE (NAI)

NASA seeks a new Director for the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI).

The ideal candidate will be an internationally recognized scientist

with proven experience in leading or managing large interdisciplinary

research programs or projects, possessed with a vision for leading the

Institute into the future. Applicants for this position should have

a broad scientific perspective on astrobiology, experience in

conducting interdisciplinary scientific research, and demonstrated

skills needed to harness the strengths of disparate research

communities towards a greater goal. S/he should understand how to

grow a research endeavor and respond to changing budget climates while

focusing on maximizing the scientific return on NASA’s investments in

astrobiology. S/he should have experience in leading a diverse staff

ranging from established scientists to support personnel, resource

planning, and executing budgets and schedules. S/he should be

comfortable with modern information technologies and distributed

research teams. NASA is particularly interested in applicants who will

find ways to infuse astrobiology into NASA flight missions.

Interested individuals should apply directly to USAJobs at:

http://www.usajobs.gov

by May 1, 2015. In the keyword search box, type vacancy number

“AR15S0001”. Select “Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute”, then

click “Apply Online”.

B) POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH IN CORE/OCEAN GEOMAGNETISM

NASA-GSFC/CRESST/University of Maryland

Applications are now being accepted for a Postdoctoral Associate,

funded through the University of Maryland College Park and the Center

for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology (CRESST),

to work in the Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory of the NASA Goddard

Space Flight Center in the area of core/ocean geomagnetism. Additional

details are available at:

http://www.astro.umd.edu/employment/index.html#Geomag

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree (or expect to have the degree by

the start of the appointment) in a related field of physics,

geophysics, dynamical oceanography/meteorology, and/or applied

mathematics. Applicants are expected to have strong quantitative

analysis and modeling skills – in addition to knowledge of

geomagnetic fields, satellite or ground observatory data, geomagnetic

field models, and core dynamics. Familiarity with UNIX OS, FORTRAN,

and parallel computing is a strong plus.

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity

Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. All

applications received by May 22, 2015 will receive full consideration.

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) THE EUROPEAN PLANETARY SCIENCE CONGRESS (EPSC) DATES

The European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) will be held at:

La Cité des Congrès

Nantes, France

Sep 27 – Oct 2, 2015

You are invited to submit abstracts to this major European planetary

science forum.

Deadline for abstract submission is April 29, 2015.

This year, 3 new technology sessions have been added to the program:

MT2: Instrumentation for descent probes and next generation orbiters

MT5: Technology and instrument concepts for upcoming Asteroid Redirect

Missions (ARM)

MT6: Exploration of planetary environments with CubeSats and NanoSats

Newsletter 15-17

Issue 15-17, April 14, 2015

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+

LAST CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS!
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST DPS HISTORIAN
SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP 13TH MEETING: EARLY CAREER TRAVEL SUPPORT AND AGENDA
FORUM FOR NEW LEADERS IN SPACE SCIENCE
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

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LAST CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS!

DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2015

Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. It is time to consider nominating
a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes:

The Gerard P. Kuiper Prize honors outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science.

The Harold C. Urey Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in planetary research by a young scientist.

The Harold Masursky Award acknowledges outstanding service to planetary science and exploration.

The Carl Sagan Medal recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist
to the general public.

The Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award recognizes and stimulates distinguished popular
writing on planetary sciences.

Detailed descriptions of each of the prizes and the criteria for nominees for each can be found at
prizes. The nomination form and instructions can also be retrieved from this website.
The completed nomination form and supporting material should be emailed to [email protected].

Anyone except current DPS Committee members may submit a nomination. A completed nomination
will be retained and considered by the Prize Subcommittee for three years, or as long as the nominee
is eligible, whichever is less. Past nominees may be re-nominated after the expiration of a prior nomination.
A posthumous nomination is allowed for a limited time after the nominee’s death, except for the Sagan Medal.
For specific details, see the URL noted above.

The deadline for nominations this year is April 15.

Consider for example the Carl Sagan Medal, which recognizes excellence in public communication in
planetary science. Do you have a colleague that excels in reaching out to the public, who has a particularly
effective way of communicating new findings in our field? We want to recognize those efforts that are so
important to the health of our field!

The Masursky Award recognizes meritorious service to planetary science. Do you have a colleague whose
efforts made a significant difference in the success of an endeavor you’ve been involved in through engineering,
managerial, programmatic or public service activities? Consider nominating that individual!

