PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER
Volume 5, Number 32 (July 17, 2011)
PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org
Editor: Susan Benecchi
Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Melissa Lane
Email: pen_editor at psi.edu
o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o
1. Passing of Tom Gehrels (1925-2011)
2. AGU Fall 2011 Session: NG05. Extreme Space Weather
3. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P02. Accretion and Differentiation of
Terrestrial Planets - Experiments and Modeling
4. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P03. Active Mars Surface Processes and the
Role of Volatiles
5. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P12. Hydrothermal Mars - Analogs and
Observations
6. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P19. Mercury - The View from Orbit
7. AGU Fall 2011 Session: P35. Using Topography to Investigate the
Evolution of Solar System Bodies
8. AGU Fall 2011 Session: SA06. Ionospheres of Unmagnetized Planets -
Venus, Mars, and Titan
9. AGU Fall 2011 Session: V11. Inferring Processes from Volcanic
Deposits in the Solar System
10. GSA Session: T212. Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and
Planets - Remote, Field, and Lab Studies
11. Postdoctoral Researcher: Petrology of Planetary Materials
12. ESA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Space Science
13. The NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellowships
14. Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Geophysics
15. PhD Position on Martian Alluvial Fans at Utrecht University,
the Netherlands
16. Planetary Protection Research Program Submission
17. SPICE Training Announcement
18. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
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PASSING OF TOM GEHRELS (1925-2011)
Planetary science suffered another loss this week with the passing of
Tom Gehrels, 86, a long-time professor at the Lunar and Planetary
Laboratory at the University of Arizona. He pioneered the study of
wavelength dependence of polarization of stars and planets and was the
principal investigator for the Pioneer 10 and 11 Imaging
Photopolarimeters. He studied asteroids for much of his career and
founded the Spacewatch Project at Kitt Peak. He also founded the
highly respected Space Science Series. He will be greatly missed.
Momorials are posted at:
http://www.uanews.org/node/40649
http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/faculty/memoriam/gehrels.php
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/125432648.html
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: NG05. EXTREME SPACE WEATHER
We invite our planetary science colleagues to consider submitting an
abstract.
This session will focus on solar, interplanetary, *planetary*,
astrophysical, magnetospheric, ionospheric and atmospheric phenomena
that can be directly observed, simulated in advanced models, inferred
from paleo-data (such as ice cores, rocks, and meteorites) and
observed from a multitude of stars like the Sun. The extremes of
interest include events like the 1859 Carrington event, as well as the
recent deep extended solar minimum. What are the worst cases that we
should prepare for in terms of geomagnetic storms, energetic-particle
populations, or solar irradiance changes? Should we care about
experiencing a modern-day Maunder Minimum? What are the implications
for planets and exoplanets, both in the present epoch and in the past?
Predictions for the next solar cycle are welcome.
Questions can be directed to any of the session organizers: Bruce
Tsurutani (bruce.tsurutani@jpl.nasa.gov), Karel Schrijver, Lika
Guhathakurta, Walter Gonzalez, Tony Mannucci, Gibor Basri, Dave
Brain (david.brain@lasp.colorado.edu)
Co-sponsors: Planetary Sciences, Space Physics and Aeronomy
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P02. ACCRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF
TERRESTRIAL PLANETS - EXPERIMENTS AND MODELING
The two major events in terrestrial planet formation are accretion and
differentiation. These processes are best studied through analog
experiments and theoretical modeling. Experimental approaches include
exploring melt and fluids phase equilibria, major and trace element
partitioning coefficients, isotopic data and physical differentiation
processes. Computational approaches include models of impact
processes, core formation, magma ocean evolution and mantle
convection. We invite contributions that advance our understanding
of terrestrial planet formation or that highlight new concepts for
future investigations. Contributions emphasizing a lab-modeling
multidisciplinary approach are particularly welcome.
Invited Speakers:
- Maria Schonbachler, University of Manchester, UK
- Laura Schaefer, Washington University, USA
- James Van Orman, Case Western University, USA
- Nicolas Dauphas, University of Chicago, USA
Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011
http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/
Conveners:
Anne Pommier, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Allan Treiman, Lunar and Planetary Institute
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P03. ACTIVE MARS SURFACE PROCESSES AND THE ROLE
OF VOLATILES
One of the most important recent revelations about Mars is the number,
diversity, and breadth of scale of surface processes that are
currently active. The realization that Mars is a geologically and
geochemically dynamic planet derives from recent observations and
ongoing, multi-year spacecraft monitoring at high spatial, spectral,
and temporal resolution. The roles of volatiles H2O and CO2 are
central to much of this activity, yet are far from understood.
