Newsletter 13-26

Issue 13-26, October 19, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
2) IN MEMORIAM : FEODOR VELICHKO
3) NEW BENEFITS FOR RENEWING AAS MEMBERS
4) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
5) UPCOMING MEETINGS
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome back from the DPS meeting in Denver, welcome back to work for our government colleagues, and welcome all to a new fiscal year, with all its challenges and opportunities.

The DPS meeting in Denver was a great success, and I extend sincere thanks to Fran Bagenal, John Spencer, our AAS facilitators, and all of our colleagues who worked behind (and in front of) the scenes to make it happen. I also want to thank all of you, my colleagues, whose amazing science and other activities underpin the true success of the DPS.

We will face many hurdles in the coming year, not the least of which is the federal funding situation. I will be relying on the DPS Federal Relations Subcommittee, ably headed by Makenzie Lystrup, along with the AAS Director of Public Policy Joel Parriott, to craft a strategy to help us move forward on that front. Stay tuned for more details, and please be prepared to act on behalf of the DPS when asked.

The best thing we all can do in the short term is to stay focused on our science. Do good work. Publish papers. Make missions fly.

The next best thing we all can do is to share our science with our communities (large and small). Please consider taking some small step in the next month to reach out to non-scientist friends, relations, and co-workers. Draft a letter to the local paper. Talk to the local civic group. Volunteer at a school or library. Build connections now. That way, the connecctions will be there if and when we need them later on down the line.

Finally, enjoy participating in the great enterprise that is planetary science. We are very fortunate to be a part of this, and we should embrace that fortune and share it widely. I personally look forward to working with you in the coming months to advance planetary science and share its wonders.

Heidi Hammel
DPS Chair

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IN MEMORIAM : FEODOR VELICHKO

Feodor Velichko, the Leading Researcher of Institute of Astronomy of Kharkiv National University (Ukraine) died suddenly on Oct 1, 2013 in the age of 56. He was an expert in photometry and polarimetry of asteroids and comets and took part in many international observing programs devoted to physical studies of small bodies.

Feodor Velichko’s personal page
http://www.astron.kharkov.ua/staff/Velichko_F/

(transmitted by Irina Belskaya)

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NEW BENEFITS FOR RENEWING AAS MEMBERS

For the first time ever, the Society is offering a two-year membership-renewal option, locking in the 2014 rate for 2015 as well! Also, you’ll receive a 15% discount off your share of the author charges for one paper in any of the AAS journals! Both offers are good through 31 December 2013.

http://aas.org/posts/news/2013/09/new-benefits-renewing-aas-members

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

A) POST-DOC POSITION AT UNIV. COLORADO BOULDER
The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position working with the Imaging UltraViolet Spectrograph (IUVS) team. IUVS is an instrument on board the MAVEN mission (Mars Volatile and Atmosphere EvolutioN), slated for launch in November 2013. Minimum qualification is Ph.D. in Planetary Science or related field. Responsibilities and duties include:
(1) Numerical modeling of the Mars atmosphere, including atmospheric structure, photochemistry, escape and emission spectroscopy; (2) Preparation of automated data processing pipelines and observation plans; (3) Operations support during cruise and on-orbit operations; (4) Analysis of data obtained and publication of scientific results. Please view the online application process at https://www.jobsatcu.com/postings/72504. For more information, please contact Nick Schneider, [email protected].

B) LUNAR AND PLANETARY SCIENCE POSITIONS
Florida Space Institute of the University of Central Florida (UCF),
Orlando, Florida

The Florida Space Institute (http://fsi.ucf.edu/), a multi-
disciplinary center devoted to facilitating and conducting leading
edge basic applied space research, and space education programs in
fields ranging from planetary science to space physics to Earth
science. FSI is now seeking applications for lunar, planetary and
extra-solar research scientist positions.

UCF and FSI have an outstanding group of planetary scientists,
primarily working in small body studies, Mars, and exoplanets, and we
are committed to becoming a premier institution in all aspects of
planetary science and education. See:

http://planets.ucf.edu/

Of particular interest to FSI are Principal Investigators of lunar
planetary science research grants, centers, and mission experiments who
are seeking greater career opportunities and the low cost of living
enjoyed by Floridians.

Review of applications will begin October 31, 2013 and will continue
through December 31, 2013. Applicants should apply on line at:

http://wwww.jobswithucf.com and click on the ‘Search Available
Positions’ option on the top left. Once there, type in position
numbers 42117 (at least 3 years experience), 42554 (at least 5 years
experience), 42542 (at least 10 years experience) to search for these
positions.

C) JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: SSI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Start date: September 2014

Application period: October 2013 through January 2014

Further information:
http://www.spacescience.org

The Space Science Institute (SSI) in Boulder, CO, is seeking a dynamic,
forward-looking individual to lead the organization as Executive
Director. Qualified candidates will have a strong reputation within a
scientific field relevant to the institute (e.g., planetary science,
astrophysics, space physics, or Earth science) and will possess
excellent leadership, managerial, interpersonal, and administrative
skills. The Executive Director will be expected to maintain his/her
own independent research program to help support a dedicated portion
(ideally, no less than 25%) of time/salary. Candidates must have a
Ph.D. and approximately ten years of experience in project management.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, description of current
research/education interests, and contact information for three
references. Inquiries and applications should be sent to:
[email protected]

SSI is a non-profit, public-benefit 501(c)3 corporation and operates
as an Equal Opportunity employer. This job description is general
in nature and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory
of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
More information about SSI can be found at:
http://www.spacescience.org

D) PHD POSITIONS AT THE UNIV. OF AMSTERDAM
The Astronomical Institute Anton Pannekoek (API) at the University of Amsterdam invites applications for ten or more PhD positions in Astronomy and Astrophysics. The positions are open to candidates from all countries and the Institute provides a stimulating, international environment in a city where English is a common language.

University of Amsterdam PhD students are fully-funded for four years and earn competitive salaries. PhD students execute a vigorous research program, under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Positions will be available in all fields of research where the Institute is active, including exoplanets, protoplanetary disks and planet formation, massive stars and their formation, neutron stars and black holes, and cosmic explosions. These positions will also run alongside the PhD program of the GRAPPA (GRavitation and AstroParticle Physics in Amsterdam) centre, in which the API plays a key role (see http://grappa.science.uva.nl/phd/).

Application information and a list of available projects can be found at http://www.astro.uva.nl/jobs/phd-positions-at-the-astronomical-institute…. More positions may be added before the recruitment days in February. It is not necessary for applicants to express a preference for projects, but applicants with interests in specific areas are welcome to note this in the cover letter for their application.

Applications should be submitted via an online form. As well as providing details of at least two referees, applicants will need to upload a curriculum vitae, a transcript of university courses taken and grades obtained, and a cover letter which includes a brief statement of research interests and experience.

Applicants with interests in both API and related GRAPPA topics are encouraged to apply to both programs.

The successful candidates must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) by the starting date. Typically, the starting dates will be in Autumn 2014, but this is negotiable. Applications need to be submitted on or before December 1st, 2013. By mid-December we will invite promising candidates for a presentation and interviews to be held on February 13 and 14, 2014.

E) NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities for
scientists and engineers to conduct research largely of their own
choosing, yet compatible with the research opportunities posted on
the NPP Web site.

Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete
one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s
missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science,
astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human
exploration and space operations, and astrobiology.

A sample research opportunity is:
https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18115

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before
beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree
requirements. U. S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign
nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply.

Stipends start at $53,500 per year, with supplements for high cost-
of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial
assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and
$8,000 per year is provided for professional travel.

Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.

The latest NPP Newsletter:
http://bit.ly/14cNpfH

For further information and to apply, visit:

http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm

Questions: [email protected]

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UPCOMING MEETINGS

A) EXOCLIMES III: THE DIVERSITY OF PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
The deadline for registration to the Exoclimes conference in Davos, Switzerland (9-14 Feb 2014) has been extended to 31 October.

The objective of this conference on planetary atmospheres is to bring together Earth, Solar System and exoplanet atmosphere specialists involved in the nascent field of comparative planetology outside the Solar System. Please see

www.exoclimes.org

for further details.

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Newsletter 13-25

Issue 13-25, October 1, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
2) IN MEMORIAM : GARY B. HANSEN
+———————————————————————+

 

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

IMPACT OF US GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

In case the government shutdown continues and civil servants cannot travel to the DPS meeting, we are issuing the following guidelines:
– Presenters who are affected may ask a colleague to give their presentations.
– We are trying to assess if hotel cancellations will impact our minimum hotel block. If you cancel your reservation at the Sheraton, please email Kim Earle ([email protected])
– We cannot refund registration fees. In exceptional cases, where this would cause personal hardship, we will consider the request after the meeting, once we know our financial status.
– We will still go ahead with Agency Night, on Tuesday next week from 7 :30 to 9 :00 pm, re-arranging the program and speakers if needed.

We sincerely hope that the US government issues will get resolved in the next few days and that our civil servant colleagues will be able to come to Denver.

Rosaly Lopes, DPS Chair

 

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IN MEMORIAM : GARY B. HANSEN (1953-2013)

I have been informed that Dr. Gary B. Hansen passed away late Thursday evening, September 26, from complications of ALS. He died while sitting at his computer, working on some science or technical issue. This was a highly appropriate setting for Gary. Gary was a hard working and very dedicated scientist who contributed to a number of parts of the Planetary Sciences. He loved the work and the science. Working, I am sure, is where he wanted to be (“with his boots on,” so to speak).

Gary B. Hansen was born 12 July 1953 in Denver Colorado. He earned a BS in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology, 1975, an M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1986, and a Ph.D. in Geophysics, 1996, both from the University of Washington. He held a variety of positions throughout his career, starting as an engineer for CBS television in Los Angeles 1976-79, then at the jet Propulsion laboratory, Pasadena CA (Asst. cognizant engineer for the Galileo spacecraft flight computer). At JPL he also performed considerable laboratory work on the properties of CO2 ice, which eventually supported his Ph.D., dissertation. In 1996, he came to work with me at the University of Hawaii as a researcher in my Division of Planetary Geosciences and worked closely with me and my graduate students for six years before I retired from the University and set up my own Institute near Winthrop, Washington. Gary moved to the University of Washington, became a Research Faculty there, but we continued to work on joint projects.

Gary had a long connection with and loved Seattle, and he participated in its music and sports scenes as well as his research. He owned a house there even when he worked at the University of Hawaii. The University of Washington was the natural place for him to be associated and the Department of Earth and Space Science (ESS) found a way to enable this. He felt comfortable there and contributed to several parts of the Department and its research effort, in addition to working on his and our planetary science projects. As his health failed, the ESS provided what assistance and support they could to enable his participation until the end. For this I am sure Gary, as well as those of us who knew Gary, were very appreciative.

Gary’s specialty became radiative transfer, especially in multi scattering media, such as CO2 and H2O ices. This was essential to the study of the outer solar system satellites. When Gary came to work with me in 1996, we were just beginning the observational phase of the Galileo mission and its infrared spectrometer, NIMS. As the spectra rolled in, we had a feast, and we made several important discoveries. This would not have happened without Gary’s deep understanding of the physics behind the signals the spectrometer was receiving. Further, Gary was a wizard at developing calibrations and corrections for this finicky instrument and its idiosyncrasies, and he worked long, hard hours developing credibility for the NIMS data (and later for the VIMS data too).

Gary was an essential component to the growth and development of several graduate students and post doctoral fellows, several of whom are professional scientists in their own right today. They too, I am sure, will join in recognizing our appreciation for Gary’s contributions and his friendship.

Composed by Tom McCord

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]

 

Newsletter 13-24

Issue 13-24, September 27, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
2) 45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS
3) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
4) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

 

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as DPS Chair during the last year. It was challenging but also very rewarding and instructive and I urge others to take the opportunity to serve as officers or committee members. I am very happy to welcome the next DPS Chair, Heidi Hammel, and the next Vice-Chair, Bonnie Buratti, as well as the new committee members. A big thank you to those departing, including former Chair Dan Britt. It was wonderful to work with you.

Planetary science is having tough fiscal times, but we have made some progress. Thank you for your letters and visits to Congress, our message was certainly heard. I also want to thank the efforts of AGU, GSA, and The Planetary Society. Coordinating our efforts makes us stronger and The Planetary Society brings in many thousands of members of the public who are supportive of our science and exploration.

As of now, thanks in part to your efforts over the past year, both the House and the Senate are working towards bills that will provide NASA’s Planetary Science Division with some $100 million more than requested by the Administration for FY14. While this level of budget restoration is deeply appreciated and will help alleviate the damage that the Administration’s budget cuts would inflict, it is insufficient to fully achieve the balanced goals of the Vision and Voyages Decadal Survey. However, we believe that our supporters in Congress intend to restore the planetary budget back to its historic $1.5B in the following year. Our continued united support for the Vision and Voyages Decadal Survey, and for budget restoration to the $1.5B annual level, will help Congress greatly in achieving this outcome.

You may have noticed that DPS has not urged you to write letters recently. This is because we are working closely with the AAS to target our campaigns at the most appropriate times. I am grateful to Joel Parriott from the AAS (who formerly worked at OMB) and Makenzie Lystrup (our new FRS chair and a former staffer) for their guidance and insight into how the US government works.

Thank you to all those of you who visited Congress, particularly the members of the FRS committee and of the young planetary scientists informal group, many of whom came to DC at their own expense and using their vacation time. Your dedication is inspiring.

Keep an eye on messages in the DPS newsletter – when we next ask you to write letters, it means the time is right. Best of luck to Heidi and Bonnie, and see you at the DPS meeting in Denver.

Rosaly Lopes

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45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013 – – a fantastic program of planetary science!
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

From the LOC:
Colorado is getting back to it’s usually dry and sunny weather.
Come enjoy the science and the scenery!

More reminders hereafter

1. Registration (never too late !)
You can still register for the meeting and you can also register at the meeting.
Due to the difficult situation some NASA colleagues are facing this year, we will not reinforce the prior registration policy. Note then that you will be able to also register on site !
Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.
If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

2. Local Travel Information:
Logistics for getting around Denver – lots of good local transport.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-hotel-reservations-and-…

3. Preparing your DPS oral presentation
The demand for oral talks at DPS this year was so high that only 70% of requests could be granted. If you were lucky enough to get an oral talk, here are some tips from the organizing committee for how to make the most of your good fortune:
* 1 slide per minute is a good pace for content-rich slides. Contributed talks should be about 7 minutes long (or about 12 minutes long for PhD talks). Do the math.
* Focus on why you did the work and what you learned. You won’t have time for extensive introductory material, or detailed descriptions of techniques.
* Make sure there’s a “take home” message on the final slide, and leave up your conclusions during questions so the audience can absorb them- don’t replace them with a “Thank You” or “Any Questions?” slide.
* Graphics:
– Simplify! Show only the essential stuff on your graphics
– Label your axes with text large enough to be legible from the back of the room. Don’t label axes with symbols you defined a couple of slides back- spell out whenever possible.
– Don’t use bright green, yellow, or cyan, on a white background. You might be able to see them on your computer screen but they tend to disappear on a projected image.
– Similarly, don’t use blue on a black background

There’s more good advice from Emily Lakdawalla at
http://www.planetary.org/blogs/emily-lakdawalla/2013/04040850-better-con…

See you soon!
John Spencer, Andrew Steffl

4. Panel Discussion on the Future of Education & Public Outreach (E/PO) at the Denver DPS Meeting
You’re invited to attend a lunchtime panel discussion on “The Future of Education & Public Outreach” to be held during the Denver DPS meeting. Massive changes to E/PO have been proposed that impact the way that our work as planetary scientists makes its way to the classrooms and to the general public. The panel discussion will include a review of those plans, their current status, and a discussion on what lies ahead. Panelist include Jim Green, NASA/SMD; Heidi Hammel, incoming DPS chair; Maria Womack, NSF, and other members of the E/PO community to be confirmed. The event will take place on Wednesday, 9 October from 12:30-1:30 in the Governors Square 15 meeting room in the Sheraton. The event will be recorded and made available online after the event for those unable to attend in person.

-Nick Schneider, DPS Education & Public Outreach Officer ([email protected])

5. Banquet
Come to Denver Museum of Nature & Science for the DPS Banquet on Wed. Oct. 9th
Fun evening of good food, music (in planetarium, featuring surprise planetary musician) and a free roam of the Space Odyssey and Gems & Minerals (including spectacular gold from the Colorado hills). No speeches!
Student Ticket: $60
Regular Ticket: $80
Please sign-up for the Banquet using the online registration form. If you have already registered for the meeting but would like to attend the Banquet, please call our Registrar Tracy Beale at 202-328-2010 ext. 106.

6. Student/Post-Doc Reception
Sun. 6 Oct. 2013, 4:30-6:00pm. DPS meetings are great places for students to network among other scientists, to learn about how other scientists encounter scientific problems, and get new ideas. However, there are so many great presentations, talks, events, and information in a short time that the students rarely find time to network among other students and get advice close to their own level. This event will help students meet other students, in particular those who work on similar topics, to discuss their scientific views and general issues, and encourages the students to participate in brain storming conversations and joint projects. Since the post-docs were graduate students not so long ago, their advise and experience is valuable to graduate students, and for that reason this event will include post-docs as well. With these grounds, the goal of the student and post-doc reception is to prepare an icebreaker environment for students and post-docs to get familiar with each other on the first day of the meeting and use the rest of the meeting to enhance those connections and get involved with other activities.
Contact Al Khayat <[email protected]>.

7. Pro-Am Workshop
Thurs. Oct. 10th at 6:00pm. DPS is experimenting with a professional-amateur workshop where professionals present what opportunities are out there for collaborations with NASA missions and amateurs show samples of their observations. Examples: observing Pluto during New Horizons flyby, observing Jupiter’s clouds while Juno flies over the poles, taking images of comet ISON to find time-variability, light-curves of asteroids, follow-up on NEOs, searches for Moon impacts (perhaps related to LADEE), Mars observations during MAVEN, etc, etc, etc). Participants wishing to present (5 mns, 5 slides) send title & description (<200 words) to [email protected]. Organizer: Fran Bagenal, University of Colorado.

8. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

9. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

10. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

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JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job

You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]

 

A) CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ASTROBIOLOGY CHAIR AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Greetings from Washington,

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is now accepting applications for the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology. The deadline is December 1.

Created in collaboration with NASA’s Astrobiology Program, the Astrobiology Chair conducts research into the humanistic and societal implications of astrobiology and the study of life in the universe. As scientific advancements now enable us to assess the possibilities for life in the universe, the implications for our relation to the universe and our conceptions of human life may be profound. Would a universe full of life enhance or detract from the value of life here on earth? The Kluge Center invites scholars and thinkers from the humanities and the sciences to explore the complex societal issues related to how life begins and evolves, and to examine the religious, ethical, legal, cultural and other concerns arising from scientific research on the origin, evolution, and nature of life.