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ANNOUNCING THE FIRST DPS HISTORIAN

The DPS Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Cruikshank as the
Division’s first Historian. As a past DPS Chair, two-time Committee Member, and member
of the AAS since 1965, Dale will provide the corporate memory and transfer of heritage and
culture that will ensure the DPS’ position as the voice of Planetary Science.
Dale will serve for a five year term in this appointment.

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SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP 13TH MEETING:
EARLY CAREER TRAVEL SUPPORT AND AGENDA

The 13th meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) will be held June 29 to midday
July 1, 2015, in Washington, DC. Logistical details are being finalized, but there are two timely
announcements below:

1. Early career travel support: We are pleased to be able to offer limited U.S. travel support for a
few early career scientists to participate in the SBAG 13 meeting. Interested graduate students,
postdocs, and other early career scientists (within 3 years of PhD/MS/BS) should e-mail a one-page
letter and a CV to Nancy Chabot ([email protected]) by April 24, 2015.

2. As we get the SBAG 13 agenda together, we’d like to give any team that submitted a
small-body-related Discovery mission proposal the opportunity to briefly share their submitted
concept with the community on June 30. Please pass this invitation along to any teams you were
involved with, and contact Nancy Chabot to be added to the agenda.

Also, both the Dawn and New Horizons teams have provided great slide sets, which are now
available on the SBAG website:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/dawn_materials/

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/new_horizons/

As public interest continues to grow in these missions, please use these slides to share the
excitement with the public at any possible opportunity!

Nancy Chabot
SBAG Chair
[email protected]

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FORUM FOR NEW LEADERS IN SPACE SCIENCE

The Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ National Research
Council and the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences invite
applications for the 2015–2016 Forum for New Leaders in Space Science.

The Forum’s 2015–2016 session will provide opportunities for a highly select group of
young Earth and planetary scientists from the United States and China to discuss their
research activities in an intimate and collegial environment at meetings to be held in
Shanghai, China (9–10 October 2015) and Irvine, California (16–17 May 2016).

The application deadline is 29 May 2015.

Details can be found at http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/SSB_086017.

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR I: ARECIBO OBSERVATORY PLANETARY RADAR

Location: Arecibo, Puerto Rico, United States

Description:

USRA is seeking a full time Arecibo Observatory (AO) Head of Planetary
Radar to provide the leadership of the AO planetary radar group and
associated observatory operations funded by NASA. The duties also
include developing and implementing strategic initiatives as part of a
single Arecibo Management Team led by the Arecibo Observatory
Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Provides day to day leadership to the scientific and technical staff
and employees in the radar group. Sets the tempo, provides direction
and develops a team that is oriented to action.
* Directs development of data taking hardware and software. Oversees
data archiving and routine analysis.
* Coordinates activities of the radar group with other observatory
programs.
* Conducts a vigorous personal scientific research program.
* Mentors students, post-docs, and junior scientific staff.
* Coordinates NASA requests for observations of objects with other
observatory activities.
* Represents the Arecibo Planetary Radar program in national and
international community forums.

All interested candidates must apply directly on our website at:

https://usracareers.silkroad.com/

USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected
Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

B) RESEARCH SCIENTIST (LAB MANAGER): CENTER FOR METEORITE STUDIES

Arizona State University
Center for Meteorite Studies/School of Earth and Space Exploration

The Center for Meteorite Studies (CMS) in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at
Arizona State University invites applications for a Research Scientist (Lab Manager) position.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of
the Isotope Cosmochemistry and Geochronology Laboratory, which includes a Thermo
Neptune MC-ICPMS (equipped with a Photon Machines excimer laser ablation system)
and an associated clean chemistry laboratory for ultra low-blank sample preparation.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct independent research and to participate
in ongoing research in isotope cosmochemistry. Ongoing research projects include the
development of fine-scale radiometric chronometers and their application towards high
resolution chronology of early solar system and planetary processes; characterization of
mass dependent fractionation of the stable isotopes of a variety of elements to understand
nebular and planetary processes; characterization of non-mass dependent isotopic anomalies
to constrain nucleosynthetic inputs to the solar nebula.

For more information, please visit http://meteorites.asu.edu/job/4955

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UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) EPSC 2015: MARS GEOMORPHOLOGY

Abstract submissions are now open for the European Planetary Science
Congress (EPSC) 2015, 27th September to 2nd October at La Cite des
Congres, Nantes, France. The deadline is 29 April 2015, 13:00 CET.