Surface activity of interest to the session may involve redistribution
of volatiles themselves, the direct or indirect influence by volatiles,
geochemical volatile-surface interaction, or very little apparent
direct involvement of volatiles. Examples include, but are certainly
not limited to: Ground ice processes; transient or recurring features
or events, e.g., slope markings, south polar CO2-frost fans, spiders,
etc., north polar avalanches, dust devils; geomorphic features such as
dunes, other aeolian features, and gullies, especially whose activity
may involve or be mediated by volatiles; polar residual cap evolution;
seasonal patterns of ice and frost distribution; surface & near-surface
geochemical interactions and weathering processes; change monitoring of
geomorphic, spectral, and ephemeral features.
Conveners: P. Russell, C. Dundas, M. Mellon, S. Cull
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P12. HYDROTHERMAL MARS - ANALOGS AND
OBSERVATIONS
We seek to bring together scientists working on observational and
theoretical studies of hydrothermal activity, both on Earth and Mars.
If you are working on a related project, please consider submitting
for this session.
Session Description:
Description: Evidence for the presence of volatiles in the martian
past, coupled with a history of volcanic and impact activity, indicate
that hydrothermal activity likely occurred on Mars. Recent
spectroscopic detection of minerals consistent with high-temperature
alteration suggest hydrothermal origins. We wish to combine
terrestrial analog studies, laboratory, and modeling experiments to
address remote sensing observations of potential hydrothermal products
on Mars.
Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011
http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/646
Sponsor: Planetary Sciences (P)
Co-Sponsor(s): Earth and Planetary Surface Processes (EP),
Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology (V)
Organizers:
E. Noe Dobrea
J. Michalski
[Edited for length.]
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P19. MERCURY - THE VIEW FROM ORBIT
Conveners:
Sean C. Solomon
Brian J. Anderson
Ralph L. McNutt, Jr.
Louise M. Prockter
After three successful flybys of Mercury, NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft
began orbiting the innermost planet in March of this year. The orbital
phase of the mission is enabling the first global perspective on
Mercury's geology, surface composition, topography, gravity, and
internal magnetic field and the first continuous observations of the
planet's exosphere, magnetosphere, and solar-wind interaction. This
session will highlight the latest results on Mercury from MESSENGER
measurements obtained during the initial eight months of orbital
operations. The conveners also welcome contributed papers on
complementary ground-based observations, laboratory measurements, and
theoretical developments relevant to planetary processes at Mercury.
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: P35. USING TOPOGRAPHY TO INVESTIGATE THE
EVOLUTION OF SOLAR SYSTEM BODIES
We invite abstracts to the session "Using Topography to Investigate
the Evolution of Solar System Bodies" for the Fall AGU meeting in
San Francisco, December 5-9, 2011. We seek to bring together
scientists who use topographic measurements as part of their efforts
to better understand the evolution of planets, asteroid and comets.
Description: Spacecraft data have enabled the surface topography of
many solar system bodies to be determined. These data provide insight
into near-surface processes and properties that exist over the
visible history of a body, on global and local scales. We invite
abstracts on any topic in which topography plays a role. These may
describe theoretical investigations, laboratory studies or data
analysis of any body in the solar system and can include (but are
not limited to): topographic measurements that are indicative of the
types of surface terrain or environments present; processes that
create or erase/erode surface topography at any scale; and subsurface
processes that are expressed by surface topography.
Abstract deadline: August 4, 2011
http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/669
Conveners:
Olivier Barnouin
Louise Prockter
Wes Patterson
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: SA06. IONOSPHERES OF UNMAGNETIZED PLANETS -
VENUS, MARS, AND TITAN
Dear Colleagues,
We kindly invite you to submit an abstract to the session
SA06: Ionospheres of Unmagnetized Planets: Venus, Mars and Titan
at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting in San Francisco (5-9 December).
Abstracts are due August 4.
Atmospheric dynamics, solar photons, energetic particles and induced
and intrinsic magnetic fields combine in myriad ways to create
planetary ionospheres. Venus has a dense dayside ionosphere and
mysterious ionospheric 'holes' on the night side. Locally intense
remnant crustal magnetic fields alter Mars' otherwise Venus-like
ionosphere to create a plasma laboratory unique in the solar system.