The Astrobiology Chair position is open to scholars in any academic discipline or field–astrobiologists, as well as philosophers, religion scholars, ethicists, historians, scientists and humanists. During the year-long appointment, the Chair lives and works here in Washington, D.C., conducting research and organizing outreach activities to engage the broader academic community and the public. The Chair is provided with an office at The John W. Kluge Center, staff support, and access to the LoC’s unparalleled collections.

The Position: Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology

Who We Want: A leading thinker with distinction in a relevant field (or fields), such as philosophy, religion/theology, ethics, cultural studies, astrobiology, astronomy, planetary science, the history of science, paleontology, Earth and atmospheric sciences, geological sciences, etc.

Where: In the heart of the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building, in the Library’s central position on Capitol Hill, amid a community of scholars, practitioners and policymakers in Washington, D.C.

Apply today, or go online to learn more: http://www.loc.gov/loc/kluge/fellowships/NASA-astrobiology.html. Deadline for applications is December 1. We are hoping that you or members of your community will apply, and that you will share this unique opportunity with your networks via email or social media.

The NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology is a joint project between the NASA Astrobiology Program and The John W. Kluge Center. Learn more at loc.gov/kluge.

All the best,

Jason Steinhauer
Program Specialist
Office of Scholarly Programs
Library of Congress

p: 202.707.0213
f: 202.707.3595
e: [email protected]

Be a scholar at the Library of Congress
Applications are currently being accepted
Visit loc.gov/kluge for eligibility, instructions, and application forms

Take advantage of the rich holdings of the Library of Congress as a scholar-in-residence at The John W. Kluge Center

B) NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities for
scientists and engineers to conduct research largely of their own
choosing, yet compatible with the research opportunities posted on
the NPP Web site.

Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete
one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA’s
missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science,
astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human
exploration and space operations, and astrobiology.

A sample research opportunity is posted at:

https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18421

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before
beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree
requirements. U. S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, and
foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar
may apply.

Stipends start at $53,500 per year, with supplements for high cost-
of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial
assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and
$8,000 per year is provided for professional travel.

Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1,
and November 1.

The latest NPP Newsletter:

http://bit.ly/14cNpfH

For further information and to apply, visit:

http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm

Questions: [email protected]

C) PLANETARY MISSION RESEARCH SCIENTIST JOB OPENING

Astromaterials Research Office, NASA Johnson Space Center

We are pleased to announce a new opening for a civil servant position
within the Astromaterials Research Office (KR). The Incumbent serves
as a Planetary Mission Research Scientist in KR. The Incumbent conducts
fundamental planetary science research, participates in planning and
operations of robotic planetary exploration missions such as those in
the Discovery and/or New Frontiers programs, and provides expertise
on small-sample handling, curation, and analysis to the Astromaterials
Acquisition and Curation Office on an as-needed basis (combining to
90% time). The Incumbent also supports overall Directorate and Center
needs as assigned (10% time). The position is expected to be filled
at the GS-13 level.

Application period: Monday, 23 September 2013 to
Monday, 4 October 2013.

All applications must be completed using the USAJobs.gov website.
The job announcement number to search on is JS13D0035.
The full announcement can be viewed at:

http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/351945100

I will provide upon request the HR-authored guide for compiling
competitive applications in USAJobs.gov; just email me if you’d
like a copy ([email protected]).

[From the PEN : edited for length.]

D) CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR PHD STIPENDS AT THE MAX PLANCK RESEARCH SCHOOL ON ASTROPHYSICS (IMPRS)
Boost your career and do your PhD in one of the largest centers for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Europe! Work with the leading scientists in the field to accelerate your scientific career!!
The International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics (IMPRS) is soliciting applications for its PhD program. Located in the beautiful Munich-Garching area in southern Bavaria (Germany), the school offers a unique environment for graduate students due to the presence of four internationally renowned institutes which form the school:
* The Max Planck Institute for extraterrestrial Physics (MPE)
* The Observatory of the University of Munich (LMU/USM)
* The Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)
* The European Southern Observatory (ESO)
IMPRS offers a highly competitive PhD program, including lectures, seminars and a research project supervised by leading scientists at one of the participating institutions. Course language is English.

Applications for the PhD-program are open to students from all countries. Successful applicants will get a fellowship and we will assist you with all administrative matters. This means “Concentrate on your research — we do the rest!”
For more details see: http://www.imprs-astro.mpg.de/content/application
The closing date for applications for the program starting in September 2014 is November 15, 2013.

For questions please contact the IMPRS admission office
or call us on Skype

With best regards,
Prof. Werner Becker
International Max-Planck Research School on Astrophysics
at the University of Munich I * M * P * R * S
Giessenbachstrasse 1
PO BOX 1312 http://www.imprs-astro.mpg.de/
85741 Garching Phone: +49 89 30000 3650
Germany Fax: +49 89 30000 3655

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) NRAO COMMUNITY EVENT AT THE 45TH DPS MEETING: ENHANCING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM SCIENCE WITH THE BEST RADIO/MM/SUBMM FACILITIES

Monday October 7th, 12-1:30pm, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) cordially invites you to a NRAO Community Event at the 45th DPS meeting. This event is specifically designed for the planetary science community, and in particular for those who do not regularly utilize radio data in their research. If you would like to learn more about the science that is possible with NRAO facilities for Solar System research and the proposal / observations process – this session is for you!

We will provide a brief overview of the NRAO facilities and their instruments followed by broad talks describing the variety of submm, mm and cm observations possible for Solar System bodies by I. de Pater (Berkeley) and M. Kelley (U. Maryland). We will discuss practical information on how to design and optimize proposals, focusing on the recent call for proposals for ALMA Cycle 2 proposals. We will also provide hands-on demonstration of the NRAO proposal tools.

No registration is required to attend the event but we will provide
lunch for those registering early on our website (https://science.nrao.edu/php/nrao-cd-dps/index.php). We strongly encourage early registration on our website so that we can best organize the event and add you to the event e-mail list for further communication.

We look forward to seeing you at the DPS!

The organizers,
Kartik Sheth & Arielle Moullet
Contacts : [email protected]; [email protected]

B) JWST TOWNHALL AT THE DPS 2013 MEETING: OBSERVATIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

When: Thursday, October 10, 2013 12-1pm
Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza ABC
How: Email stefanie.n.milam (at) nasa.gov to register.

NOTE: Northrop Grumman will sponsor a free lunch for pre-registered
attendees only.

Last year we held a workshop to provide the community details about
the current instrument specifications and observing modes for solar
system targets, as well as the observatory constraints such as
brightness limits on planets, moving targets, tracking, and others.
All details can be found online at:
http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science/solar-system

This Town Hall meeting will bring the community up to speed on the
accomplishments and status of the recommendations provided to the
JWST team last year regarding solar system observations and solicits
the community for further input. We will feature a short science
presentation by Andrew Rivkin (JHU/APL).

C) 2013 DPS WOMEN IN PLANETARY SCIENCE LUNCH
Join us for an informal meeting and discussion hour over lunch at the
Division of Planetary Sciences Meeting in Denver, CO. This year’s
overall topic will be leadership. We will have a brief presentation,
but are planning for a very interactive program with lots of time for
discussion among participants. Please feel free to bring any
information/announcements related to women in astronomy and planetary
science to share. Due to the generosity of the DPS committee, we will
be able to provide boxed lunches this year. All are welcome! RSVPs are
requested due to space limitations and for planning the lunch order:

http://bit.ly/WIA_2013

Important: I have just been alerted that the catering order needs to
be placed by Sept. 15th, so please RSVP if you think you might attend,
and please pass this invite and RSVP page on to interested persons!

Sincerely,
Kelsi Singer and the Professional Development Committee of the DPS

D) PDS4 WORKSHOP AT DENVER DPS

The PDS Small Bodies Node is pleased to announce that it will be
offering a hands-on workshop in PDS4 data standards and data set
development at the upcoming DPS meeting in Denver:

Getting Acquainted with PDS4 Standards in Time for Comet ISON

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Date: Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Location: Governer’s Square 17

Observations of Comet ISON destined to be archived in the PDS will
be coming in under the brand-new PDS4 data standards. In this workshop
we will provide a brief intro to the new standards, and then provide
sample files and real-time help getting you set up to work with XML,
schemas, and the new PDS standards. PDS personnel will be on hand to
answer questions and guide you through the process of creating basic
labels for the most common data types. Bring your laptops and a
thumbdrive. Sample data of your own is welcome!

A web page for posting sample data and additional information of
interest is available at:

http://borrelly.astro.umd.edu/wiki/DPS2013_Workshop

No registration is required for this free workshop. For questions or
more information:

Anne Raugh
PDS Small Bodies Node, University of Maryland
[email protected]
(301) 405-6855

E) NASA EXOPAG CONVENES IN CONJUNCTION WITH 45TH DPS MEETING
B. Scott Gaudi, Ohio State Univ.

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group holds its 8th meeting just prior to, and at the same venue as, the upcoming DPS meeting in Denver. ExoPAG meetings offer an opportunity to discuss scientific and technical issues and to provide input to NASA.

http://aas.org/posts/news/2013/08/nasa-exopag-convenes-conjunction-45th-…

F) ROSETTA OBSERVERS WORKSHOP
The European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission will arrive at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in summer, 2014. We are soliciting ground- and spaced based observations of 67P/CG in support of the mission as the spacecraft approaches rendezvous at ~4 AU, into perihelion at 1.24 AU and outward again to beyond 3 AU. Please join us for an Observers Workshop at the DPS meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2013. The planned agenda of talks is as follows:
2:00 p.m. The Rosetta Mission Paul Weissman
2:15 p.m. Comet 67P/CG Stephen Lowry
2:30 p.m. The ESA Observers Program Colin Snodgrass
2:45 p.m. Observers Program for Deep Karen Meech
Impact and EPOXI
3:00 p.m. Amateur Observers Program Elizabeth Warner (read by TBD)
3:15 p.m. Open Discussion
4:00 p.m. Adjourn

Paul Weissman

 

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +331 45077720
[email protected]

 

 

Newsletter 13-23

Issue 13-23, September 17, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) 45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS
2) NOAO PROPOSALS FOR SEMESTER 2014A DUE SOON
3) PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING
4) PLANETARY SPACE SCIENCE SPECIAL ISSUE ON OUTER PLANET SYSTEMS X : CALL FOR PAPERS
5) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
6) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

 

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1

45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013 – – a fantastic program of planetary science!
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

From the LOC:
Yes, Colorado has had a soaking..
The Boulder & Front Range had bad floods – drying out soon, we hope.
But Denver will be dry and sunny by DPS!

More reminders hereafter

1. Registration (never too late !)
You can still register for the meeting and you can also register at the meeting.
If you volunteer for 16 hours you get free registration.
Due to the difficult situation some NASA colleagues are facing this year, we will not reinforce the prior registration policy. Note then that you will be able to also register on site !

2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

3. Calling for volunteers !
The American Astronomical Society and DPS are looking for volunteers to help out at the 45th Meeting of DPS in Denver, CO. We love getting help from undergrads, grads, postdocs, and local amateur astronomers at our meetings: to supervise sessions, help at registration, usher at events, and various other odd (but greatly appreciated) jobs. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with your peers, get up to date on the newest science, and pick up some cool freebies in the Exhibit Hall.
Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.
If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

4. Student/Post-Doc Reception
Sun. 6 Oct. 2013, 4:30-6:00pm. DPS meetings are great places for students to network among other scientists, to learn about how other scientists encounter scientific problems, and get new ideas. However, there are so many great presentations, talks, events, and information in a short time that the students rarely find time to network among other students and get advice close to their own level. This event will help students meet other students, in particular those who work on similar topics, to discuss their scientific views and general issues, and encourages the students to participate in brain storming conversations and joint projects. Since the post-docs were graduate students not so long ago, their advise and experience is valuable to graduate students, and for that reason this event will include post-docs as well. With these grounds, the goal of the student and post-doc reception is to prepare an icebreaker environment for students and post-docs to get familiar with each other on the first day of the meeting and use the rest of the meeting to enhance those connections and get involved with other activities.
Contact Al Khayat <[email protected]>.

5. Pro-Am Workshop
Thurs. Oct. 10th at 6:00pm. DPS is experimenting with a professional-amateur workshop where professionals present what opportunities are out there for collaborations with NASA missions and amateurs show samples of their observations. Examples: observing Pluto during New Horizons flyby, observing Jupiter’s clouds while Juno flies over the poles, taking images of comet ISON to find time-variability, light-curves of asteroids, follow-up on NEOs, searches for Moon impacts (perhaps related to LADEE), Mars observations during MAVEN, etc, etc, etc). Participants wishing to present (5 mins, 5 slides) send title & description (<200 words) to [email protected]. Organizer: Fran Bagenal, University of Colorado.

6. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

7. Banquet :
Come to Denver Museum of Nature & Science for the DPS Banquet on Wed. Oct. 9th
Fun evening of good food, music (in planetarium, featuring surprise planetary musician) and a free roam of the Space Odyssey and Gems & Minerals (including spectacular gold from the Colorado hills). No speeches!
Student Ticket: $60
Regular Ticket: $80
Please sign-up for the Banquet using the online registration form. If you have already registered for the meeting but would like to attend the Banquet, please call our Registrar Tracy Beale at 202-328-2010 ext. 106.

8. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

9. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2

NOAO PROPOSALS FOR SEMESTER 2014A DUE SOON
Mia Hartman, NOAO

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory invites observing proposals for the period 1 February – 31 July 2014. Time is available on telescopes at Kitt Peak, Cerro Tololo, Mauna Kea, and other observatories. Deadline: 26 September 2013.

http://aas.org/posts/opportunity/2013/09/noao-call-proposals-2014a-due-soon

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3

PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, October 1, 2013, 8:30AM-4:30PM Eastern
Wednesday, October 2, 2013, 8:30AM-3:30PM Eastern

NASA Headquarters, Room 9H40
Washington DC

Agenda:
— Planetary Science Division Update
— Mars Exploration Program Update
— Government Performance and Results Act Presentation and Scoring
— Assessment Group Updates

Webex:
https://nasa.webex.com/

To participate by telecon:
800-857-7040, pass code PSS

The meeting number on October 1 is 997 670 187, password PSS@Oct1;
the meeting number on October 2 is 990 912 672, password PSS@Oct2.

For further information, go to:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/09/12/2013-22219
/nasa-advisory-council-science-committee-planetary-science
-subcommittee-meeting

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4

PLANETARY SPACE SCIENCE SPECIAL ISSUE ON OUTER PLANET SYSTEMS X : CALL FOR PAPERS

We invite colleagues who have recently given a presentation or plan to give one concerning outer planets and their systems at one of the 2013 Planetary meetings (EGU, EPSC, AOGS, etc), to submit a paper in a new special issue of Planetary and Space Science on the subject of the sessions : “Atmospheres, Magnetospheres and Surfaces of the outer planets, their satellites and ring systems: Part X”.

All papers presented in these meetings (solicited, contributed, oral and posters) and concerning results on the outer planets and their systems, as well as laboratory or modelling work for the analysis of such data, are welcome to an article in this issue of PSS. In addition, we invite papers from presentations related to and white papers submitted in response to ESA’s L2-L3 call for science themes, and related workshops, like the upcoming Uranus one in Paris-Meudon Observatory.

The Elsevier Editorial System is now ready for article submission.

Instructions for submission:
• The submission website for this journal is located at: http://ees.elsevier.com/pss/default.asp

• To ensure that all manuscripts are correctly identified for inclusion into the special issue you are editing, it is important that authors select Outer Planets X when they reach the “Article Type” step in the submission process.

The usual refereeing process is applied for publication in PSS. The deadline for submission of the manuscripts for this issue will be mid December 2013.

AS A FIRST STEP WE ASK FOR AN INDICATION OF INTEREST FROM THE AUTHORS SO AS TO KNOW HOW MANY PAPERS MIGHT BE EXPECTED, PREFERABLY BY END OF SEPTEMBER 2013 OR BEFORE. SEND AN E-MAIL TO THE EDITORS HEREAFTER.

The Editors:
Athena Coustenis ([email protected])
Sushil Atreya ([email protected])
Julie Castillo ([email protected])
Patrice Coll ([email protected])
Ingo Müller-Wodarg ([email protected])
Linda Spilker ([email protected])

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5

JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job

You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]

A) CPS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN PLANETARY/EXOPLANET SCIENCE
The Centre for Planetary Sciences (CPS) at the University of Toronto
is a centre for the study of all planets, near and far. The CPS
expects to offer several postdoctoral fellowships of up to three years.
The starting date will be September 1, 2014. Salaries and funds for
travel/research expenses will be competitive. A Ph.D. in any field of
earth and planetary sciences or astrophysics is required. Fellows are
expected to carry out original research in observational or
theoretical planetary/exoplanet science under the general supervision
of the permanent CPS-affiliated faculty, from several relevant
departments at UofT. We only accept electronic submissions (via email
at [email protected]). Applicants will be asked to submit a
curriculum vitae, statement of research interests (3 pages) and
arrange for three letters of recommendation. The deadline for
applications and all letters of recommendation is December 1, 2013.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within
its community and especially welcomes applications from visible
minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with
disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may
contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

B) CALTECH JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant professor , tenure track, at Caltech in any area of interest
to the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. This includes
all aspects of planetary science. Open until filled. Exceptionally
well-qualified candidates may also be considered at the tenured
professor level. For details go to:

https://applications.caltech.edu/job/gps

C) DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO – TWO TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITIONS
Applications are invited for:
Assistant or Associate Professor of Near-Surface Geophysics or Hydrogeophysics. We seek a scholar who applies geophysical techniques to solve hydrogeologic problems. Researchers interested in developing novel approaches to characterize hydrogeologic processes and/or
properties and/or by combining data from multiple tools are of particular interest.

Assistant Professor of Volcanology. Preference given to candidates with a background and interest in geophysical approaches to understanding and anticipating volcanic eruptions, and associated hazard assessment and mitigation strategies.

Successful candidates will: 1) join the department’s environmental and volcanology groups that maintain interdisciplinary collaborations, and may interact with UB’s Center for Geohazards Studies; 2) develop and maintain extramurally funded research programs; 3) demonstrate commitment to teaching and will instruct undergraduate and graduate- level courses. Service to the discipline, department and/or university is expected. A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment.