We cordially invite you to submit your abstracts to the session TP7
“Mars geomorphology in the late Amazonian epoch”. This session aims to
explore the recent and current (or even ongoing) surface processes on
Mars. Contributions are welcome concerning remote sensing, climate,
Earth-analogue, modelling and laboratory studies.

Abstract submission:

http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EPSC2015/session/19631

Abstract guidelines:

http://www.epsc2015.eu/abstract_management
/how_to_submit_an_abstract.html

Kind regards,

Convener: Susan Conway and Co-Conveners: Andreas Johnsson, Jan Raack
and Richard Soare

B) HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT

The Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) will take place May 5-7, 2015 on the
campus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Registration and the current agenda are available at the conference
website:

http://h2m.exploremars.org/

H2M will feature such speakers as –

Charles Bolden
Buzz Aldrin
Jim Green
Scott Hubbard
John Grunsfeld
Andrew Weir (Author of The Martian)
William Gerstenmaier
Emily Briere (Time Capsule to Mars)
Roberto Battiston (Italian Space Agency)
Rod Pyle (Author)
Melissa Trainer
Steve Jurczyk
Janet Ivey (Janet’s Planet)
Jim Garvin
Greg Olsen (Private Astronaut)
Adam Steltzner
Rebecca Keiser
and many, many more.

Follow the conference on social media via Explore Mars on Facebook:

http://facebook.com/exploremarsdotorg

and Twitter @exploremars with the hashtag: #H2M2015

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-16

Issue 15-16, April 2, 2015

+————————————CONTENTS—————————————-+

REMINDER: CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS
IAU PRESS RELEASE
NASA PSD SEEKS REVIEWERS FOR ROSES PROPOSALS
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

REMINDER: CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS

DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2015

Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. It is time to consider nominating
a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes:

The Gerard P. Kuiper Prize honors outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science.

The Harold C. Urey Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in planetary research by a young scientist.

The Harold Masursky Award acknowledges outstanding service to planetary science and exploration.

The Carl Sagan Medal recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist
to the general public.

The Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award recognizes and stimulates distinguished
popular writing on planetary sciences.

The deadline for nominations this year is April 15.

The Masursky Award recognizes meritorious service to planetary science. Do you have a colleague whose
efforts made a significant difference in the success of an endeavor you’ve been involved in through
engineering, managerial, programmatic or public service activities? Consider nominating that individual!

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

IAU PRESS RELEASE

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has issued a press release regarding the opportunity to name features on Pluto and its satellites. The full release can be found at

http://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau1502/

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NASA PSD SEEKS REVIEWERS FOR ROSES RESEARCH PROPOSALS

NASA’s Planetary Science Division is seeking volunteers to serve as reviewers for proposals from the following ROSES-2015 programs:

In addition, some volunteer opportunities also exist for proposals from the physics divisions as well:

All of these opportunities to review currently and others in the future can be found at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/

Finally, proposers may also Suggest Reviewers for ROSES Planetary Science Proposals at http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/suggested-reviewers/

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) JOINT ALMA OBSERVATORY POSTDOCTORAL POSITION

ALMA started its first Early Science observations in late 2011 and has already produced 200 papers, many in influential journals. At the Cycle 2 Call for Proposals, ALMA received more submissions than any other telescope in history. We are offering Postdoctoral Fellowships to join ALMA at this exciting period during which the array is ramping up to its full operational potential. ALMA Postdoctoral Fellows will be appointed for three years and will spend at least half of their time dedicated to their personal research. These Fellowships offer young scientists opportunities and facilities to enhance their research programs through involvement in science activities and close contact with experienced staff at the world’s foremost observatory for sub-mm astronomy. Deadline 1 June.

https://cw.na1.hgncloud.com/nrao/loadJobPostingDetails.do?jobPostingID=101040source=jobList

B) Ph.D. STUDENT – University of Versailles Saint-Quentin

Ion chemistry in Titan’s atmosphere by experimental simulation

Context :