Titan is bombarded by solar photons and Kronian energetic electrons,
creating a dynamic ionosphere and rich hydrocarbon chemistry. In all
cases, these ionospheres are the reservoirs for atmospheric escape.
Related contributions are sought covering recent advances or reviews
of observations, numerical modeling or relevant laboratory
experiments.
More information on the session can be found at:
http://sites.agu.org/fallmeeting/scientific-program/session-search/744
Abstract submission:
http://agu-fm11.abstractcentral.com/
We encourage you to share this message with your colleagues.
Sincerely,
Robert Lillis rlillis@ssl.berkeley.edu
Paul Withers withers@bu.edu
Matthew Fillingim matt@ssl.berkeley.edu
Guillaume Gronoff Guillaume.P.Gronoff@nasa.gov
Cyril Simon Wedlund Cyril.Simon@aeronomie.be
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AGU FALL 2011 SESSION: V11. INFERRING PROCESSES FROM VOLCANIC DEPOSITS
IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Colleagues,
We would like to draw your attention and encourage your contributions
to the Fall 2011 AGU session: V11. Inferring Processes From Volcanic
Deposits in the Solar System
This session will bring together physical volcanologists from the
planetary and terrestrial geology communities and explore the current
understanding of explosive and effusive volcanology. Topics may
include field and remote-sensing investigations of volcanic deposits
that aim to further our understanding of formation or degradation
processes (e.g. pyroclastic deposit emplacement, lava flow inflation,
deposit erosion). Bringing planetary, terrestrial, explosive and
effusive volcanologist together will help to address current problems
in the field and identify gaps in our current understanding of
volcanic processes.
This session is sponsored by: Volcanology, Geochemistry and Petrology
together with Planetary Sciences.
Please do not hesitate to contact the conveners (below) if you have
any questions.
Conveners:
Patrick Whelley
University at Buffalo, USA
pwhelley@buffalo.edu
Brittany Brand
University of Washington, USA
bbrand@u.washington.edu
10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10
GSA SESSION: T212. IMPACT CRATERING ON THE EARTH, MOON, AND PLANETS -
REMOTE, FIELD, AND LAB STUDIES
The impact cratering community is invited to submit an abstract to
the following session at the 2011 Geological Society of America
Annual Meeting (October 9-12, 2011, Minneapolis, MN):
Topical Session T212. Impact Cratering on the Earth, Moon, and
Planets: Remote, Field, and Lab Studies
Conveners: Christian Koeberl (Univ. Vienna/NHM, Austria), Jeffrey
Plescia (APL-Johns Hopkins Univ. USA)
This session solicits contributions on any aspect of impact crater
studies (terrestrial and planetary), including recent observations of
lunar craters that constrain geologic aspects of craters and provide
information on the modeling of impacts.
To submit an abstract to this session:
http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2011AM/top/papers/index.cgi?sessionid=28353
Abstracts Deadline: 26 July 2011
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POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER: PETROLOGY OF PLANETARY MATERIALS
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), part of the Universities
Space Research Association, invites applications for a postdoctoral
fellowship in the petrology of planetary materials.
The successful candidate will work with Dr. Allan Treiman in
NASA-funded efforts, focusing on planetary crusts and magmas, and
their volatiles constituents; target materials include lunar highlands
rocks, Martian meteorites, and terrestrial analogs. These efforts
focus on planetary samples, starting with analyses by optical
microscopy and electron microprobe; other instruments are available at
nearby Johnson Space Center or with external collaborators. The
candidate will be encouraged to design and conduct their own research
in planetary science, propose for external funding, participate in
grant review panels and analysis groups, and become involved with
spacecraft missions.
The successful candidate will have a recent Ph.D. in petrology or
geochemistry; experience with planetary materials is helpful, but not
required. The position would be for two years, with possible extension
to a third year. Review of candidates will begin on November 15, 2011,
with a hiring decision as soon as possible thereafter. Further
information can be found on our website:
http://www.lpi.usra.edu
The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity
Employer.
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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 2012. 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.
The deadline for applications is 1 October 2011.
More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme, as well as
the application form can be found at:
http://www.rssd.esa.int/fellowship
Questions: Contact Dr. Guido De Marchi, at fellowship@rssd.esa.int
[Edited for length.]