Applications must be submitted through the UB Jobs website;
-Near-Surface Geophysics (posting #1300569):
https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=56486

-Volcanology (posting #1300570):
https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=56487

Application reviews begin on Oct. 1, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. Send inquiries to [email protected]. The University at Buffalo is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer (AA/EOE).

D) RESEARCH ASSOCIATE IN PLANETARY RING STUDIES
We invite applications for a position as a Research Associate at
Cornell University. This will support investigations into planetary
ring processes, in particular the planning and analysis of imaging
(ISS) and infrared (VIMS) observations obtained by the Cassini mission
now orbiting Saturn. Our specific interests lie in structural and
dynamical processes of Saturn’s rings, including its main and faint
rings and small satellites. Candidates must have a PhD in the physical
sciences (planetary science, astronomy, physics, geophysics, or
related fields).

The initial appointment is for one year, but the appointment is
renewable for at least an additional year. Review of applications has
begun, but we will accept applications until September 30. The expected
start date is later in fall 2013, but is negotiable.

Applicants should submit a resume, a one-page statement of research
experience and interests, and names of three potential references to
Lynda Sovocool ([email protected]), Human Resource Manager, 106 Space
Sciences Bldg., Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853.

Cornell University is an EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer.

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6

UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) NRAO COMMUNITY EVENT AT THE 45TH DPS MEETING: ENHANCING YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM SCIENCE WITH THE BEST RADIO/MM/SUBMM FACILITIES

Monday October 7th, 12-1:30pm, Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) cordially invites you to a NRAO Community Event at the 45th DPS meeting. This event is specifically designed for the planetary science community, and in particular for those who do not regularly utilize radio data in their research. If you would like to learn more about the science that is possible with NRAO facilities for Solar System research and the proposal / observations process – this session is for you!

We will provide a brief overview of the NRAO facilities and their instruments followed by broad talks describing the variety of submm, mm and cm observations possible for Solar System bodies by I. de Pater (Berkeley) and M. Kelley (U. Maryland). We will discuss practical information on how to design and optimize proposals, focusing on the recent call for proposals for ALMA Cycle 2 proposals. We will also provide hands-on demonstration of the NRAO proposal tools.

No registration is required to attend the event but we will provide
lunch for those registering early on our website (https://science.nrao.edu/php/nrao-cd-dps/index.php). We strongly encourage early registration on our website so that we can best organize the event and add you to the event e-mail list for further communication.

We look forward to seeing you at the DPS!

The organizers,
Kartik Sheth & Arielle Moullet
Contacts : [email protected]; [email protected]

B) JWST TOWNHALL AT THE DPS 2013 MEETING: OBSERVATIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

When: Thursday, October 10, 2013 12-1pm
Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza ABC
How: Email stefanie.n.milam (at) nasa.gov to register.

NOTE: Northrop Grumman will sponsor a free lunch for pre-registered
attendees only.

Last year we held a workshop to provide the community details about
the current instrument specifications and observing modes for solar
system targets, as well as the observatory constraints such as
brightness limits on planets, moving targets, tracking, and others.
All details can be found online at:
http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science/solar-system

This Town Hall meeting will bring the community up to speed on the
accomplishments and status of the recommendations provided to the
JWST team last year regarding solar system observations and solicits
the community for further input. We will feature a short science
presentation by Andrew Rivkin (JHU/APL).

C) 2013 DPS WOMEN IN PLANETARY SCIENCE LUNCH
Join us for an informal meeting and discussion hour over lunch at the
Division of Planetary Sciences Meeting in Denver, CO. This year’s
overall topic will be leadership. We will have a brief presentation,
but are planning for a very interactive program with lots of time for
discussion among participants. Please feel free to bring any
information/announcements related to women in astronomy and planetary
science to share. Due to the generosity of the DPS committee, we will
be able to provide boxed lunches this year. All are welcome! RSVPs are
requested due to space limitations and for planning the lunch order:

http://bit.ly/WIA_2013

Important: I have just been alerted that the catering order needs to
be placed by Sept. 15th, so please RSVP if you think you might attend,
and please pass this invite and RSVP page on to interested persons!

Sincerely,
Kelsi Singer and the Professional Development Committee of the DPS

D) NASA EXOPAG CONVENES IN CONJUNCTION WITH 45TH DPS MEETING
B. Scott Gaudi, Ohio State Univ.

NASA’s Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group holds its 8th meeting just prior to, and at the same venue as, the upcoming DPS meeting in Denver. ExoPAG meetings offer an opportunity to discuss scientific and technical issues and to provide input to NASA.

http://aas.org/posts/news/2013/08/nasa-exopag-convenes-conjunction-45th-…

E) 40TH SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPACE RESEARCH (COSPAR) AND ASSOCIATED EVENTS “COSPAR 2014”
Date: 2 – 10 August 2014
Place: Moscow, Russia

Contact:
COSPAR Secretariat, c/o CNES, 2 place Maurice Quentin, 75039 Paris Cedex 01, France
Tel: +33 1 44 76 75 10
Fax: +33 1 44 76 74 37
[email protected]
http://www.cospar-assembly.org or http://cospar2014moscow.com/

Scientific Program Chair:
Prof. Mikhail Panasyuk, Moscow State University

Abstract Deadline: 14 February 2014

Topics:
119 meetings covering the fields of COSPAR Scientific Commissions (SC) and Panels (full list available at http://www.cospar-assembly.org):

– SC A: The Earth’s Surface, Meteorology and Climate
– SC B: The Earth-Moon System, Planets, and Small Bodies of the Solar System
– SC C: The Upper Atmospheres of the Earth and Planets Including Reference Atmospheres
– SC D: Space Plasmas in the Solar System, Including Planetary Magnetospheres
– SC E: Research in Astrophysics from Space
– SC F: Life Sciences as Related to Space
– SC G: Materials Sciences in Space
– SC H: Fundamental Physics in Space
– Panel on Satellite Dynamics (PSD)
– Panel on Scientific Ballooning (PSB)
– Panel on Potentially Environmentally Detrimental Activities in Space (PEDAS)
– Panel on Radiation Belt Environment Modelling (PRBEM)
– Panel on Space Weather (PSW)
– Panel on Planetary Protection (PPP)
– Panel on Capacity Building (PCB)
– Panel on Education (PE)
– Panel on Exploration (PEX)
– Special events: Interdisciplinary lectures, space agency round table, etc.

Selected papers published in Advances in Space Research and Life Sciences in Space Research, fully refereed journals with no deadlines open to all submissions in relevant fields.

F) EXOCLIMES III: THE DIVERSITY OF PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
We are pleased to invite you to the Third Exoclimes Conference on the
diversity of planetary atmospheres, from Earth to exoplanets. This
international meeting will take place in Davos, Switzerland, on
9-14 February 2014.

The objective of the meeting is to bring together Earth, Solar System
and Exoplanet specialists to discuss recent results and the way ahead.
It follows on two successful previous editions, in Exeter in 2010 and
Aspen in 2012. Review talks cover topics from Earth’s paleo-climates
to Jupiter and Titan, to the atmosphere of exoplanets and cool brown
dwarfs, and focus on comparative planetology with a wide perspective.

More information is available at:

http://www.exoclimes.org

 

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

 

Newsletter 13-22

Issue 13-22, September 3, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) IN MEMORIAM: BISHUN N. KHARE (1933 – 2013)
2) IN MEMORIAM: BRUCE MURRAY (1931-2013)
3) IN MEMORIAM : MICHAEL J. WARGO (1951-2013)
4) 45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS
5) MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM (ROUND VIII) –
COMET SIDING SPRING MODELING
6) CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY (IRTF)
7) OBSERVING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT NEW HORIZONS MISSION TO PLUTO
8) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
9) LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECENT PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY
10) 2014 NASA ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN
11) APPLICATION FOR THE GSA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION’S EUGENE M. SHOEMAKER IMPACT CRATERING AWARD
12) AURORAL PLANETARY IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY (APIS) SERVICE
13) SPECIAL ISSUE OF ICARUS : RESULTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY OPERATIONS
14) JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES
15) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
IN MEMORIAM : BISHUN N. KHARE (1933 – 2013)

Our colleague and friend Bishun Khare died quietly on August 20 at the age of 80. Bishun is widely known for his early work on organic solid residues (tholins) related to the aerosols in planetary atmospheres and the interstellar medium, performed for many years at Cornell University in collaboration with Carl Sagan. Their 1984 paper gave the optical constants of Titan tholin from the X-ray to microwave region, and has served as a fundamental input to modeling work that included planetary surfaces in addition to atmospheric aerosols. That key paper has received well over 300 citations, and has stimulated much additional research on tholins, both in the US and in Europe. In 1996, Bishun moved from Cornell to NASA Ames Research Center on a Senior National Research Council fellowship, and subsequently joined the SETI Institute. He continued his research on many topics in his Ames lab, and mentored a great number of students, including supervising the thesis work of graduate students. Bishun was a patient, kind, and sharing individual, who loved to talk about science, especially the organic materials in Nature and those he could synthesize in his lab.

Composed by D. Cruikshank

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
IN MEMORIAM: BRUCE MURRAY (1931-2013)

Bruce Murray, former JPL Director, co-founder of the Planetary Society, and Caltech Emeritus Professor passed away on August 29.
In the words of JPL’s Director Charles Elachi “Bruce was JPL’s fifth Director, serving from 1976 to 1982, but his association with JPL goes back much further. He was a Caltech geologist and a key member of the Mariner 4 Imaging team that captured the first close up image of Mars in 1964. It was only the first of four planetary missions in which he played a vital role as a scientist.
Shortly after Bruce became Director, JPL was the scene for mission operations for the landings of Viking 1 and 2 on Mars. The following year Voyager 1 and 2 were launched, and Bruce led the lab through the Voyagers’ encounters at Jupiter and Saturn. He worked tirelessly to save our nation’s planetary exploration capability at a tumultuous time when there was serious talk of curtailing future missions. Along with Carl Sagan and Lou Friedman, he founded The Planetary Society. Long after returning to Caltech as a professor, he continued to be a strong voice in expressing the importance of space exploration.”

Obituaries have been posted in various websites, including The Planetary Society and the Los Angeles Times.

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
IN MEMORIAM : MICHAEL J. WARGO (1951-2013)

It is with great sadness that we note the unexpected passing of
Mike Wargo, Chief Exploration Scientist for NASA’s Human Exploration
and Operations Mission Directorate (HEOMD). Mike was a leading
contributor to NASA’s human lunar and planetary exploration program.
He was involved in many lunar missions, including Lunar Reconnaissance
Orbiter and the LCROSS satellite. In his nearly two decades at NASA,
he received numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service
Medal and seven group achievement awards. He worked tirelessly to
integrate science community input into human exploration planning as
the primary interface with NASA’s Mars, Lunar, and Small Bodies
Assessment Groups. His openness, enthusiasm and energy will be sorely
missed. More extensive memoria may be found at:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/features/wargo/

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes
/obituary.aspx?pid=166329664#fbLoggedOut

NASA is asking the International Astronomical Union to name a crater on
the moon in his honor “so his name will be forever enshrined in the
heavens.” Gifts may be made to MIT in memory of Michael Wargo for the
Department of Materials Science Endowed Fellowship Fund by contacting
Bonny Kellerman, [email protected] or at 617-253-9722.

[From the PEN]

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS AND GRANTS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

1. Registration (last chance for regular !)
Regular Registration: 24 July – 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September – 19 September 2013

2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

3. Prizes, members meeting
Please attend our Prizes and Members meeting (all in Plaza A) :
– (109) Monday, 7 Oct., 1:30pm-2:20pm: Welcome; Kuiper Prize Lecture: Small is NOT Dull: Unraveling the Complexity of Surface Processes on Asteroids, Comets and Small Satellites, J. Veverka
– (119 ) Monday, 7 Oct., 7:30pm-8:30pm: Sagan Medal Public Talk: Near-Earth Objects: Finding Them Before They Find Us, Don Yeomans
– (203 )Tuesday, 8 Oct., 10:30-12:00 : Members Meeting
– (212 ) Tuesday, 8 Oct., 7:30pm-9:00pm : Agency Night
– (306 ) Wednesday, 9 Oct., 1:30pm-2:20pm: Sagan Medal (D. Yeomans); Urey Prize Lecture: From Pebbles to Planets, A. Johansen
– (409 ) Thursday, 10 Oct., 1:30pm-1:45pm: Masursky Award (R. Greeley); Eberhart Award (R. Kerr)

4. Late Abstract Deadline Reminder
If you are still waiting on research results, or if you just forgot to submit your abstract before the regular deadline, you are in luck! There are 6 more days to submit a late abstract for a poster session. Visit the following webpage for additional information: aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-abstract-and-presentation-information

5. Hartmann Travel Grants for Denver 2013

We are pleased to announce that there were 11 winners of the Hartmann student travel awards for the DPS 2013 Denver meeting. We look forward to seeing these students in Denver, and we will introduce them at the DPS Business Meeting on Tuesday at 10:30 in Plaza A.
The DPS encourages all DPS members to make a contribution to the Hartmann Travel fund (see donation info at meetings/travel_grant). We sincerely thank all the DPS members who have already contributed.

Heidi B. Hammel
DPS Vice Chair

6. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

7. Banquet :
Come to Denver Museum of Nature & Science for the DPS Banquet on Wed. Oct. 9th
Fun evening of good food, music (in planetarium, featuring surprise planetary musician) and a free roam of the Space Odyssey and Gems & Minerals (including spectacular gold from the Colorado hills). No speeches!
Student Ticket: $60
Regular Ticket: $80
Please sign-up for the Banquet using the online registration form. If you have already registered for the meeting but would like to attend the Banquet, please call our Registrar Tracy Beale at 202-328-2010 ext. 106. Banquet tickets are limited.

8. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

9. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5
MARS CRITICAL DATA PRODUCTS PROGRAM (ROUND VIII) –
COMET SIDING SPRING MODELING

The Mars Exploration Program has issued, in August 2013, a Request for Proposal for round VIII of the Mars Critical Data Products program. This RFP provides support of the modeling the dust and particle environment of Comet 2013 A1 (Siding Spring) during its encounter with Mars in October 2014. The intent is to provide data products useful for risk assessment and mitigation strategy development for the Mars orbiter missions, due to possible impacts from dust and ion tail particles as this comet encounters Mars. Proposals are due on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

Details of the RFPs are posted at: https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/RFP/MJ-2692-072413/default.htm or https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/bizops/.

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6
CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE NASA INFRARED TELESCOPE FACILITY (IRTF)

DEADLINE: 01 October 2013

NASA Infrared Telescope Facility Observing Proposals. The due date for the 2014A semester (February 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014) is Tuesday, October 1, 2013. See our online submission form. Information on available facility and visitor instruments can be found at: http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/Facility/. Observing on-site or remote observing is available with NSFCAM and CSHELL. NSFCAM has been upgraded with a new array and controller; please see the instrument webpage for more information, including performance.

Important notice: SpeX will not be available for semester 2014A. SpeX is being upgraded with new arrays and array controllers. We plan to recommission SpeX in time for Semester 2014B. As a consequence we plan to accommodate key projects requiring large amounts of observing time using CSHELL, NSFCAM, and visitor instruments during semester 2014A.

For good photometry NSFCAM requires flatfielding with twilight sky observations. Please include the time required for this in your observing request.

The C/2012 S1 (ISON) observing campaign will not be extended into semester 2014A. However we would like to continue archiving any additional comet ISON data on a voluntary basis. Information on comet ISON can be found at:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/12111886/additional_information_for_comet_ISON.pdf

To keep our bibliography up to date and to ensure future funding of the IRTF: please check for your latest publications at:
http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/biblio/Refereed.html

http://irtfweb.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/biblio/Non_Refereed.html

Send any missing references to William Walters ([email protected]).

We appreciate an acknowledgement in your papers to the IRTF and the instrument used.

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7
OBSERVING CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT NEW HORIZONS MISSION TO PLUTO

The July 2015 New Horizons encounter with Pluto presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to directly link our Earth-based view of the Pluto system with ‘ground truth’ provided by in situ measurements. With the encouragement of Dr. James L. Green, Director of Planetary Science, NASA Headquarters, a call for observations is being made in support of the New Horizons mission. Observers throughout the international community are invited to participate. The goal of the observing campaign is to establish an extensive Earth-based measurement context for the state of the Pluto system at the time of the flyby, including evolving trends in the system for at least one year prior- and post-flyby. Further details on the campaign are available here:

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/nh-support-obs/

Please register your interest by sending an email to:
nhobs “at” boulder.swri.edu
In addition, informal workshops (information sessions) are being planned during the European Planetary Science Conference (EPSC) in London 8-13 September and during the Division for Planetary Sciences Meeting (DPS) in Denver 6-11 October. The DPS workshop will be on Tuesday, 8 October at 12:00noon-1:00pm in the Plaza Ballroom E at the Sheraton Denver Downtown.

8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION REGARDING EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS

NASA released a Centennial Challenge for Extreme Environments Request
for Information (RFI) soliciting feedback as it considers a challenge
to foster technology maturation for subsystems operating in extreme
environments, such as the surface of Venus. The challenge under
consideration is a phased series of demonstrations focused on
electronics/mechanisms, thermal management, power, and eventually a
simple system/probe. The purposes of this RFI are: (1) gather feedback
on the competition, (2) determine the level of interest in competing
and, (3) understand the applicability to terrestrial applications.

A NASA challenge to draw out creative and innovative solutions to our
technology problems is an exciting opportunity for the planetary
community. This challenge may be another way to leverage scarce
resources to eventually allow scientists to “probe” the more difficult
destinations in our solar system.

The planetary science and the technology and engineering communities
are encouraged to respond to the RFI and provide inputs by September
10, 2013. Details of the Challenge conditions and prize award can be
found at:

http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=157076

 

9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9
LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECENT PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OPPORTUNITY

The New Frontiers 2009 AO, the Discovery 2010 AO, and the Jupiter Icy
Moon Explorer (JUICE) Instrument AO contained new features such as
incentives for the use of specific, NASA-developed technologies,
extended reserve requirements and concurrent evaluations by
international partners.

In anticipation of the next AOs for the Discovery and New Frontiers
Programs, NASA seeks information from the scientific and mission
management community on perceptions of the distinctive features of the
three recent AOs. This information may be used as the basis for
further dialogue via a subsequent, virtual, town-hall style meeting.

Responses are required as PDF documents, not exceeding five pages,
uploaded through NASA’s NSPIRES system. Each response shall address a
single issue, identified by the respondent, that may be common to all
of the AOs, some of them, or relevant to only one of them. There is no
limit on the number of responses that an individual or institution may
submit.