Titan is the largest satellite of Saturn. This object is unique in the solar system as it hosts a dense atmosphere mainly made of nitrogen N2 and methane CH4, with a pressure of 1.5 bar at the surface. The nitrogen rich atmosphere and the presence of liquid areas at the surface make it one of the most interesting objects to understand the evolution of the Earth before the emergence of life and to look for habitable worlds outside the solar system.
The Cassini-Huygens space mission is probing Titan since 2004. It reveals an intense atmospheric photochemistry initiated by photo-dissociation and ionization of N2 and CH4. Photochemistry on Titan leads to the formation of solid organic aerosols responsible for the smog surrounding permanently the satellite. These aerosols are produced in large amounts and have a significant interest for astrobiology because they are among the most complex organic material ever detected in extra-terrestrial bodies.
In the upper atmosphere, the plasma spectrometer onboard Cassini detected signatures compatible with the presence of heavy molecules which are precursors for the solid core of the aerosols. This observation evidences the key role of ion chemistry for organic growth. It is now admitted that aerosols are initiated in the ionosphere, where gas and solid aerosols coexist in a fully coupled ionic and neutral chemistry. However the processes coupling ion chemistry and aerosol production are mostly unknown.

Project :

The PhD student will address the issue of the ion chemistry contribution to the organic growth in Titan’s ionosphere, both in the gas phase and in the solid phase.
The work will require an experimental simulation approach, using a plasma reactor simulating the heterogeneous chemistry occurring in Titan’s ionosphere. Ion species will be investigated in-situ by ion mass spectrometry. Neutral products will be complementary studied by infrared absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and GC-MS analysis.

Profile of the applicant :

The PhD candidate must hold a master degree in physics, chemistry or in planetary science and be motivated by the laboratory simulation of planetary atmospheres. The PhD contract will start in September or October 2015.
——————————————————————————————————————-
Applications should be sent before May 30th 2015 to Dr Nathalie Carrasco.
Email : [email protected] / Tel: +00 33 (0)1 80 28 52 72
The application will include a letter of interest, the academic results obtained both in license and master degrees, a CV, and a recommendation letter.
The thesis will be funded by the European Research Council (ERC starting grant PRIMCHEM).

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UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) FUTURE OF PLANETARY RADIO ASTRONOMY WORKSHOP

This is the second announcement of a workshop on the future of planetary radio astronomy with single-dish
telescopes, to be held at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank WV on June 9-10 2015.

Registration is now open!

https://science.nrao.edu/science/meetings/2015/planetary-radio-astronomy-future/registration
Abstract submission is also open!

https://science.nrao.edu/science/meetings/2015/planetary-radio-astronomy-future/abstract-submission

The deadline for registration and abstract submission is April 30 2015.

Radar studies of near-earth asteroids, mapping of planet and lunar surfaces, chemical compositions of
comets, asteroids, and planetary atmospheres, and origins of solar systems, are just some of the exciting
topics currently being studied through the use of large single-dish telescopes. We encourage you to attend
this workshop and present your ideas on how the large single-dish telescopes such as the GBT and Arecibo
can best contribute to future research in these and other topics, including new and improved capabilities and
instrumentation. Attendance will be limited to roughly 30 people, and we aim to provide plenty of time for
discussions. We expect the agenda to evolve as we hear from potential participants. Please forward this
message to anyone that may be interested in attending this workshop, and we hope to see you in Green Bank
in June!

Best regards, Alyson Ford & Frank Ghigo National Radio Astronomy Observatory – Green Bank

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Newsletter 15-15

Issue 15-15, March 31, 2015

+—————————–CONTENTS———————————————–+

REMINDER: CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS
DPS HAS PARTNERED WITH MENTORNET
PLUTO NAMING OPPORTUNITY
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

+——————————————————————————————–+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

REMINDER: CALL FOR DPS 2015 PRIZE NOMINATIONS

DEADLINE APRIL 15, 2015

Every year the DPS recognizes exceptional achievement in our field. It is time to consider nominating
a respected colleague for one of the annual DPS prizes:

The Gerard P. Kuiper Prize honors outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science.

The Harold C. Urey Prize recognizes outstanding achievement in planetary research by a young scientist.

The Harold Masursky Award acknowledges outstanding service to planetary science and exploration.

The Carl Sagan Medal recognizes and honors outstanding communication by an active planetary scientist to
the general public.

The Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award recognizes and stimulates distinguished popular
writing on planetary sciences.

Anyone except current DPS Committee members may submit a nomination. A completed nomination will
be retained and considered by the Prize Subcommittee for three years, or as long as the nominee is eligible,
whichever is less. Past nominees may be re-nominated after the expiration of a prior nomination. A
posthumous nomination is allowed for a limited time after the nominee’s death, except for the Sagan Medal.
For specific details, see the URL noted above.