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THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM FELLOWSHIPS
The next deadline to apply for a NASA Postdoctoral Program fellowship
is November 1, 2011. These competitive one- to three-year fellowship
appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science,
aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
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 and foreign nationals who hold Lawful
Permanent Resident status or who are eligible for J-1 status as a
Research Scholar may apply. An H-1B Visa status is not acceptable
because the NPP is not an employment program.
Stipend rates for Postdoctoral Fellows start at $50,000 per year, with
small supplements for high cost-of-living areas. Funds are available
for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit. Fellows also
receive $8,000 per appointment year to support travel to conferences,
meetings, and other activities that directly support their research.
Applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program are accepted three
times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1.
For further information about this opportunity and to apply online,
visit:
http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm
Questions regarding this opportunity may be submitted by e-mail to
nasapostdoc@orau.org
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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY GEOPHYSICS
The broad area of interest is interiors and evolution of satellites
(mostly, but not exclusively, in the outer solar system). A strong
background in geophysics or a similar quantitative field is required.
The position is initially for two years, with possibility of
extension. Applications will be considered until the post is filled;
initial starting date is nominally 1st Jan 2012, but this is
negotiable.
For questions or more information, contact Francis Nimmo
(fnimmo@es.ucsc.edu) at the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences,
University of California Santa Cruz.
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PHD POSITION ON MARTIAN ALLUVIAL FANS AT UTRECHT UNIVERSITY,
THE NETHERLANDS
The Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands,
offers a PhD position < Sorting out formative mechanism and time
scales of Martian and Terrestrial alluvial fans from particle size
sorting > in a vibrant group as part of the department of Physical
Geography in cooperation with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in
Berlin and the geography department at Durham University, UK.
The candidate is expected to process airborne and remote sensing data
of Mars and Earth, perform morphodynamic experiments in the
laboratory, conduct fieldwork on Svalbard, Norway, publish in
international peer-reviewed journals, write a (paper) PhD thesis
within the project duration of four years and assist some teaching.
Polar Bear protection course is included.
Highly motivated candidates with an MSc degree in applied physics,
physical geography, hydrology, civil engineering, planetary geology
or a related field are encouraged to apply. The candidate is offered
a fixed-term four year appointment as PhD researcher with one year
probation. The gross monthly salary increases from EURO 2,042 in
year 1 to EURO 2,612 in year 4. Additional information:
http://www.geo.uu.nl/fg/mkleinhans
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PLANETARY PROTECTION RESEARCH PROGRAM SUBMISSION
Deadline: September 2, 2011.
Of particular interest are the following areas:
* Limits of life in laboratory simulations of planetary environments,
particularly studies of the distribution and dynamics of organisms
in conditions present on Mars (including gullies and ice-rich
environments) or within a subsurface ocean as may be present on icy
satellites - potentially in the presence of a heat source brought
from Earth;
* Modeling of planetary environmental conditions and transport
processes that could affect transport of spacecraft-associated
contaminants to locations in which Earth organisms might thrive,
for example Mars Special Regions or the subsurface of icy bodies
such as Europa and other outer planet satellites;
* Development of modern molecular analytical methods to rapidly
detect, classify, and/or enumerate the spectrum of Earth microbes
carried by spacecraft. Of particular interest are methods capable
of identifying microbes with high potential for surviving spacecraft
flight or planetary environmental conditions (e.g., anaerobes,
psychrophiles, radiation-resistant organisms);
* Technologies, and procedures for sterilization compatible with
spacecraft materials and assemblies.
Questions concerning the Planetary Protection Program may be addressed
to either Dr. Catharine A. Conley; Cassie.Conley@nasa.gov OR to
Dr. Michael K. Reddy, (202) 358-7221; michael.k.reddy@nasa.gov
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SPICE TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT
The Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) will conduct
a SPICE observation geometry training class on September 13-15, 2011
in Monrovia, California. SPICE is described at:
http://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/spiceconcept.html
The class is free and open to all professionals and students involved
in solar system exploration, including foreign nationals and members
of the commercial community. Further information about the class and
the class registration form are found at:
http://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/announcement_SPICE-2011
Registration is due by August 12, 2011.
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PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS
January 23-27, 2012
Planets around Stellar Remnants
http://www.mpia-hd.mpg.de/PLANETS2012/index.html
Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html
[Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or
workshop of which your colleagues should be aware, please send the
date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.]
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