Responses are due by October 15, 2013. For instructions, go to:
http://nspires.nasaprs.com

Select “Solicitations,” then “Open Solicitations,” and NNH13ZDA014L.

Questions should be addressed to:
Dr. Michael New
202-358-1766
[email protected]

[Edited for length from the PEN]

 

10———10———10———10———10———10———10———10———10
2014 NASA ASTROBIOLOGY STRATEGIC PLAN

The NASA Astrobiology Program is presently engaged in creating a 2014 Strategic Plan. To ensure that it is aspirational, inspirational, and inclusive of the diversity of the astrobiology community, the Astrobiology Program engaged the services of an innovation consulting firm, KnowInnovation (http://knowinnovation.com/). The Strategic Plan enterprise was launched on May 6th with the first in a series of five hour-long webinars, each broadly focused on a topic connected to the 2008 NASA Astrobiology Roadmap but aimed at astrobiology’s future (https://astrobiologyfuture.org/). Following each of these NASA PI-led webinars, over 500 members of the astrobiology community engaged in a spirited, week long, on-line debate that produced a rich record of controversy and critical knowledge gaps.
The second stage of Strategic Plan-making was launched the week of June 17th. Under the auspices of the National Research Council, 60 scientists gathered for four days at the Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA. The goal of the gathering was to build, by brainstorming, argument, and consensus, a collection of working documents, each focused on a broad research theme that could be easily explained and justified, then broken down into set of sub-questions, any one or combination of which would provoke further community input, or even stimulate a specific research project.
The output of the June face-to-face Strategic Plan enterprise was 21 working documents that encompassed research themes as diverse as:
• How did bio-relevant elements evolve into molecules?
• How can we best overcome our ignorance about microbial life on Earth?
• How would we find and identify an inhabited planet?
• How can we enhance the utility of biosignatures as a tool to search for life in the Solar System & beyond?
The next steps in the creation of the new Strategic Plan will move the process back on-line. Starting in September, the 21 working documents will be published on the astrobiologyfuture.org website and the astrobiology community will be invited to review them. One webinar will be held for each document, after which community members will be allowed to provide comments. Community members will also be able to add documents if a compelling case can be articulated for the existence of a gap in the existing documents.

In the January-to-February 2014 timeframe, the authors of the working documents will gather, either physically or virtually, to incorporate the community’s comments. A face-to-face integration workshop will be held in late February to create a first draft of the Strategic Plan. This draft will be reviewed by the Planetary Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council and, possibly, an ad hoc committee of the National Research Council. Following the consideration of comments arising from these reviews, a final draft will be published in April 2014.
A more detailed summary of the face-to-face workshop can be found here: https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap/2014-astrobiology-strategic-plan/.
In conclusion, this is your community and NASA wants your input. Be part of this exciting process and make your voice heard!
Michael H. New, PhD

Astrobiology Discipline Scientist
Lead Discovery Program Scientist

Planetary Science Division
NASA Headquarters
Email: [email protected]

Washington, DC 20546
Office: 3-X-78

 

11———11———11———11———11———11———11———11———11
APPLICATION FOR THE GSA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION’S EUGENE M. SHOEMAKER IMPACT CRATERING AWARD

Applications for the GSA Planetary Science Division’s Eugene M.
Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award are due September 11, 2013.

The Eugene M. Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award is for undergraduate or
graduate students, of any nationality, working in any country, in the
disciplines of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, astronomy, or
biology. The award, which will include $2500, is to be applied for the
study of impact craters, either on Earth or on the other solid bodies
in the solar system. Areas of study may include but shall not
necessarily be limited to impact cratering processes; the bodies
(asteroidal or cometary) that make the impacts; or the geological,
chemical, or biological results of impact cratering. Details about the
award as well as an application form for interested students can be
found at:

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/science/kring/Awards/Shoemaker_Award/

 

12———12———12———12———12———12———12———12———12
AURORAL PLANETARY IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY (APIS) SERVICE

Dear all,

The APIS service (for Auroral Planetary Imaging and Spectroscopy) was
officially opened at the occasion of the Magnetospheres of Outer
Planets meeting, Athens, 8-12 July 2013. It is now accessible at the
address:
http://lesia.obspm.fr/apis/

with the support of the Virtual Observatory of Paris.

It consists of a database of all HST Far-UV spectro-imaging
observations of the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus)
acquired by the STIS and ACS instruments from 1997 up to now
(which makes ~5000 individual images and spectra), declined under
various types of high level data (e.g. cylindrical/polar projections).
The data are available in different formats (jpg, pdf, fits) and
can be browsed and sorted out with a dedicated search interface.
Interactive tools (Aladin, Specview) also enable the user to
directly work on images and spectra online.

Please let us know if you have any question, comment or suggestion.

On behalf of the APIS team,
Laurent Lamy

13———13———13———13———13———13———13———13———13
SPECIAL ISSUE OF ICARUS : RESULTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY OPERATIONS

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover has completed its first Earth year of operations, revealing a diversity of rock and soil types, including an ancient streambed, unusual igneous rocks, mudstones, mineral veins, and hydrated surface and subsurface materials. The elemental composition and mineralogy of the first drilled samples suggest conditions that could have been capable of supporting life. Now that initial operations and testing of the rover capabilities have been completed in the Yellowknife Bay area, the rover has begun its traverse towards the entrance to Mt. Sharp. As such, it is timely to coordinate results from MSL’s first year of operations into a journal special issue, submitted to Icarus by October 1, 2013.

This special issue is for papers that:
• Include observations and analyses of MSL data related to atmospheric science, geologic and geomorphologic studies, surface properties, radiation environment, and mineralogy and geochemistry of the surface and subsurface materials analyzed by Curiosity
• Incorporate additional orbital data sets of the Curiosity landing site region

Author guidelines for preparation of manuscript can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505620/auth…

Please contact the editorial office at [email protected] with any questions.

 

14———14———14———14———14———14———14———14———14
JOBS/POSITIONS OPPORTUNITIES

For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job

You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]

A) ISSI POST-DOCTORAL POSITIONS
The International Space Science Institute invites applications for Two Post-Doctoral Positions for a two-year period starting in January 2014 or by agreement. One of the two positions is in Space Sciences, the other is in Earth Sciences. The successful candidates should have received a Ph.D. within the last five years in a field relating to either Space or Earth Sciences in general. All applications must be received by ISSI no later than October 31st, 2013.

For more information, please read the attached job description or click on the link below:

http://www.issibern.ch/spotlight/PostDoc13.pdf

B) POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW, GEOPHYSICAL INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS

The Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, is seeking a geoscientist to develop expertise for stereo photogrammetry with a range of Alaska and planetary data sets. The scientist will then use some of those data sets to conduct analyses of terrestrial and planetary volcanic and impact-melt features. Position is funded for three years, and it is common for postdocs to transition to permanent faculty positions at UAF. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field (successful dissertation defense in Fall semester, 2013, is acceptable). Experience in fluid mechanics, photogeology, volcanology, impact cratering mechanics, stereo photogrammetry, and using SOCET SET software are desired, but not required, job skills. See the YouTube recruiting video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BYleBbjjHc

Further inquiries can be directed to Robert Herrick
([email protected]).

Apply for position at:
http://www.uakjobs.com, posting 0067258

Review of applications will begin September 23, 2013, and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

C) AMES RESEARCH CENTER JOB ANNOUNCEMENT AR13B0014, RESEARCH SPACE SCIENTIST, AST, PLANETARY STUDIES, GS-1330-12/13

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/349635800

NASA, the world’s leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands.

The Exobiology Branch (Code SSX) at NASA Ames Research Center is currently seeking interested applicants for the position of Research Space Scientist. The incumbent is responsible for conducting microbiological and/or geologic research to identify biosignatures that characterize past/present life in environments related to astrobiology.
He/she studies the origin, composition, structure, and evolution of the solar system, including planets and satellites; the Earth and Moon; and meteorites, asteroids, comets and dust. As a Research Space Scientist, the incumbent is responsible for conducting research involving modern field samples, ancient terrestrial rocks, meteorites, extraterrestrial materials, ices, Mars analog rocks, and returned data from spaceflight missions. He/she conducts research that emphasizes on the elucidation and characterization of modern, ancient, or extraterrestrial habitable zones and mineral biosignature. This includes the evaluation of preservation potential related to biosignatures; primary/secondary mineral phases associated with habitable zones; and the development of databases, microbial specimens, and geological collections for planetary studies and spacecraft missions.

D) JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS AT NASA’S GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project at NASA’s Goddard Space
Flight Center (GSFC) invites applications through the NASA
Postdoctoral Program (NPP) to carry out postdoctoral research in
astrophysics, astronomical instrumentation or planetary science. The
applicant will work directly with one of the JWST Project Scientists
and will be resident at GSFC. The science objectives of JWST include
the initial formation of galaxies in the early Universe, galaxy
evolution including active galactic nuclei (AGN), star and planetary
system formation, exoplanets and Solar System objects. Research
relevant to JWST’s science goals could include theoretical studies or
be based on observations taken with current space-based or ground-
based facilities. See the AAS job register for details at:

http://jobregister.aas.org/node/45506

E) UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

Assistant Professor in Planetary Sciences

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of
California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a position in
planetary sciences, at the Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level.
Applicants’ research should focus primarily on processes and bodies
in this solar system (other than Earth). We have a preference for
candidates concentrating on research areas that include, but are not
restricted to: planetary atmospheres; planetary surface processes;
cosmochemistry; impact processes; and orbital dynamics. We also
welcome qualified applicants whose technical expertise will build
upon or complement our existing strength in areas such as planetary
interiors and fluid dynamics.

Apply at https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00057

Refer to Position #JPF00057-14 in all correspondence.
CLOSING DATE: October 21, 2013.

UCSC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer,
committed to excellence through diversity.

 

15———15———15———15———15———15———15———15———15
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) 48TH ESLAB SYMPOSIUM: NEW INSIGHTS INTO VOLCANISM ACROSS THE SOLAR SYSTEM

First announcement
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to the 48th ESLAB Symposium on “New insights into volcanism across the Solar System”. The Symposium will take place from 16 – 20 June 2014 at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) located in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
It will focus on volcanism in the Solar System. Of particular interest, but not limited to, will be new insights obtained over the last years from international space missions to planets (e.g., MESSENGER, LRO, Selene, etc.), Moons and cryo-volcanism. The connection with Earth by will be covered by experts on terrestrial volcanism.
The format will be made up of plenary sessions on topics related to volcanism in the Solar System, with contributed oral and poster presentations. Part of the Symposium may be devoted to parallel sessions on specialized topics where details can be discussed at greater length. This will depend on the response to the Call for Papers.
The second announcement with the call for abstracts and other detailed information is available on the meeting website: http://congrexprojects.com/2014-events/48-ESLAB/
Pre-registration is already available on this website which will ensure that you receive regular updates from the Symposium organisers.
Financial support may be available for students.
Kind regards,
The LOC, 48th ESLAB

B) JWST TOWNHALL AT THE DPS 2013 MEETING: OBSERVATIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

When: Thursday, October 10, 2013 12-1pm

Where: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, Plaza ABC

How: Email stefanie.n.milam (at) nasa.gov to register.

NOTE: Northrop Grumman will sponsor a free lunch for pre-registered
attendees only.

Last year we held a workshop to provide the community details about
the current instrument specifications and observing modes for solar
system targets, as well as the observatory constraints such as
brightness limits on planets, moving targets, tracking, and others.
All details can be found online at:

http://www.stsci.edu/jwst/science/solar-system

This Town Hall meeting will bring the community up to speed on the
accomplishments and status of the recommendations provided to the
JWST team last year regarding solar system observations and solicits
the community for further input. We will feature a short science
presentation by Andrew Rivkin (JHU/APL).

C) IO WORKSHOP 2013: COORDINATION FOR THE EXCEED MISSION

Saturday 12th October, 2013
Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO

This 1-day scientific meeting will be held in downtown Boulder after DPS Denver to discuss the latest research and developments in Io science since the 2012 Io Workshop.

The Japanese EUV Sprint-A/EXCEED mission was to launch in August 2013 on the new EPSILON launch vehicle but has been delayed. EXCEED will observe the Jovian aurora and Io plasma torus for a number of months. This workshop will focus on topics which might benefit from EXCEED data and coordinated observations at all wavelengths, though presentations on other aspects of Io science will be accepted if time allows.

For more information, regular updates and to register your interest, please go to:

http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~con/ioworkshop2013

Organizers: Constantine Tsang, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Rosaly Lopes
Contact Email:[email protected]

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

 

Newsletter 13-21

Issue 13-21, August 6, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR : ELECTION RESULTS
2) STATEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
3) 45TH MEETING OF THE DPS: REMINDERS
4) PEN – THE PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER
5) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR : ELECTION RESULTS

I am happy to announce the results of our election. Bonnie Buratti has been elected Vice-Chair, and Julie Castillo and Jani Radebaugh were elected as members of the DPS committee. They all bring extremely valuable experience to us.

Bonnie has proven her leadership skills multiple times, including as the lead of the Cassini Satellites Orbiter Science Team. In addition, she has also been significantly involved in smaller missions, including New Horizons and Deep Space 1. She has recently been appointed as a member of the SBAG Steering Committee. In addition to an extremely productive research career, Bonnie is also very dedicated to education and public outreach. Her annual workshop “Teachers Touch the Sky” is a superb example of how planetary scientists can reach out to the public.

Julie Castillo-Rogez brings a range of research experience including geophysical modeling, laboratory work and flight projects, including Dawn and InSight. She describes herself as a geophysicist who starts the day with numerical models, spends lunch watching ice being crushed, and participates in mission planning in the afternoon. She has been a member of the Planetary Science Subcommittee since 2010. Originally from France, Julie will also bring her international perspective to DPS.

Jani Radebaugh is a planetary geologist who, when not teaching or doing research on Titan and Io, travels to some of the Earth’s most interesting geologic locations for comparative planetology, often taking students along. She has been a member of the OPAG steering committee since 2008. She has a keen interest in science advocacy to government leaders and society.

I am lucky to count these remarkable women as friends as well as colleagues. As my term comes to an end in October, I am very happy that DPS will be in good hands as Heidi Hammel takes over as Chair, Bonnie as Vice-Chair, and Jani and Julie join our already strong committee.

Rosaly Lopes, DPS Chair

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
STATEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Well, we certainly are living in interesting times…

The good news is that our community’s efforts advocating for ourselves have paid dividends in Congress. Planetary Science has good support with key members in the House and Senate, and that support is critical to successfully fighting for a budget that keeps planetary science and exploration healthy. We will continue to build those relationships.

However, the extreme partisanship in both the House and Senate has encroached on NASA in an unprecedented way. For a more in-depth discussion of the partisan issues, I recommend the August 5th Space Review piece, “NASA policy gets partisan” (http://www.thespacereview.com/article/2342/1). In short, partisanship has resulted in differing versions of the NASA Authorization Act and the appropriations bill that NASA funding falls under. The divide means that it is unlikely that either an authorization or appropriations bill will be passed and signed into law.

At the very top level, here are the numbers in the budget and bills in play:
President’s FY 2014 budget request $17.7 B for NASA; $1.218 B for planetary
House Authorization $16.9 B for NASA; $1.5 B
House Appropriations $16.6 B for NASA; $1.315 B for planetary
Senate Authorization $18.1 B for NASA; $1.4 B for planetary
Senate Appropriations $18.1 B for NASA; $1.3176 B for planetary

Given that passage of appropriations bills and reconciliation between House and Senate versions are highly unlikely, when members of Congress return in the fall, they will be occupied with hammering out a Continuing Resolution to prevent the government from shutting down. But they will also likely be embroiled in other contentious issues such as the National Defense Authorization Act and immigration reform. Rising above the noise level will be a challenge.

As always, it is important for us to advocate for our community, but we must be thoughtful. It is damaging to everyone if we start pointing the guns inward and taking shots at other areas of SMD. The best course of action is to advocate for planetary science and the budget of SMD in general.

Another issue of concern to many in our community is the administration’s proposed restructuring of science education, which is disrupting many EPO activities associated with NASA. For a good explanation of the program, its motivation, and how it came about I recommend July 26th News Focus piece in Science (Vol 341, pp. 338-341), “An Invisible Hand Behind Plan To Realign U.S. Science Education”. And the issue of travel restrictions for government employees and contractors continues to be of concern as well. These issues are part of the messaging DPS conveys when advocating on the Hill and elsewhere in DC, and we are working with the AAS to identify the best ways to address both issues.

If you are interested in advocating for planetary science, please feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected]. I am happy to help you identify opportunities and provide you with materials, contacts and guidance if needed.

Your actions do make a difference. Anecdotally, after serving as a AAAS Congressional Science Policy Fellow in the House of Representatives last year I can say first hand that the advocacy of constituents can have a big impact. The following 2010 study provides more quantitative data
http://www.congressfoundation.org/storage/documents/CMF_Pubs/cwc-percept…

Makenzie Lystrup
Chair, DPS Federal Relations Subcommittee

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

1. Registration
Regular Registration until 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September – 19 September 2013

2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

3. Calling all Volunteers!
The American Astronomical Society and DPS are looking for volunteers to help out at the 45th Meeting of DPS in Denver, CO. We love getting help from undergrads, grads, postdocs, and local amateur astronomers at our meetings: to supervise sessions, help at registration, usher at events, and various other odd (but greatly appreciated) jobs. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with your peers, get up to date on the newest science, and pick up some cool freebies in the Exhibit Hall.
Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.
If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

4. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

5. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

6. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
PEN – THE PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER

The Planetary Exploration Newsletter has been serving the planetary science community every week for more than 6 years, providing meeting notices, job
advertisements, funding opportunity announcements, memorials, NASA budget information, and more. Editorials relevant to the profession are also welcome. PEN is a free service provided by the Planetary Science Institute to more than 2500 subscribers around the world, using no NASA funds and a volunteer editorial staff. To subscribe and find details about announcement submissions, go http://planetarynews.org.

– Mark V. Sykes, Ph.D., J.D.,
Planetary Science Institute

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) AGU FALL MEETING
San Francisco, CA,
December 9–13, 2013.
http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/

Abstract Deadline – Wednesday, 7 August 2013

– SPECIAL EVENTS FOR PS AT AGU :

• The 2013 Whipple Award for “outstanding contributions in the field of planetary science” will be given to Professor Harry “Hap” McSween of the University of Tennessee. His award will be accompanied by the Whipple Lecture. Congratulations to Hap!
• The 2013 Greeley Award for “significant early career contributions to planetary science” will be given to Professor Jonathan L. Mitchell of the University of California at Los Angeles. Congratulations to Jonathan!
• The Shoemaker Lecture, part of the AGU Bowie series, will be delivered by Dr. Michael H. Carr of the United States Geological Survey.
• The Sagan Lecture, co-sponsored by the Planetary Sciences and Biogeosciences sections, will be given by Dr. David H. Grinspoon of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

– OTHER PLANETARY SESSIONS AT FALL AGU:
From the AGU Newsletter: Below is the list of all approved Planetary Science sessions slated for the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting. Scheduling will occur at the next Program Committee meeting in September (note that the “P” session designations are temporary and will be changed once scheduling is complete). More details can be found on the AGU Fall Meeting Web site. Should you have any questions or concerns about the program, feel free to contact the PS Program Committee representatives, Nathan Bridges and Joern Helbert. Based on the diversity and scope of these sessions, the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting should be a very exciting meeting.