The deadline for nominations this year is April 15.

The Masursky Award recognizes meritorious service to planetary science. Do you have a colleague whose
efforts made a significant difference in the success of an endeavor you’ve been involved in through
engineering, managerial, programmatic or public service activities? Consider nominating that individual!

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DPS HAS PARTNERED WITH MENTORNET

Members of the planetary science community are invited to participate in the acclaimed e-mentoring program MentorNet. Both mentors and mentees (protégés) can take advantage of this program, which provides a detailed matching algorithm, and guides for getting the most out of a mentoring relationship. This is an opportunity to participate in professional development activities with other DPS members throughout the year. The program is very flexible, mentors and protégés always have options when being paired, and they mutually decide on the frequency of communication during the recommended four month mentoring cycle (with the option to renew or select a new mentor/mentee at the end of the cycle).

We are seeking both mentors and protégés to sign up in spring 2015. At this point in time we particularly need mentors! Anyone can be a mentor or a protégé at any stage of their career. Visit MentorNet.net to create a profile and select “Division for Planetary Sciences” as your affiliation. The required online training takes ~30 minutes, but can be done in sections. This assures that mentors and protégés start off with similar expectations about the mentoring relationship.

Contact Kelsi Singer ([email protected]) or Karly Pitman ([email protected]) from the professional development committee with questions or for more info.

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3 PLUTO NAMING OPPORTUNITY

On July 14, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft will fly past Pluto, and we will map that distant world and its moons for the first time. Working with the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the New Horizons team plans to assign names to the features on the maps of Pluto and its large moon Charon, once we have seen them in sharp detail this summer. At the “Our Pluto” website you can suggest your ideas for names and vote for your favorites. The team will use your best ideas in their proposal to the IAU.

This is an opportunity for the students, teachers and the public to vote on names for the features on Pluto and Charon. The public input will be provided to the IAU, which ultimately determines the official scientific names for astronomical objects.

Press Release:

http://www.seti.org/seti-institute/press-release/public-asked-help-name-features-pluto

Our Pluto website: http://www.ourpluto.org/

Ballot closes April 7, 2015.

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: MSL and MER Missions

Cornell University

content/research-associate-1

Application Due Date: April 30, 2015

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UPCOMING MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS

A) VEXAG MEEETING #12

Thursday, April 9, 2015, Hampton, VA

VEXAG meeting #12 will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the National Institute of Aerospace, just outside NASA’s Langley Research Center. This follows the 2-day Venus Science Priorities for Laboratory Measurements and Instrument Definition Workshop also held at the National Institute of Aerospace.

A preliminary agenda is available at VEXAG Web-Site:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/

Key items for this meeting will be progress reports on NASA Headquarters and VEXAG activities as well as reports on Venus Express, Ataksuki, and other opportunities for international collaboration. Posters on technologies for Venus missions are invited.

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/index.cfm?mtg=vexag2015

Audio conferencing: U.S. Toll-Free 1-844-467-4685; U.S. Local/Toll 1-720-259-7012Pass Code 5813913422 / Conference ID 2771783

WebEx:

To join the meeting (Now from mobile devices!)

1. Go to:

https://nasa.webex.com/mw0307l/mywebex/default.do?service=1&siteurl=nasa&nomenu=true&main_url=%2Fmc0806l%2Fe.do%3Fsiteurl=nasa%26AT=MI%26EventID=228512392%26UID=
1363036817%26Host=9509cb191e731e1803%26FrameSet=2%26MTID=me2b9f49a75405f998a56bdh

2. If requested, enter your name and email address.

3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: C@T123456!

4. Click “Join”.

B) SOFIA OBSERVERS’ WORKSHOP

Registration is still open for the SOFIA Observers’ Workshop;

the registration deadline is April 17.

The workshop agenda is available at:
http://www.sofia.usra.edu/Science/workshops/SOFIA_Workshop_2015/workshop.html

There is now a page within that website with travel information for attendees.

———————————+

Send submissions to:

Anne Verbiscer, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

To unsubscribe visit http://aas.org/unsubscribe or email [email protected].

To change your address email [email protected].

—
Anne J. Verbiscer
Research Associate Professor
Department of Astronomy
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4325

Arizona State UniversityCenter for Meteorite Studies/School of Earth and Space Exploration

Arizona State University
Center for Meteorite Studies/School of Earth and Space Exploration