– P001 : Planetary Sciences General Contributions
– P002 : Accretion, core-mantle differentiation and early planetary evolution
– P003 : Atmospheric escape, upper atmospheres, ionospheres, and plasma interactions at Mars and Venus
– P004 : Characterizing Small Solar System Bodies
– P005 : Destination: Europa
– P006 : Dynamic Mars from Long-Term Observations
– P007 : Dynamic processes in Mars’s atmosphere
– P008 : Enceladus: Little Moon, Big Possibilities
– P009 : Evolutions, interactions and origins of Outer Planet Satellites
– P010 : First Results of C/2012 S1 (ISON): Comet of the Century?
– P011 : Gale crater, Mars: Comparing geochemistry and geomorphology from remote sensing, in situ measurements, laboratory data, and terrestrial analogs
– P012 : Geophysical Investigations of Planetary Volatiles
– P013 : Geophysics of Satellites and Small Bodies
– P014 : High Priority Investigations for Venus Exploration
– P015 : Icy Bodies: from laboratory to space missions
– P016 : Impact Cratering: Terrestrial Observations and Planetary Applications
– P017 : Mars Science Laboratory: Bradbury Landing through Yellowknife Bay
– P018 : Mercury after Two Years of MESSENGER Orbital Observations
– P019 : Planetary Atmospheres and Evolution
– P020 : Planetary Rings: Theory and Observation
– P021 : Polarimetry as an invaluable tool to study the Solar System and beyond
– P022: Rapid Environmental Change and the Fate of Planetary Habitability
– P023 : Rosetta, Comets, and the Origins of the Solar System
– P025 :Saturn’s Northern Spring — From Storms to Polar Vortices
– P026 :Shape, Internal Structure, Gravity, and Winds of Jupiter and Saturn
– P028 :Solar System Dusty Plasma
– P029 :The Science of Exploration as enabled by the Moon, NEAs and the moons of Mars
– P030 :Thermal Modeling of Terrestrial and Planetary Bodies
– P031 :Titan’s Enigmatic Atmosphere and Ionosphere
– P032 :Titan- A Solar System Enigma
– P033: Tracking Down Life – Star Biosignatures, Biomarker Systems or the Ensemble Cast?
– P034: Using Topography to Investigate the Evolution of Solar System Bodies
– P035 :Whipple Lecture

—————————-

B) IO WORKSHOP 2013: COORDINATION FOR THE EXCEED MISSION

Saturday 12th October, 2013
Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO

This 1-day scientific meeting will be held in downtown Boulder after
DPS Denver to discuss the latest research and developments in Io
science since the 2012 Io Workshop.

The Japanese EUV Sprint-A/EXCEED mission will launch in August 2013
to observe the Jovian aurora and Io plasma torus for a number of
months. This workshop will focus on topics which might benefit from
EXCEED data and coordinated observations at all wavelengths, though
presentations on other aspects of Io science will be accepted if time
allows.

For more information and to register your interest, please go to:
http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~con/ioworkshop2013

Organizers: Constantine Tsang, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Rosaly Lopes
Contact Email: [email protected]

—————————-

C) VENUS EXPRESS VIRTIS AND VMC DATA WORKSHOP

ESA is pleased to announce a Venus Express VIRTIS and VMC Data Workshop
that will be held at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) on 21-24 October 2013. The
overall goal of the workshop is to introduce users to the Planetary
Science Archive (http://archives.esac.esa.int/psa) on which data from
ESA planetary missions are archived. This workshop will focus on the
VIRTIS (Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer) and VMC
(Venus Monitoring Camera) instruments of the Venus Express orbiter.

Scientific and technical lectures will be provided, as well as hands-on
data processing exercises, with expert members of the VIRTIS and VMC
instrument teams providing direct support on the best ways in which to
calibrate and use their data for science.

Deadline for registration is August 31st, 2013.

In order to ensure the right level of interaction, participation will
be restricted to a limited number of participants (20). Preference will
be given to PhD students and post-docs.

No charge is made for participation in the workshop, but no support for
travel and subsistence costs will be provided by ESA.

For more details, visit the workshop’s web page:

http://www.rssd.esa.int/index.php?project=PSA&page=vex_workshop

E-mail: [email protected]

—————————-

D) JOINT WORKSHOP ON HIGH PRESSURE, PLANETARY, AND PLASMA PHYSICS
October 23 – 25, 2013, DLR Institute of Planetary Research, Berlin, Germany.

The main objective of this workshop is to bring together scientists from different fields of expertise to discuss topics related to extreme planetary environments in terms of high temperature and high pressure. This meeting is also intended to inspire new projects and offer scientific opportunities for future collaboration between workshop participants from distinct research fields. The preliminary program addresses the following topics

* evolution and structure of giant planet interiors,
* interior structure, bulk composition, and internal geodynamics of solid planets,
* deep volatile cycles and exchange processes between geochemical reservoirs,
* physics and chemistry of impact processes,
* equations of state, petrology, and geochemistry of planetary materials,
* melting relations and phase transformations of materials at extreme states,
* dynamic and ultrafast processes in strongly excited solids or similar,
* laboratory experiments using multi-anvil and diamond-anvil cells,
* ab initio simulation studies for matter under extreme conditions.

Please check the meeting website for more information, meeting registration, abstract submission, and logistical details:
http://indico.desy.de/conferenceDisplay.py?ovw=True&confId=8221

Organizers: Frank Sohl, Hanns-Peter Liermann, Ronald Redmer, Gerd Steinle-Neumann, Thomas Tschentscher, Frank W. Wagner
Contact: [email protected]

—————————-

E) WORKSHOP ON PLANETESIMAL FORMATION AND DIFFERENTIATION

Sunday, 27 October (evening reception with plenary speaker Tim McCoy)
Monday, 28 October and Tuesday, 29 October 29 (full-day sessions)
The workshop will be held at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution, 5241 Broad Branch Rd. N.W., Washington, D.C.

Abstract Deadline: Thursday, 29 August 2013, 5:00 p.m. (U.S. Central Daylight Time)

Due to limited seating, you must register in advance.

Evidence from meteorites and, increasingly, from asteroids indicates that some early-forming bodies had sufficient heat to melt and differentiate into a core and mantle. Partial or complete melting can allow core formation and silicate differentiation, and can also remove volatiles. Other small bodies are apparently primitive (i.e., undifferentiated). We are now at a point where targeted interdisciplinary work can create a leap in our understanding.
• What bulk compositions and time frames of accretion would have allowed differentiation?
• Where in the solar system did these bodies originate?
• What can we observe of differentiated bodies in the asteroid belt today?
• Can we link asteroid observations to meteorites from differentiated parent bodies?
• What was the history and large-scale structure of meteorite parent bodies?
These questions bear on the critical transition from a protoplanetary disk to a solar system with rocky planets, on the habitability of those planets, and on resources in our solar system today for future space exploration.
Progress in understanding these processes will depend upon communication among the fields of meteorite and asteroid/icy body observations including space missions, theory, and modeling. The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers on all these subjects as they pertain to differentiation, asteroid observations, and meteorite compositions.

Some support for students is available. Please contact Lindy Elkins-Tanton.

—————————-

F) INTERNATIONAL COMETARY WORKSHOP RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 1-3, 2014

The International Cometary Workshop, originally scheduled for July 2013 was postponed due to the US Budget sequester and the NASA travel restrictions that were imposed in response to the sequester. We are pleased to announce that we have rescheduled the Workshop for April 1-3, 2014. It will take in Toulouse France, and the updated abstract deadline is January 31, 2014. The new registration deadline is February 28, 2014. Pre-registration is now available. For more information see our website at icw.space.swri.edu.

 

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]

 

Newsletter 13-20

Issue 13-20, July 29, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) IN MEMORIAM : JEFFREY K. WAGNER (1952 – 2013)
2) LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN THE DPS ELECTIONS
3) 45TH MEETING OF THE DPS: REMINDERS
4) PRESENTATIONS FROM NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE TELECON OF JULY 19, 2013
5) RESOURCES FOR E/PO IN ASTRONOMY
6) JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES
7) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
IN MEMORIAM : JEFFREY K. WAGNER (1952 – 2013)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death from brain cancer Dr. Jeffrey K. Wagner, passed away July 8. He received a Bachelor of Science in astronomy from Penn State University in 1974 and a Ph.D. in geology and planetary sciences from the University of Pittsburgh in 1980. Wagner was a Professor of Astronomy and Geology at Bowling Green State University Firelands College for 30 years. Jeff’s name is familiar to everyone in the field of spectroscopy of planetary surfaces. His seminal work on the ultraviolet reflectances of planetary materials, which formed his Ph.D dissertation, opened a new field in planetary spectroscopy. He was the author of the book “Introduction to the Solar System,” which was published in 1991 and often used in the classroom by his students.

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
LAST CHANCE TO VOTE IN THE DPS ELECTIONS

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE !! WE HAVE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO 5 AUGUST BUT THAT’S ONLY A FEW OF DAYS AWAY !
The 2013 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee is STILL open, BUT will close on August 5th. To date only a small fraction of us have voted … You may just have forgotten or not found the time yet, but please do take a moment and cast your vote, it is important for our Division !

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. Please take a moment to check your status and to update your personal DPS member file.

If you have any problems, and for general replies, or if you are a special status (affiliate, etc) write to or call :
Faye Peterson
Director of Membership Services
[email protected]
202.328.2010, extension 109
202.234.2560, fax

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REMINDERS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

1. Register Now for the Best Rates
Regular Registration: 24 July – 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September – 19 September 2013

Register by 23 July to receive the discounted rate! Rates increase 24 July 2013.

2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.
The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

3. Calling all Volunteers!
The American Astronomical Society and DPS are looking for volunteers to help out at the 45th Meeting of DPS in Denver, CO. We love getting help from undergrads, grads, postdocs, and local amateur astronomers at our meetings: to supervise sessions, help at registration, usher at events, and various other odd (but greatly appreciated) jobs. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with your peers, get up to date on the newest science, and pick up some cool freebies in the Exhibit Hall.
Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.
If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

4. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

5. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

6. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

To apply, please fill out the online form by Sept. 2, 2013 at:
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-dependent-care

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
PRESENTATIONS FROM NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE TELECON OF JULY 19, 2013

The NASA Advisory Council Planetary Science Subcommittee held a telecon on July 19, 2013. The presentation materials are available at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/pss/.

You will find presentations by Jim Green on the status of the Planetary Science Division, by Mitch Schulte on the Mars 2020 SDT, and by Chris House on the Astrobiology Roadmap.

The Meeting Report will also soon be posted there.

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5
RESOURCES FOR E/PO IN ASTRONOMY

A) POPULAR ASTRONOMY LECTURES CAN BE SEEN ON YOUTUBE

We are happy to announce that the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures, featuring noted scientists giving nontechnical illustrated lectures on recent developments in astronomy, are now available on their own YouTube Channel, at:
http://www.youtube.com/SVAstronomyLectures/

The talks include:
* Frank Drake discussing his modern view of the Drake Equation,
* Michael Brown explaining how his discovery of Eris led to the demotion of Pluto,
* Alex Filippenko talking about the latest ideas and observations of black holes,
* Natalie Batalha sharing the latest planet discoveries from the Kepler mission,
* Anthony Aguirre discussing how it is possible to have multiple universes, and
* Chris McKay updating the Cassini discoveries about Saturn’s moon Titan.

The lectures are taped at Foothill College near San Francisco, and co-sponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center, the SETI Institute, and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.

Note that the top page of the channel shows the lectures in the order they happened to be uploaded to YouTube. If you want to see them in chronological order, select the Playlist option.

Both new and older talks in the series will be added to the channel as time goes by. Many noted astronomers have given talks in this series since its founding in 1999; recent lectures are being recorded so that people around the world can “tune in.”

We appreciate your sharing this information with colleagues, students, and interested astronomy enthusiasts.

Andrew Fraknoi, Chair, Astronomy Program

B) GUIDE TO RESOURCES FOR TEACHING ABOUT EXOPLANETS

A new annotated guide to written, web, and audio-visual resources for teaching about planets orbiting other stars is now available for high-school and college instructors, their students, informal educators, and astronomy enthusiasts. Materials in the guide to this rapidly-changing branch of astronomy include video and audio files of lectures and interviews with leading scientists in the field, phone and tablet apps, a citizen-science web site, popular-level books and articles, and much more.

Published by the NASA Astrophysics Education and Outreach Forum and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, the guide can be found as a PDF file at:

http://www.astrosociety.org/education/astronomy-resource-guides/the-sear…

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6
JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES

A) SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MUENSTER
The Institut fuer Planetologie, University of Muenster, invites applications for a scientific researcher position, starting on October 1, 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary level will be E13 TV-L (full-time). The duration will be 19 months; an extension for additional 24 months will be possible.

Required Qualifications:
– Experience in independent work in electron microscopy (TEM, FIB, etc.) and related sample preparation techniques
– Knowledge in space weathering and other relevant processes
– Background in mineralogy/planetology
– Knowledge in laboratory experiments
– Experience and willingness to present results at conferences and in peer reviewed journals

The University of Muenster is an equal opportunity employer and iscommitted to increasing the proportion of women academics.
Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities. Disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications will be preferentially considered. Travel expenses for an interview cannot be refunded.

Please submit your applications including a cover letter, CV, and publication list until 11.08.2013 (PDF) to:

Prof. Dr. H. Hiesinger
[email protected]

For more information:
http://www.uni-muenster.de/Rektorat/Stellen/ausschreibungen/st_20132507_…

 

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) AGU FALL MEETING
San Francisco, CA, December 9–13, 2013.

http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/

Abstract Deadline – Tuesday, 6 August 2013

 

– SESSION P025: SATURN’S NORTHERN SPRING –FROM STORMS TO POLAR VORTICES
Conveners: Brigette Hesman, Kunio Sayanagi, Scott Edgington, and Kevin Baines
This session solicits presentations on new Cassini, Hubble, and ground-based observations and the subsequent analyses of Saturn’s atmosphere. The session will focus in particular on 1) the analysis of the great storm of 2010-2011 and its aftermath; and 2) new observation of Saturn’s north pole, which is in sunlight for the first time since Cassini’s arrival at Saturn.

– SESSION P026 : SHAPE, INTERNAL STRUCTURE, GRAVITY, AND WINDS OF JUPITER AND SATURN
The Juno spacecraft is now on its way to Jupiter and the Cassini
spacecraft will visit Saturn toward the end of its mission. One of
the main scientific objectives of both missions is to understand the
internal structure, gravity, and winds of Jupiter and Saturn. We
welcome the submission of abstracts on the following topics:
(1) Analytical or numerical models of shape and internal structure
of rapidly rotating Jupiter and Saturn;
(2) Relationship between the shape and internal structure of Jupiter
and Saturn
and their external gravity fields;
(3) Analytical or numerical models of winds/circulations of Jupiter
and Saturn; as well as their effects on the zonal gravity
coefficients of Jupiter and Saturn;
(4) Analytical or numerical models of convection/dynamo of Jupiter and Saturn;
(5) Any aspects of the Juno and Cassini missions that are related to
shape, internal structure, gravity, and winds of Jupiter and Saturn.

Conveners:
Gerald Schubert and Keke Zhang

– SESSION P033 – TRACKING DOWN LIFE: STAR BIOSIGNATURES, BIOMARKER
SYSTEMS OR THE ENSEMBLE CAST?

Please consider submitting an abstract to the “P033 Tracking Down Life: Star Biosignatures, Biomarker Systems or the Ensemble Cast?”session at the AGU 2013 Fall Meeting, San Francisco, 9-12 December.

The session is a really comprehensive one about biosignatures and we have managed to persuade a stellar slate of Invited Abstracts from (in alphabetical order) Dave DesMarais, Danny Glavin, Chris McKay and Everett Shock who variously will give papers on biosignature-related topics (in alphabetical order) Instruments, Outer planets, Planetary analogs and Terrestrial planets.

Star quality biosignatures are unambiguous: preserved biomolecules, not possibly formed abiotically, but are hard to preserve. Mineral biosignatures (MBs), fossil inorganic metabolites, are robust but can be formed inorganically. But new analysis techniques can tackle preservation and origins. Systematic searches for signs of life should include all options. MBs may have biochemicals in them & so act as beacons or pathfinders to fossil ecosystems.
We seek abstracts on planetary analogs; ancient Earth; organic gaseous and mineral biosigs; biomarker systems – including non-Earth-centric; instruments; quantifying biosig distribution & chance of preservation; etc. We want a spectrum – stars, supporting actors or the ensemble.

Max Coleman <[email protected]>
Clark Johnson <[email protected]>
Mark Sephton <[email protected]>

B) GSA 2013 OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM SATELLITES COMPANION SESSIONS
Oct 27-30 in Denver, CO

http://community.geosociety.org/2013AnnualMeeting/Home/

To submit an abstract by August 6th, 11:59pm PST, go to:
https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2013AM/cfp.epl

We call to your attention two companion planetary science sessions at the annual Geological Society of America meeting focusing on studies related to the outer solar system satellites.

T9: “Outer Satellite Exploration: The Next 50 Years”. This session will discuss current paradigms and unanswered fundamental questions about outer planet satellites that will be important considerations in future outer solar system exploration, and mission and instrument concepts that address them.
David Williams ([email protected])

T12: “Voyager to New Horizons: Exploring Surface and Interior Processes of Icy Worlds”. This session will highlight surface and tectonic processes, interiors, and the thermal evolution of icy satellites, KBOs, and planetary analogs. We encourage experimental and theoretical
modeling studies, as well as observational approaches to address current scientific objectives.
Emily Martin ([email protected])

C) IO WORKSHOP 2013: COORDINATION FOR THE EXCEED MISSION
2nd Invitation for Attendance and Talks

Saturday 12th October, 2013
Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO

This 1-day scientific meeting will be held in downtown Boulder after DPS Denver to discuss the latest research and developments in Io science since the 2012 Io Workshop.

The Japanese EUV Sprint-A/EXCEED mission will launch in August 2013 to observe the Jovian aurora and Io plasma torus for a number of months. This workshop will focus on topics which might benefit from EXCEED data and coordinated observations at all wavelengths, though presentations on other aspects of Io science will be accepted if time allows.

For more information and to register your interest, please go to:
http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~con/ioworkshop2013

Organizers: Constantine Tsang, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Rosaly Lopes
Contact Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]

 

Newsletter 13-19

Issue 13-19, July 20, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE DPS ELECTIONS
2) 45TH MEETING OF THE DPS: REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIPS
3) HARTMANN TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATIONS DEADLINE APPROACHING
4) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE FOR THE DPS ELECTIONS

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE !! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT !
The 2013 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee is now open, and will close on July 31st 2013. To date only a few of us have voted … You may just have forgotten or not found the time yet, but please do take a moment and cast your vote, it is important for our Division !

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 haven’t registered to or renewed your DPS membership recently, you are getting this e-mail because we are using large recent DPS lists, but you may actually not be an active member anymore… So, please take a moment to check your status now and renew if you haven’t done so already. This will allow you to vote and benefit from all membership advantages.

And if you haven’t already done so, renew online at https://members.aas.org/ by logging into your membership record. You must have your login and password information.
Also, please take a moment to update your personal DPS member file.

If you have any problems, and for general replies, or if you are a special status (affiliate, etc) write to or call :
Faye Peterson
Director of Membership Services
[email protected]
202.328.2010, extension 109
202.234.2560, fax

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIPS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

1. Register Now for the Best Rates
Registration is open and early registration rates are available for the Denver DPS meeting through 23 July. DPS Members can save a minimum of $60 by registering now on line or by:
Phone: 202-328-2010 ext. 106
Fax: 202-234-7850

Regular Registration: 24 July – 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September – 19 September 2013

Register by 23 July to receive the discounted rate! Rates increase on 24 July 2013.

2. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.

Room Rates:
Single and Double rooms: $185
Triple Occupancy: $200
Quad Occupancy: $215
Government Rate: $141

Reservations can be made online using the following link https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=130… or by calling 303-893-333

Government reservation must be submitted via the online AAS reservation form http://aas.org/content/dps-denver-government-hotel-reservation-form

The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

3. Calling all Volunteers!
The American Astronomical Society and DPS are looking for volunteers to help out at the 45th Meeting of DPS in Denver, CO. We love getting help from undergrads, grads, postdocs, and local amateur astronomers at our meetings: to supervise sessions, help at registration, usher at events, and various other odd (but greatly appreciated) jobs. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with your peers, get up to date on the newest science, and pick up some cool freebies in the Exhibit Hall.

Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.

If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

4. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110.
http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

5. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

6. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
HARTMANN TRAVEL GRANT APPLICATIONS DEADLINE APPROACHING

Starting with a generous contribution from William K. Hartmann, followed by member contributions and matching funds from the DPS Committee, a limited number of student travel grants are made available to assist toward participating at the annual DPS meeting. Travel grants are primarily intended for students, but post-doctoral scientists without other means of support will also be considered. Travel grants for the Denver 2013 meeting are intended to provide a supplement that makes the difference on whether or not a student is able to attend the annual meeting. In some cases the travel grant may be requested to cover the meeting registration fee. Preference is given to students who have not received a Travel Grant in the past.

The deadline for applications will be will be 5:00 PM PDT, Friday July 25, 2013.
Late applications cannot be accepted.

Please see the Hartmann Travel Grant page at the DPS web site meetings/travel_grant_application
where detailed information on submittal and format will be available in a few days.

Email your application to: [email protected]

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

AGU FALL MEETING
San Francisco, CA, December 9–13, 2013.

http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/

Abstract Deadline – Tuesday, 6 August 2013

 

– SESSION: P006. DYNAMIC MARS FROM LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS

There has been a continual spacecraft presence at Mars since 1997, showing how Mars is changing on decadal timescales. This activity includes planet-encircling dust storms about every 3-4 Mars years and associated surface changes, along with evolution of the polar caps. High-resolution imaging has revealed new impact sites, migrating sand, and a suite of processes on slopes, some of which may involve liquid water. The distribution of shallow ice is much better known, with implications for recent climate change. Manuscripts resulting from these unique, long-term observations will be due at the end of 2013 for a special section of Icarus, so this conference is an ideal time to present the results.

Conveners:
• Alfred McEwen
Univ Arizona
[email protected]
• Leslie Tamppari
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
[email protected]

– SESSION: P010. FIRST RESULTS OF C/2012 S1 (ISON): COMET OF THE CENTURY?

Comet C/2102 S1, popularly known as C/ISON, is a sun-grazing comet, originating in the Oort cloud. It is predicted to be the brightest comet of the century and has captured the interest of global professional and amateur astronomers alike. On its initial passage through the inner solar system, C/ISON potentially can become a very bright daytime object as it approaches perihelion in November 2013. Whether the comet lives up to the predictions or not, first results from various world-wide coordinated observing campaigns, including an armada of spacecraft, orbiting telescopes and ground-based professional and amateur facilities will be showcased.

Conveners:
Padma A. Yanamandra-Fisher ([email protected])
K. Meech ([email protected])
M.J. Mumma (Michael.J. [email protected])
C.M. Lisse ([email protected])

– SESSION P021: POLARIMETRY AS AN INVALUABLE TOOL TO STUDY THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND
Polarimetry is a powerful tool providing a wealth of information about Earth and planetary
atmospheres; solar system objects, exoplanets and search for habitability beyond Earth that cannot be obtained by traditional photometric and spectroscopic observations. This session is open to papers about advances in vector radiative transfer theory (including non-sphericity effects on single scattering); laboratory measurements and instrumentation for the characterization of solar, terrestrial, planetary and exoplanetary atmospheres; atmosphereless bodies; dust; astrobiological markers; and instrumental developments for imaging and spectropolarimeters to be included in ground-based facilities and/or onboard space missions.

Conveners:
Padma A. Yanamandra-Fisher ([email protected])
L. Kolokolova, ([email protected])
A. Levasseur-Regourd ([email protected])
Olga Kalashnikova ([email protected])

– SESSION P022 RAPIDE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AND THE FATE OF PLANETARY HABITABILITY
Rapid environmental change can be used as a scientific bridge, relating astrobiology to earth, planetary, and space sciences in the study of how life may adapt through abrupt climate crises. Recent discoveries inspire us to re-examine our understanding of how rapidly planetary habitats can be redistributed. Past habitable environments on Mars from the Curiosity rover, possible subsurface lakes on Europa, and potentially habitable exoplanets from the Kepler spacecraft continue to expand our definition of the habitable zone. Abstracts on the intertwined aspects of changing habitability, including the complex interactions among astronomical, geological, and climatic forces, on the Earth and beyond, are welcome.

Abstract Deadline – Tuesday, 6 August 2013
https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/scientific-program/session-search/sessi…

Conveners: Cynthia Phillips, Franck Marchis, Nathalie Cabrol of the Carl Sagan Center, SETI institute

– SESSION P028: SOLAR SYSTEM DUSTY PLASMA
Dust has been identified as an important component in space plasma environments in the Solar System. For example, the presence of macroscopic charge carriers (dust) has been recognized to be capable to offset the traditional plasma charge balance. This session will focus on dusty-plasma studies in various environments, including: laboratory experiments, Noctilucent clouds and polar mesospheric summer echoes, the plume of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, planetary rings, surfaces of airless objects, and cometary environments. The goal of the session is to compare dusty-plasma studies under various conditions to improve our understanding of the processes responsible for dust charging, altering the properties of the plasma, and the emergence of dust collective behavior.

 

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]

 

Newsletter 13-18

Issue 13-18, July 13, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) IN MEMORIAM : HASSO NIEMANN (1933-2013)
2) AAS DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES ANNOUNCES 2013 PRIZE WINNERS
3) 45TH DPS MEETING : DEADLINE FOR PAPERS 18 JULY 2013 AND RELATED MEETINGS
4) HARTMANN TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE DPS MEETING IN DENVER : CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
5) REMINDER : JULY 19, 2013: THE DAY THE EARTH SMILED… WITH UPDATES
6) REMINDER : DPS ELECTIONS, DEADLINE APPROACHING FAST !
7) ICARUS SPECIAL ISSUE ON DYNAMIC MARS
8) JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES
9) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
IN MEMORIAM: HASSO NIEMANN (1933-2013)

It is with great sadness I have to report the passing of Dr Hasso Niemann,
who was a founding father of atmospheric experiments and mass spectrometry
at the center ­ which ultimately led to the successful SAM experiment
currently operating on the Curiosity Rover. Hasso died peacefully in his
sleep early Thursday, July 11 morning after a brief battle with cancer.

Hasso leaves a huge legacy at Goddard and in the planetary and atmospheric
sciences community with a career devoted to the development of mass
spectrometer technology and using these capabilities to measure the
composition of planetary atmospheres. Hasso¹s career began in graduated
school with rather cumbersome rocket flight experiments and has spanned
the epoch that saw spaceflight mass spectrometry evolve from crude, heavy
laboratory tools to its current highly sophisticated state where mass
spectrometers are now viewed as a primary instrument on planetary
missions. Hasso made major contributions at every turn. Early in his
career at Goddard as head of the Atmospheric Experiments Branch Hasso
pioneered in situ exploration of the upper atmosphere of the earth with
instruments on several spacecraft. He later focused on planetary
atmospheres with first in situ measurements of the upper atmosphere of
Venus on the Pioneer Venus Mission and subsequently the deep atmosphere of
Jupiter with the prime instrument on the Galileo Probe that allowed
fundamental questions regarding the formation mechanisms of giant planets
to be addressed. Hasso contributed greatly to the Cassini mission as
Principal Investigator on the Cassini Huygens Gas Chromatograph Mass
Spectrometer and the Facility Instrument Provider of the Cassini Ion and
Neutral Mass Spectrometer. His legacy continued at Goddard even after his
retirement with provision of mass spectrometer by members of his group to
missions such as the Mars Science Laboratory and the MAVEN Mars Orbiter.

Hasso cultivated broad and long lasting collaborations with world class
planetary atmospheric scientists. He published many ground breaking papers
describing the results of these experiments. Among his notable awards were
NASA¹s Distinguished Service Medal for his career contributions in mass
spectrometry, the Lindsay award in 1997 and the Al Seiff Memorial Award
presented to him after his retirement in 2007. After his retirement Hasso
continued to participate in the Cassini and continued to advise the mass
spectrometer group at Goddard.

Hasso legacy will live on not only with his many planetary science
colleagues but also with the technical teams that worked with him on all
aspects of instrument development. Hasso’s interest in inviting young people to be part
of his instrument efforts, his exemplary leadership and extraordinary
work ethic in making the instruments happen, and his graceful and gracious
diplomacy in dealing with the myriad people involved in the projects
were all lessons in being a model scientist and human being.

The family will conduct private funeral arrangements.

Nicholas White and Jonathan Lunine

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
AAS DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES ANNOUNCES 2013 PRIZE WINNERS

 

The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) is pleased to announce its 2013 prize winners.

 

GERARD P. KUIPER PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD OF PLANETARY SCIENCE:

Dr. Joseph Veverka has made outstanding contributions to the field of planetary science during a career that now spans five decades. He has to his credit a lifetime of outstanding contributions, that, in sum, represent a monumental increase in our understanding of planets and, in particular, small bodies — the moons, asteroids, and cometary nuclei in our planetary system. As a planetary scientist, he has defined the field of quantitative study of small bodies in the solar system for a generation (a generation populated by his students and many associates). Dr. Veverka is Professor Emeritus at Cornell University and the former James A. Weeks Professor of Physical Sciences and Professor of Astronomy. He was the Deputy Team leader of the Galileo Imaging Science Team, and the Principal Science Investigator in the NEAR mission exploration of the asteroids Mathilde and Eros. He was also a member of the Voyager and Cassini imaging teams and led the exploration of comet nuclei on the Deep Impact and Stardust-NExT missions to Comet 9P/Tempel 1 and the EPOXI mission to Comet 103P/Hartley 2.

 

HAROLD C. UREY PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN PLANETARY RESEARCH BY A YOUNG SCIENTIST:

Dr. Anders Johansen’s pioneering work on planetesimal accretion and more recently on giant planet core formation has provoked paradigm shifts in a field which for years had been plagued by long-standing problems. By filling not one but two major gaps in one of the most difficult areas of solar system studies, Dr. Johansen’s findings represent one of the most significant contributions to the field. Dr. Johansen, currently Associate Senior Lecturer at the University of Lund in Sweden, obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Copenhagen University. He finished his Ph.D. in 2007 at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Leiden Observatory. Dr. Johansen obtained his docent degree from Lund University in 2013.

 

HAROLD MASURSKY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO PLANETARY SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION:

Dr. Ron Greeley was involved in nearly every major space probe mission flown in the solar system since the Apollo missions to the Moon, including the Galileo mission to Jupiter, Magellan mission to Venus, Voyager 2 mission to Uranus and Neptune, and shuttle imaging radar studies of Earth. Passionate about Mars exploration, he was involved with several missions to the Red Planet, including Mariners 6, 7, and 9, Viking, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, and the Mars Exploration Rovers. He was a co-investigator for the High Resolution Stereo Camera on the European Mars Express mission. Dr. Greeley was a Regents Professor of Planetary Geology at Arizona State University until his death on Oct. 27, 2011. He received his Ph.D. in geology in 1966 from the University of Missouri at Rolla. Through service in the U.S. Army, he was assigned to NASA’s Ames Research Center in 1967, where he trained astronauts and helped prepare for the Apollo missions to the Moon. After his military service ended, he remained at NASA Ames to conduct research in planetary geology. Dr. Greeley joined the faculty at Arizona State University in 1977 with a joint professorship in the Department of Geology and the Center for Meteorite Studies.

 

CARL SAGAN MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATION BY AN ACTIVE PLANETARY SCIENTIST TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC:

Dr. Don Yeomans has been, for more than two decades, the “go to” person for reporters seeking a planetary scientist to illuminate the scientific middle ground between the sublime and the ridiculous. The inevitability of collisions between asteroids and the Earth is a topic that naturally engages public interest. Dr. Yeomans capitalized on his roles as manager of the NASA Near Earth Object Program Office at JPL and a co-investigator on the Deep Impact mission to build a lengthy resume of media appearances, outreach events, and popular press contributions. His calm demeanor and scientific rigor have helped to dampen doomsday hysteria and sound the all-clear on more serious potential risks (e.g., Apophis) when improved observations warrant. Dr. Yeomans received his Ph.D. from University of Maryland and worked as a contractor for the Goddard Space Flight Center before moving to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976. He is a prolific author with more than 160 professional publications and numerous writings in the popular press. He has authored five books, most recently his 2012 work, “NEOS: Finding Them Before They Find Us.” In recognition of the importance of Dr. Yeomans’s role, he was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world by TIME magazine.

 

JONATHAN EBERHART PLANETARY SCIENCES JOURNALISM AWARD TO RECOGNIZE AND STIMULATE DISTINGUISHED POPULAR WRITING ON PLANETARY SCIENCES:

Richard A. Kerr is a journalist who has spent his entire professional career covering Earth and planetary science news for Science magazine. Mr. Kerr studied chemistry at the College of Wooster. Following two deployments in the navy during the Vietnam War, he pursued a Ph.D. in oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. He has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to science journalism. A testament to his unflagging effort to promote planetary sciences though Science is the 2012 article titled “Peering Inside the Moon to Read Its Earliest History.” The article focuses on the violent impact history of our Moon as observed by the GRAIL mission. For this engaging and stimulating article, the Division for Planetary Sciences is pleased to present the 2013 Jonathan Eberhart Planetary Sciences Journalism Award to Dr Richard A. Kerr.

 

The 2013 DPS prizes will be presented at the 45th annual DPS meeting in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

 

http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES: DEADLINE FOR PAPERS 18 JULY 2013 AND RELATED MEETINGS

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

1. Call for Papers
Regular abstract deadline : July 18 9:00pm EDT. See
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences for information.

See in particular http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-abstract-and-presentati… and go to:
http://abstracts.aas.org/abstract_pass/dps

Note that qualifying recent or pending PhDs may request a 15 minute time slot to present thesis results: see the submission form for details

2. Register Now for the Best Rates
Registration is open and early registration rates are available for the Denver DPS meeting through 23 July. DPS Members can save a minimum of $60 by registering now on line or by:
Phone: 202-328-2010 ext. 106
Fax: 202-234-7850

Regular Registration: 24 July – 5 September 2013
Late Registration: 6 September – 19 September 2013

Register by 23 July to receive the discounted rate! Rates increase 24 July 2013.

3. Science Program & Events
The DPS Science Program is coming together. There will be a wide range of invited plenary talks including the following subjects and speakers:
– Voyager and the heliopause (Ed Stone);
– The Chelyabinsk event (Mark Boslough);
– The Kuiper Belt after 20 years : Past, present & future (Hilke Schlichting);
– M-dwarf planets (Phillip Muirhead);
– Seasonal change on Titan (Caitlin Griffith);
– End-of-the world scares (David Morrison, jointly with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division); and
– MSL’s first year on Mars (Sushil Atreya)

We also expect plenary talks by the Urey and Kuiper prize winners.

Other events will include a public talk by the Sagan medalist; a reading of Dave Sobel’s play about Copernicus, “And the Sun Stood Still” by a local professional theater company; a display of astronomical art, and an art gallery night, organized by the International Association of Astronomical Artists; a professional/amateur astronomer workshop; and a banquet at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

We also expect plenary talks by the Urey and Kuiper prize winners.

The up-to-date Science Program is available online.

The DPS Local Organizing Committee is planning some enriching events for your time in Denver, including the AAS’s Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) which will meet jointly with DPS in Denver. There will be a session of invited papers on Monday morning and posters on Monday afternoon, organized and chaired by HAD Chair Jay Pasachoff. Joint activities with DPS will include a plenary lecture on Monday afternoon, and a play on Monday night. If enough people ask to give oral papers, we could schedule a contributed-paper session on Tuesday morning. Poster or oral presentations in the HAD sessions will not count against the quota of one paper for DPS.

Abstracts may be submitted by the July 18 deadline via the DPS meeting web site, http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences – choose “Historical Astronomy Division Abstract Submission” from the “Presentation Type” page.

Also:
Saturday, 5 October
Engaging ALL Students: Effective Strategies for Teaching Diverse College Students
Organizer: Tim Slater, University of Wyoming
9:00am-4:30pm

ExoPAG 8
Organizer: Ozhen Pananyan, JPL
9:00am-5:00pm

Sunday, 6 October
Using Astronomy and Planetary Science in K-12
Organizer: Sarah Horst, University of Colorado-Boulder
8:00am-5:00pm

ExoPAG 8
Organizer: Ozhen Pananyan, JPL
8:00am-5:00pm

Engaging ALL Students: Effective Strategies for Teaching Diverse College Students
Organizer: Tim Slater, University of Wyoming
9:00am-4:30pm

Planetary Science: Progress with Suborbital Reusable Launch Vehicles (sRLV)
Organizer: Faith Villas, Planetary Science Institute
2:00pm-5:00pm

Remote Observations of Rosetta Target Comet 67P
Organizer: Rita Schulz
2:00pm-5:00pm

Negotiation Skills for Planetary Scientists
Organizer: Karly Pitman, Planetary Science Institute
4:00pm-6:00pm

Student Reception
Opening Reception

Monday, 7 October
Public Talk by Sagan Medalist
Theatrical reading of Dava Sobel’s play about Copernicus, “And the Sun Stood Still”

Tuesday, 8 October
Women in Astronomy Luncheon
Agency Night

Wednesday, 9 October
Juno flyby Event

DPS Banquet
Denver Museum of Nature and Science

Thursday, 10 October
JWST Town Hall: Observations in the Solar System
Organizer: Stefanie Milam, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
12:00pm-1:00pm

Pro-Am Workshop
Organizer: Fran Bagenal, Univ. of Colorado
Thursday Evening

Other activities will include a display of astronomical art at the Denver Sheraton, and an Art Gallery Night organized by the International Association of Astronomical Artists.

4. Hotel Information
DPS has secured rooms at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel.

Room Rates:
Single and Double rooms: $185
Triple Occupancy: $200
Quad Occupancy: $215
Government Rate: $141

Reservations can be made online using the following link https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=130… or by calling 303-893-333

Government reservation must be submitted via the online AAS reservation form http://aas.org/content/dps-denver-government-hotel-reservation-form

The deadline to make reservations is 3 September 2013. Booking outside of our reserved block results in significant increase in meeting costs for everyone.

5. Calling all Volunteers!
The American Astronomical Society and DPS are looking for volunteers to help out at the 45th Meeting of DPS in Denver, CO. We love getting help from undergrads, grads, postdocs, and local amateur astronomers at our meetings: to supervise sessions, help at registration, usher at events, and various other odd (but greatly appreciated) jobs. This is a great chance to meet and mingle with your peers, get up to date on the newest science, and pick up some cool freebies in the Exhibit Hall.

Volunteers that sign up to work a minimum of 16 hours receive complimentary meeting registration, volunteer t-shirts, and access to the Exhibit Hall and all the sessions. We also provide complimentary lunch and parking on the days you work 4 or more hours.

If interested, please contact Kathy Cox at [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x117.

6. Exhibiting at DPS
Exhibitors at the DPS Meeting have an opportunity to speak directly with the customers they are serving. If your institution, observatory, company, lab or university is doing business in astronomy…you need to be exhibiting at the DPS Meeting in Denver. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

7. Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you looking for more exposure for your company and a way to support astronomy? Look no further than a DPS Meeting Sponsorship. We can customize packages to fit your budget and needs. Contact Debbie Kovalsky, [email protected] or 202-328-2010 x110. http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-exhibitor-and-sponsorsh…

8. Donations
Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
HARTMANN TRAVEL GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE DPS MEETING IN DENVER : CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Starting with a generous contribution from William K. Hartmann, followed by member contributions and matching funds from the DPS Committee, a limited number of student travel grants are made available to assist toward participating at the annual DPS meeting. Travel grants are primarily intended for students, but post-doctoral scientists without other means of support will also be considered. Travel grants for the Denver 2013 meeting are intended to provide a supplement that makes the difference on whether or not a student is able to attend the annual meeting. In some cases the travel grant may be requested to cover the meeting registration fee. Preference is given to students who have not received a Travel Grant in the past.

The deadline for applications will be will be 5:00 PM PDT, Friday July 26, 2013.
Late applications cannot be accepted.

Please see the Hartmann Travel Grant page at the DPS web site meetings/travel_grant_application
where detailed information on submittal and format will be available in a few days.

Email your application to: [email protected]

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5
REMINDER : JULY 19, 2013: THE DAY THE EARTH SMILED… WITH UPDATES

On July 19, 2013, the Cassini spacecraft will be turned to image Saturn and its entire ring system during a total eclipse of the sun, as it has done twice before during its previous 9 years in orbit.

But this time will be very different. This time, the images to be collected will capture, in natural color, a glimpse of our own planet next to Saturn and its rings on a day that will be the first time the Earth’s inhabitants know in advance their picture will be taken from a billion miles away.

– For information about the Wave at Saturn project that JPL is conducting and about the times the Earth images will be acquired, visit: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/waveatsaturn/

– For photography buffs and musical composers everywhere who like a good challenge, two contests are being conducted in association with the July 19 Earth-imaging event. These competitions seek submission of original materials — an image in one case, music in the other — created by members of the public. The winning entries will be included in a digitally encoded Message to the Milky Way that will be beamed into space sometime in the future from the Arecibo Radio Telescope, the most powerful radio telescope on Earth. For more information about these contests and the impressive group of advisors involved in them, visit:

http://www.diamondskyproductions.com/recent/index.php#mmw

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6
REMINDER : DPS ELECTIONS, DEADLINE APPROACHING FAST!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE !!
The 2013 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee is now open, and will close on July 31st 2013. To date only 15% of the membership has voted … You may just have forgotten or not found the time yet, but please do take a moment and cast your vote, it is important for our Division !

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 haven’t registered to or renewed your DPS membership recently, you are getting this e-mail because we are using large recent DPS lists, but you may actually not be an active member anymore… So, please take a moment to check your status now and renew if you haven’t done so already. This will allow you to vote and benefit from all membership advantages.

And if you haven’t already done so, renew online at https://members.aas.org/ by logging into your membership record. You must have your login and password information.
Also, please take a moment to update your personal DPS member file.

If you have any problems, and for general replies, or if you are a special status (affiliate, etc) write to or call :
Faye Peterson
Director of Membership Services
[email protected]
202.328.2010, extension 109
202.234.2560, fax

 

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7
REMINDER: SPECIAL ISSUE IN ICARUS ON DYNAMIC MARS

Dynamic Mars from long-term observations

We are well into the 2nd decade of continuous Mars observations that began with MGS and have continued with ODY, MEX, MRO, and our landed spacecraft. Bridged to earlier times by spacecraft observations from the 1960s onwards, and a continuous telescopic campaign, our view of Mars is now one of a planet on which surface and atmospheric changes occur at frequencies of days, years, and decades, a testament to long-term monitoring that continues to this day. At this time, it is appropriate that this record, with implications for Martian geology, climate, atmospheric dynamics, and other processes, be integrated into a journal special section, submitted to Icarus by November 15, 2013.

This special issue is for papers that:
• Include surface, sub-surface, and atmosphere observations, or model results, that are new and a unique outcome of the long-term data acquisition provided by Mars spacecraft and telescopes
• Highlight the long-term implications of processes that are observed and ongoing now
• Are not reviews of previous work

Author guidelines for preparation of manuscript can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/505620/auth…
Please contact the editorial office at [email protected] with any questions.

8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8———8
JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES

For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job

You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]

A) 2014 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program, now in its 16th year, provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies in Washington, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation. http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/policyfellows/index.htm

 

9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9———9
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) AGU FALL MEETING
San Francisco, CA, December 9–13, 2013.

http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/

Abstract Deadline – Tuesday, 6 August 2013

 

– SESSION: P006. DYNAMIC MARS FROM LONG-TERM OBSERVATIONS

There has been a continual spacecraft presence at Mars since 1997, showing how Mars is changing on decadal timescales. This activity includes planet-encircling dust storms about every 3-4 Mars years and associated surface changes, along with evolution of the polar caps. High-resolution imaging has revealed new impact sites, migrating sand, and a suite of processes on slopes, some of which may involve liquid water. The distribution of shallow ice is much better known, with implications for recent climate change. Manuscripts resulting from these unique, long-term observations will be due at the end of 2013 for a special section of Icarus, so this conference is an ideal time to present the results.

Conveners:
• Alfred McEwen
Univ Arizona
[email protected]
• Leslie Tamppari
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
[email protected]

– SESSION: P010. FIRST RESULTS OF C/2012 S1 (ISON): COMET OF THE CENTURY?

Comet C/2102 S1, popularly known as C/ISON, is a sun-grazing comet, originating in the Oort cloud. It is predicted to be the brightest comet of the century and has captured the interest of global professional and amateur astronomers alike. On its initial passage through the inner solar system, C/ISON potentially can become a very bright daytime object as it approaches perihelion in November 2013. Whether the comet lives up to the predictions or not, first results from various world-wide coordinated observing campaigns, including an armada of spacecraft, orbiting telescopes and ground-based professional and amateur facilities will be showcased.

Conveners:
Padma A. Yanamandra-Fisher ([email protected])
K. Meech ([email protected])
M.J. Mumma (Michael.J. [email protected])
C.M. Lisse ([email protected])
___________________________________________

– SESSION P021: POLARIMETRY AS AN INVALUABLE TOOL TO STUDY THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND
Polarimetry is a powerful tool providing a wealth of information about Earth and planetary
atmospheres; solar system objects, exoplanets and search for habitability beyond Earth that cannot be obtained by traditional photometric and spectroscopic observations. This session is open to papers about advances in vector radiative transfer theory (including non-sphericity effects on single scattering); laboratory measurements and instrumentation for the characterization of solar, terrestrial, planetary and exoplanetary atmospheres; atmosphereless bodies; dust; astrobiological markers; and instrumental developments for imaging and spectropolarimeters to be included in ground-based facilities and/or onboard space missions.

Conveners:
Padma A. Yanamandra-Fisher ([email protected])
L. Kolokolova, ([email protected])
A. Levasseur-Regourd ([email protected])
Olga Kalashnikova ([email protected])

– SESSION P028: SOLAR SYSTEM DUSTY PLASMA
Dust has been identified as an important component in space plasma environments in the Solar System. For example, the presence of macroscopic charge carriers (dust) has been recognized to be capable to offset the traditional plasma charge balance. This session will focus on dusty-plasma studies in various environments, including: laboratory experiments, Noctilucent clouds and polar mesospheric summer echoes, the plume of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, planetary rings, surfaces of airless objects, and cometary environments. The goal of the session is to compare dusty-plasma studies under various conditions to improve our understanding of the processes responsible for dust charging, altering the properties of the plasma, and the emergence of dust collective behavior.

– SESSION ED018: ERA OF CITIZEN SCIENCE: INTERSECTION OF OUTREACH, SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND BIG DATA

The traditional method of outreach to a variety of formal, informal, science and non-science audiences has undergone a fundamental change with recent advances in technology, social media and big data, giving way to citizen science with many applications. However, there is also a rising demographics of citizen science users that provide data sets for professionals or inverse citizen science application. The blurring of the data scientist and data user is a shift from the current paradigm of citizen science. This session invites papers on methodology, applications of citizen science to outreach, research, transformative approaches to science education and the future of citizen science.

Conveners:
Padma A. Yanamandra-Fisher ([email protected])
K.D. Borne ([email protected])
E.S. Lakdawalla ([email protected])

B) INTERNATIONAL FRANCQUI SYMPOSIUM: WHAT ASTEROSEISMOLOGY HAS TO OFFER TO ASTROPHYSICS
2-4 December, 2013, Brussels, Belgium

This announcement is an invitation to take a look at the finalised symposium programme on our website.

• 22 September 2013: closure of late registrations
• 22 November 2013: submission of project proposals for tutorial

In case you did not register yet, late registrations are still possible until the maximum number of participants of 120 is reached and prior to 22 September 2013.
Accepted participation will be notified after receipt of the registration fee.

More information about the programme, venue and registration can be found on the website.

Best regards,
Conny Aerts

https://fys.kuleuven.be/ster/meetings/francqui/

C) RETURN FROM THE AGU CHAPMAN CONFERENCE ON “CROSSING THE BOUNDARIES IN PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES: FROM EARTH TO EXOPLANETS”

As a result of the AGU Chapman Conference on “Crossing the Boundaries in Planetary Atmospheres: From Earth to Exoplanets,” we have launched a new website and listserv. The website includes presentations from the conference as well as several new initiatives that have begun in response to the group discussions. We are also investigating the possibility of a future journal special issue. Please check out the new website, and join the email list if you would like to receive more information in the future:

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

Amy Simon-Miller and Anthony Del Genio

D) OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP (OPAG) MEETING DATES ANNOUNCED
July 15–16, 2013, Washington, DC.

For more details see the OPAG website:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/

E) IO WORKSHOP 2013: COORDINATION FOR THE EXCEED MISSION
1st Invitation for Talks

12 October, 2013
Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO

This 1-day scientific meeting will be held in downtown Boulder after DPS Denver to discuss the latest research and developments in Io science since the 2012 Io Workshop.

The Japanese EUV Sprint-A/EXCEED mission will launch in August 2013 to observe the Jovian aurora and Io plasma torus for a number of months. This workshop will focus on topics which might benefit from EXCEED data and coordinated observations at all wavelengths, though presentations on other aspects of Io science will be accepted if time allows.

For more information and to register an abstract, please go to:
http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~con/ioworkshop2013

Organizers: Constantine Tsang, John Spencer, Fran Bagenal, Rosaly Lopes
Contact Email: [email protected]

F) WORKSHOP ON PLANETESIMAL FORMATION AND DIFFERENTIATION:
October 27–29, 2013, Washington, DC.

The Workshop on Planetesimal Formation and Differentiation will be held October 27–29, 2013, at the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC.
The first announcement is now available on the workshop website:
http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/planetesimal2013/
Further details regarding guidelines for abstract submission, meeting registration, and other logistical details will be included in future announcements.
For more information, contact:
Meeting and Publication Services
USRA–Houston
[email protected]

G) BOB LIN MEMORIAL SYMPOSIUM

September 21, 2013
Berkeley, CA

There will be a one-day symposium in Berkeley, California on
September 21, 2013, to honor Bob Lin’s contributions and influence in
many fields of research and to allow friends, colleagues, and family
to meet and share personal and professional memories. Bob’s research
interests were exceptionally broad, and the symposium organizers are
eager to see all of them represented. Following the symposium there
will be a Bob-style banquet at an appropriate restaurant in Berkeley.

Please visit:
http://boblin.ssl.berkeley.edu/

to add your name to the mailing list to get more information.

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]

 

 

Newsletter 13-17

Issue 13-17, July 04, 2013

+—————————–CONTENTS——————————–+
1) 45TH DPS MEETING : CALL FOR PAPERS, EVENTS AND NIEBUR FUND
2) JOINT MEETING OF THE HISTORICAL ASTRONOMY DIVISION WITH DPS 2013: ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS
3) REMINDER : JULY 19, 2013: THE DAY THE EARTH SMILED
4) REMINDER OF DPS ELECTIONS
5) CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY IN PLANETARY STEREO IMAGING
6) JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES
7) UPCOMING MEETINGS
+———————————————————————+

1———1———1———1———1———1———1———1
45TH MEETING OF THE DIVISION FOR PLANETARY SCIENCES (DPS 2013) : CALL FOR PAPERS, EVENTS AND NIEBUR FUND

Denver, CO, 6-11 October 2013
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences

Regular abstract deadline : July 18 9:00pm EDT. See
http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences for information.

See in particular http://aas.org/dps-45th-meeting/45th-dps-meeting-abstract-and-presentati… and go to:
http://abstracts.aas.org/abstract_pass/dps

The DPS Science Program is coming together. There will be a wide range of invited plenary talks including the following subjects and speakers:
– Voyager and the heliopause (Ed Stone);
– The Chelyabinsk event (Mark Boslough);
– 20 years of Kuiper Belt exploration (Hilke Schlichting);
– M-dwarf planets (Phillip Muirhead);
– Seasonal change on Titan (Caitlin Griffith);
– End-of-the world scares (David Morrison, joint with the AAS Historical Astronomy Division); and
– MSL’s first year on Mars (TBD).

We also expect plenary talks by the Urey and Kuiper prize winners.

Other events will include a public talk by the Sagan medalist; a reading of Dave Sobel’s play about Copernicus, “And the Sun Stood Still” by a local professional theater company; a display of astronomical art, and an art gallery night, organized by the International Association of Astronomical Artists; a professional/amateur astronomer workshop; and a banquet at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Please also remember to donate to the new professional development award for planetary scientists, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund. The fund will provide financial assistance to qualifying DPS members to facilitate their attendance at the annual DPS meeting by offsetting dependent-care costs, either at the meeting location or at home during the week of the conference. In this, its inaugural year, the Susan Niebur Professional Development Fund will support Dependent Care Grants for the 45th annual meeting of the DPS in Denver, Colorado, 6-11 October 2013.

More information about the new fund, including how to donate:
development/susan-niebur-professional-development-fund

 

2———2———2———2———2———2———2———2
JOINT MEETING OF THE HISTORICAL ASTRONOMY DIVISION WITH DPS 2013: ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR PAPERS

Denver CO, 6-11 October 2013

AAS’s Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) will meet jointly with DPS in Denver. It is to be the first joint DPS-HAD meeting since Cambridge, England, in 2005.
There will be a session of invited papers on Monday morning and posters on Monday afternoon. Joint activities with DPS will include a plenary lecture on Monday afternoon, and a play on Monday night. If enough people ask to give oral papers, we could schedule a contributed-paper session on Tuesday morning. Poster or oral presentations in the HAD sessions will not count against the quota of one paper for DPS.

The invited paper session, organized and chaired by HAD Chair Jay Pasachoff, will include 3 talks totaling 90 minutes:
– David Levy, jarnac.org, Clyde Tombaugh, Discoverer of Pluto: A Personal Retrospective
– Derek Sears, NASA Ames, Gerard Kuiper and the Infrared Detector
– Don Yeomans, JPL, Rocks From Space: A Historical Perspective

The plenary lecture will be by David Morrison, NASA Ames, about his dealing with cosmic-catastrophe fears of the general public.

The play, ~7:30-~9:30 on Monday, will be a special reading of Dava Sobel’s play “And the Sun Stood Still,” about Copernicus and Rheticus. It is revised from the version that appeared in Ms. Sobel’s book “A More Perfect Heaven,” which includes chapters about Copernicus and Rheticus before and after the play.

Abstracts may be submitted by the July 18 deadline via the DPS meeting web site, http://aas.org/meetings/45th-meeting-division-planetary-sciences – choose “Historical Astronomy Division Abstract Submission” from the “Presentation Type” page.

 

3———3———3———3———3———3———3———3
REMINDER : JULY 19, 2013: THE DAY THE EARTH SMILED

On July 19, 2013, the Cassini spacecraft will be turned to image Saturn and its entire ring system during a total eclipse of the sun, as it has done twice before during its previous 9 years in orbit.
But this time will be very different. This time, the images to be collected will capture, in natural color, a glimpse of our own planet next to Saturn and its rings on a day that will be the first time the Earth’s inhabitants know in advance their picture will be taken from a billion miles away.

For more information and to participate, see:

http://ciclops.org/view_event/193/

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/waveatsaturn/

http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/

 

4———4———4———4———4———4———4———4
REMINDER OF DPS ELECTIONS

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE !!
The 2013 election for DPS Vice-Chair and Committee is now open, and will close on July 31st 2013.

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 haven’t registered to or renewed your DPS membership recently, you are getting this e-mail because we are using large recent DPS lists, but you may actually not be an active member anymore… So, please take a moment to check your status now and renew if you haven’t done so already. This will allow you to vote and benefit from all membership advantages.

And if you haven’t already done so, renew online at https://members.aas.org/ by logging into your membership record. You must have your login and password information.
Also, please take a moment to update your personal DPS member file.

If you have any problems, and for general replies, or if you are a special status (affiliate, etc) write to or call :
Faye Peterson
Director of Membership Services
[email protected]
202.328.2010, extension 109
202.234.2560, fax

 

5———5———5———5———5———5———5———5
CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – TRAINING OPPORTUNITY IN PLANETARY STEREO IMAGING
Photogrammetric Processing of Planetary Stereo Imagery using ISIS and SOCET SET®, September 23-25, 2013

The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility at the Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey would like to announce a new Call for Participation for a training opportunity on September 23-25, 2013, on Photogrammetric Processing of Planetary Stereo Imagery using ISIS and SOCET SET®. The training is free to participants, and will cover end-to-end, hands-on photogrammetric procedures for surface extraction from Mars HiRISE images. The topics include
– An introduction to photogrammetric procedures and surface generation techniques;
– Overview of HiRISE imagery; and
– Workflow and data exchange between ISIS and SOCET SET.
The hands-on training will include ISIS preprocessing, SOCET SET import of image and reference data, orientation procedures, triangulation and bundle adjustment, manual and automated surface extraction of digital terrain models (DTM), editing, and data export.
This session has already been announced earlier and most of the seats are already assigned so remaining seats are very limited. We are offering the opportunity to compliment the current list, as well as be on a waiting list in case of a cancellation. We also have initial plans on offering another training session either in November or December, 2013 on the same topic. If these dates are more convenient for your attendance, please let us know as well.
If you are interested in participating in this opportunity, please send an email to Dr. Raad Saleh ([email protected]) with the following specific information: your name, title, affiliation, address, full contact information, and a short statement describing your interest in the training.
Please note the following:
1. Training will be 3 days, from Monday through Wednesday, September 23-25, 2013.
2. The training will be based exclusively on a standard set of HiRISE stereo images.
3. While this hands-on training will be based on HiRISE images, it would be our pleasure to advise participants on the suitability of other planetary cameras for their research projects. Furthermore, we can provide one-on-one support to producing DTMs at later days.
4. If you would like to stay longer (after this training) or come at a later date to generate your own products using the Guest Facility, please let us know the kind of images you would be using and how many DTMs you hope to produce so that we can schedule your visit accordingly.
5. For more information about the Guest Facility, and for Frequently Asked Questions, please visit: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/geology/photogrammetry-guest-facility. Go to Downloads at the bottom of the page and follow the link “Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility FAQ”.
6. If you are interested in ISIS training, please see: http://isis.astrogeology.usgs.gov/IsisWorkshop/index.php/IsisWorkshop

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or require further information. Thank you.

Contact: Dr. Raad Saleh, Training Coordinator, The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility
Email: [email protected]

 

6———6———6———6———6———6———6———6
JOB/POSITION OPPORTUNITIES

For all Job opportunities, please visit jobs
and also consider posting a job by filling out the jobs submission form at:
node/add/job

You can send any comments, questions, or suggestions to the DPS Jobs Czar at: [email protected]

A) POSTDOCTORAL POSITION ON VENUS SCIENCE AT PARIS OBSERVATORY

The position is available on Oct. 1, 2013 for a duration of two years, to work on millimeter-observations of Venus’ atmosphere obtained with the ALMA interferometer.

The successful candidate will lead high profile research based on exploitation of ESO/Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of Venus’ upper atmosphere chemistry and dynamics. His/her main work will be in the analysis, modeling and interpretation of the upper atmosphere structure, variability of trace species (CO, HDO, SO, SO2), wind measurements and their spatial and temporal variability at different vertical levels. The work will be carried out in Laboratoire d’Etudes Spatiales et d’Instrumentation en Astrophysique (LESIA), a department of Paris Observatory in Meudon in collaboration with Drs T. Encrenaz, R. Moreno, E. Lellouch.

Candidates should have a PhD in atmospheric science, with strong background in radiative transfer modeling of planetary atmosphere in the millimeter/submillimeter range. Experience in data-reduction with radio-interferometer is highly desirable. Also essential are experience with scientific computing environments, and a reasonable number of high quality publications commensurate with stage of career.

Interested candidates should send a curriculum vitae, publication list and statement of research interests in electronic form (pdf) to [email protected]. Letters of reference can be sent separately or jointly with the application.

The position is funded by European Union in the framework of FP7-SPACE EuroVenus consortium. Women and young parents are strongly encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin July 24, 2013, and the position will remain open until filled. The net income is Eur. 2,370 per month. Eur. 2,500 per year is provided for professional travel.

Further information about the position can be obtained from Dr. Thomas Widemann ([email protected]).

B) ESA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN 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 2014. 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 2013.

More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space
Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application
form can be found on the world-wide web at this address:
http://www.rssd.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
coordinator, Dr. Guido De Marchi, at the address [email protected]

 

7———7———7———7———7———7———7———7
UPCOMING MEETINGS

See also: PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS

Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

A) AGU FALL MEETING
San Francisco, CA, December 9–13, 2013.

http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/

Abstract Deadline – Tuesday, 6 August 2013

 

– SESSION P004 : CHARACTERIZING SMALL SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES

The composition and physical properties of Small Solar System Bodies (SSSBs), remnants of the formation of planets, are key to better understand our solar system. Increased knowledge of their surface properties and their potential as resources are also necessary to prepare for robotic and human exploration.
Hints about the internal structure and composition of SSSBs have been acquired recently thanks to flyby/rendezvous data from space missions, study of multiple asteroid systems, or close encounter between asteroids. This session welcomes abstracts on the internal structure and composition of SSSBs based on space and ground-based data, numerical models, and instrument/mission concepts in the prospect of future exploration.

Conveners: Franck Marchis (SETI Institute) and Julie Castillo-Rogez (JPL)

– SESSION: P008. ENCELADUS: LITTLE MOON, BIG POSSIBILITIES

With towering jets of icy particles and organic compounds deriving from a salty, subsurface sea, Enceladus likely offers the most accessible extraterrestrial habitable zone in our solar system. In this special session, now in its 8th year, we will focus on those topics relating to the origin and state of the moon’s geologically active south polar terrain (SPT). These include observational, theoretical and modeling investigations of the composition, state, and dynamics of Enceladus’ jets and plume, its thermal and interior state and evolution, and the geomorphology of the SPT and similar provinces. We also welcome studies addressing future spaceflight missions and the moon’s potential for biological activity.

CURRENT SECTION/FOCUS GROUP: Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EP)
CO-SPONSORING SECTION(S): Biogeosciences (B)

Conveners: Chris McKay, NASA, Moffett Field, CA, United States.
Carolyn Porco, Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, United States.

– SESSION P018: MERCURY AFTER TWO YEARS OF MESSENGER ORBITAL OBSERVATIONS

After two full years of orbital observations of Mercury, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft began its Second Extended Mission in March. The Second Extended Mission is addressing Mercury’s surprising volatile inventory, exploring newly revealed aspects of the planet’s geological evolution, and witnessing the dynamic response of Mercury’s exosphere and magnetosphere to the peak and early waning phases of solar activity. This session will highlight the latest results on Mercury from MESSENGER orbital observations and welcomes contributed papers on future mission opportunities, complementary ground-based observations, laboratory measurements, and theoretical developments relevant to planetary processes at Mercury.

Please consider submitting an abstract for this session. For more information, visit: https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/scientific-program/session-search/sessi…

Conveners:
Paul Byrne (Carnegie Institution of Washington)
Sean Solomon (Columbia University)
Larry Nittler (Carnegie Institution of Washington)

– SESSION P019: PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES AND EVOLUTION
Section/Focus Group: Planetary Sciences (P)
Co-Sponsors: Atmospheric Sciences (A)

Understanding the evolutionary histories of planetary atmospheres is one of the key scientific questions driving planetary mission planning. While the evolution of our own planet, the Earth, is constrained by geological and geochemical data, the evolutionary paths of other planetary bodies must be determined from planetary mi ssion data and astronomical observations. The discoveries of extrasolar planets greatly expand the interests of the scientific community and provide a new opportunity for interdisciplinary collaborations between geoscientists, astronomers, and planetary scientists. The session welcomes both observational and theoretical studies relevant to the evolution of planetary objects in and outside of our solar system (including the Earth).

Conveners:
– Feng Tian, Tsinghua University, [email protected]
– Eric Chassefiere, Universite Paris-Sud Orsay, [email protected]

– SESSION P026 : SHAPE, INTERNAL STRUCTURE, GRAVITY, AND WINDS OF JUPITER AND SATURN

You are invited to submit an abstract to Session P026 “Shape, Internal Structure, Gravity, and Winds of Jupiter and Saturn” at the Fall AGU Meeting, 9-13 December, 2013, in San Francisco, USA.

Description : The Juno spacecraft is now on its way to Jupiter and the Cassini spacecraft will visit Saturn toward the end of its mission. One of the main scientific objectives of both missions is to understand the internal structure, gravity, and winds of Jupiter and Saturn.
We welcome the submission of abstracts on the following topics:

(1) Analytical or numerical models of shape and internal structure of rapidly rotating Jupiter and Saturn;
(2) Relationship between the shape and internal structure of Jupiter and Saturn and their external gravity fields;
(3) Analytical or numerical models of winds/circulations of Jupiter and Saturn, as well as their effects on the zonal gravity coefficients of Jupiter and Saturn;
(4) Analytical or numerical models of convection/dynamo of Jupiter and Saturn;
(5) Any aspects of the Juno and Cassini missions that are related to shape, internal structure, gravity, and winds of Jupiter and Saturn.

Conveners : Gerald Schubert
Department of Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences,
University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, USA,
[email protected]

Keke Zhang
Center for Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics and
Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Exeter, EX4
4QF, UK,
[email protected]

 

– SESSION P031: TITAN’S ENIGMATIC ATMOSPHERE AND IONOSPHERE

The processes that control Titan’s atmosphere and ionosphere remain in many ways enigmatic
even after nine years of observations and study from the Cassini mission and the Huygens probe.
The instruments onboard Cassini-Huygens have studied in-situ and remotely many aspects of
Titan’s atmosphere and coupled ionosphere.
In the stratosphere, thermosphere, ionosphere, and exosphere studies of atmospheric composition
and structure have recently produced substantial breakthroughs in our understanding of this complex system.
In this session, we focus on recent and ongoing studies of Titan’s atmosphere and ionosphere.
Papers focusing on atmospheric observations, modeling, and laboratory studies are welcomed.

https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/scientific-program/session-search/sessi…

Conveners : Nathalie Carrasco and Joseph Westlake.

– SESSION P032 : TITAN: A SOLAR SYSTEM ENIGMA

After a decade of close scrutiny, the pre-Cassini Titan paradigm has been inverted. Speculations of vast methane oceans on Titan have given way to small ethane–methane seas near the poles. Dunes cover much of the surface. Seasonal changes are observed, including shifts in weather patterns. Observed surface changes may be due to evaporation, rainfall and/or infiltration and fluvial activity, or, dynamic processes ongoing in Titan’s interior. Several small areas suggest recent surface change, including: Darkening due to rainfall, Photometric changes implying cryovolcanic activity, and Temporary lakes among dunes at low latitudes. The session will present recent spacecraft and ground-based results and test the veracity of the current models.

Conveners : Robert Nelson ; Rosaly Lopes

– SESSION NH023: CHELYABINSK METEOR EVENT:

https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/scientific-program/session-search/sessi…

On February 15, 2013, Earth experienced the largest cosmic impact of the last century. Without warning, a ~20-m diameter asteroid plunged into the atmosphere and exploded over Cheyabinsk, Russia, with an energy of ~0.5 megatons. This session will bring together various analyses of this unique event, discuss the nature of the impactor and the physics of the airburst, and describe the damage on the ground and the meteorites that have been collected. This impact can be understood within the context of the broader asteroid impact hazard. It also has a human dimension, with important lessons for risk analyses and hazard communication. We solicit abstracts from experts on asteroids, impact airbursts, meteoritics, risk communication, and natural disaster response.

Conveners: Clark Chapman, David Morrison, Alan Harris

 

B) TARGET NEO 2: OPEN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
July 9, 2013, Washington, DC

Target NEO 2 is the follow-on to the highly successful Target NEO Workshop held in February, 2011. The technical viewpoints of experts in fields pertinent to robotic and human NEO exploration will be provided. Key questions for the workshop include: What are the technical challenges involved and what new capabilities are needed for the newly proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission? What technical information is still needed to support and sustain a robust human exploration program to a NEO? Registration is free. For more information and to register, go to http://targetneo.jhuapl.edu/

 

C) COMET ISON OBSERVER’S WORKSHOP
Colleagues,

I am pleased to invite you to the Comet ISON Observer’s Workshop. In order to facilitate the maximal observing of ISON, we will be holding a 2- day pre-encounter workshop at JHU/APL on 1-2 August 2013. The meeting’s overarching goal is to maximize the scientific return from ISON’s 2013 apparition. Confirmed speakers to date include Fast, Green, and Johnson of NASA HQ and Schrijver, Feaga, Fernandez, Knight, Lisse, and Wooden of our comet community.

All interested parties are welcome to attend and discuss their observing plans and needs, and what is currently known about the comet. The format of the meeting will maximize group discussion and communication. There is no cost for attending this meeting, and a light breakfast and afternoon snacks will be served. Pre-registration using the Registration page linked to https://dnnpro.outer.jhuapl.edu/isonworkshop/Home.aspx is required for attendance. Nearby hotels and restaurants are listed on the linked Lodging and Accommodations page.

We look forward to seeing you at a lively and informative meeting. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email.

– Carey Lisse + the NASA Comet ISON Observing Campaign (CIOC) Team

D) OUTER PLANETS ASSESSMENT GROUP (OPAG) MEETING DATES ANNOUNCED
Dates for the next OPAG meeting have been confirmed.
The meeting will be held July 15–16, 2013, in the Washington, DC, area.

When more details are available, they will be posted on the OPAG website:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/

E) 4TH PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM MEETING
The 4th Planetary Crater Consortium meeting will be held August 14-16, 2013, at the US Geological Survey in Flagstaff, AZ. The Planetary Crater Consortium is open to planetary scientists interested in any aspect of impact cratering on solar system bodies, including observational, theoretical, experimental, and numerical studies. The meeting is a combination of invited talks, contributed talks, and open discussion. Abstract deadline is Friday, July 26, 2013. For more information, see www.planetarycraterconsortium.nau.edu/ or contact Nadine Barlow ([email protected]).

F) INAUGURAL COSPAR SYMPOSIUM,
Bangkok, Thailand, November 11-15, 2013.

Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) will hold its inaugural COSPAR Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, from 11 to 15 November, 2013.

The abstract submission deadline has been extended until June 30th, 2013.

The theme of the symposium will be “Planetary Systems of our Sun and other Stars, and the Future of Space Astronomy.” We will have seven sessions:

1. Comparative Planetology
2. Future of Space Astronomy
3. Space Observations and Advanced Retrieval Techniques
4. Astrobiology: Origin and Evolution of Habitable Bodies and Life
5. Exoplanets and Solar Systems: the “Beginnings”
6. Ionosphere, Magnetosphere and Space Physics
7. Citizen Science, Outreach, Education, Amateur Astronomy, Scientific Ballooning

Please find out more about the meeting here:
http://cospar2013.gistda.or.th/

And submit abstracts:
http://cospar2013.gistda.or.th/content2.php?slug=abstract

The meeting’s Local Organisers are Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT).

G) 69TH OSU INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON MOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
June 16-20, 2014, at the University of Illinois.

This is to inform you that much of the information from this Symposium (and previous ones) is now available on line.

At the moment, the complete powerpoint presentations of those authors who have so authorized, have been linked to their talk on the program pages of the Spectroscopy Symposium web site. Just click the above link and follow the Meeting Program link. The abstract and presentation information will also be soon uploaded into the OSU International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy collection in the Knowledge Bank of the OSU Library System.
You can then visit the knowledge bank via the above link and use the search mechanisms available there to access information from the 68th and all earlier Symposiums.

Thanks to all of you who made the 68th meeting a success.
I hope to see most of you again next year as well as many others for the 69th Symposium (June 16-20, 2014) at the University of Illinois.

-Terry A. Miller, Chair,
O.S.U. International Symposium on
Molecular Spectroscopy

email:[email protected]
http://molspect.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/symposium

H) 1ST ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2ND AAS LABORATORY ASTROPHYSICS DIVISION MEETING
June 1-5, 2014 ; Boston, MA

The Second Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) meeting will be held
jointly with the American Astronomical Society (AAS) summer meeting from
June 1-5, 2014 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA. Please mark
your calendars.

The meeting will feature an AAS plenary speaker in laboratory
astrophysics; LAD sessions devoted to atoms, molecules, dust and ices,
plasmas, planetary science, nuclear, and particles; and an LAD poster
session to run the duration of the meeting. The sessions will include
invited 30 minute talks and contributed 15 minute talks. Abstract
submission for contributed talks and posters will open around 01 Feb
2014 and run till about 01 Mar 2014.

Additional meeting logistical information will be posted at
https://aas.org/meetings/future-aas-meeting-information as it becomes
available.

To receive future announcements directly, please join the LAD listserv
as described at http://lad.aas.org/listserv

 

———————————+
Send submissions to:
Athena Coustenis, DPS Secretary ([email protected])

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

Athena Coustenis
LESIA (Bat. 18)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon
5, place Jules Janssen
92195 Meudon Cedex
France
Tel: +33145077720
[email protected]