PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER
Volume 6, Number 38 (September 2, 2012)
PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org
Editor: Melissa Lane
Co-Editors: Susan Benecchi, Mark V. Sykes
Email: pen_editor at psi.edu
o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o
1. Planetary-Related Commercial Announcements to be Allowed on a Trial
Basis in PEN
2. Workshop on the Evolution and Constitution of Mercury's Interior
3. Postdoctoral Position in Exoplanet Atmospheres at the University
of Arizona
4. New "Cassini Archive Page" Available to Access Cassini Data
5. Astronomer Position at Lowell Observatory
6. [NASA] PDS: Mars Exploration Rovers Data Release 33
7. Faculty Position in Planetary and Space Science
8. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships
9. Workshop on "Waves and Instabilities in Geophysical and
Astrophysical Flows"
10. MEPAG Meeting Scheduled for October 4, 2012 in Monrovia, CA
11. September MEPAG Newsletter Available
12. GSA Invites Applications for Two Student Awards
13. PhD Student Position in The Netherlands
14. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
Commercial Announcements
C1. Uwingu
C2. Cosmos in the Classroom
C3. Globes of Galilean Satellites?
o---------------------------------------------------------------------o
1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1
PLANETARY-RELATED COMMERCIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO BE ALLOWED ON A TRIAL
BASIS IN PEN
PEN receives requests to announce commercial products, such as books,
other educational products, instruments, and even support for new
businesses. We would like to try an experiment. Commercial
announcements will be accepted for PEN editions through the end of this
calendar year. Such announcements will be subject to the following
requirements:
- 50 words maximum, title+text including a URL
- Be related to planetary science
- Include "Commercial:" in the subject line to
pen_editor@planetarynews.org, regardless of whether the source is an
individual, for-profit entity, or non-profit entity
- No attachments will be distributed
These announcements will not be archived. There will be no charge.
They will be included in a special section after regular PEN
announcements (see this edition). The editors reserve the right to
modify any announcement to conform to PEN style standards. We also
reserve the right not to publish any announcement.
After this trial period, we will survey PEN subscribers to determine
whether they think commercial announcements are of value and should
continue. We will also consider whether a fee for such announcements
should be implemented as a means of controlling volume.
The Editors
2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2
WORKSHOP ON THE EVOLUTION AND CONSTITUTION OF MERCURY'S INTERIOR
October 30, 2012 - November 1, 2012
The workshop Evolution and Constitution of Mercury's Interior will be
held on October 30 - November 1, 2012 at the Park Central Hotel in New
York, NY. This international meeting will explore recent results from
NASA's MESSENGER mission as well as implications for the forthcoming
ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission. The workshop is organized around three
thematic issues regarding Mercury's interior:
Origin, structure, and bulk composition of Mercury
Evolution of Mercury's crust and mantle
Core evolution and magnetic field generation
Registration and additional information is available at:
http://bit.ly/mercuryinterior
Registration deadline: September 21, 2012.
3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3
POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
ARIZONA
The Department of Planetary Sciences/Lunar and Planetary Laboratory of
the University of Arizona has an opening for a Post Doctoral Research
Associate in the field of exoplanet atmospheres. The successful
applicant will work with the exoplanet group at LPL in the development
of models for the thermal structure of exoplanet atmospheres and in
the comparison of models with available observations. Applicants
should have a PhD or equivalent in Planetary Science, Astrophysics, or
Physics and extensive experience with numerical computation using the
Fortran programming language. Applicants should also be familiar with
radiative transfer calculations. The appointment is for two years,
dependent upon the availability of funding. A curriculum vitae and
the names of 3 references should be sent to Dr. Roger Yelle
(yelle@lpl.arizona.edu).
4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4
NEW "CASSINI ARCHIVE PAGE" AVAILABLE TO ACCESS CASSINI DATA
The Cassini mission and the Planetary Data System (PDS) are pleased to
announce the availability of the "Cassini Archive Page". It has an
improved interface including help pages and Users' Guide for accessing
the Cassini data.
To access the Cassini data, please visit:
http://atmos.nmsu.edu/data_and_services/atmospheres_data/Cassini/
Cassini.html
Or go to:
http://atmos.nmsu.edu/
and click on Cassini Archive Page
5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5
ASTRONOMER POSITION AT LOWELL OBSERVATORY
Lowell Observatory invites applications for tenure-track or tenured
research positions in astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science.
We are open to applicants at any career level who can build on current
strengths or open new areas for Lowell Observatory. The successful
candidate must have an outstanding record of research accomplishment.
Demonstrated ability or potential to obtain significant external
funding to support research programs is also essential. A Ph.D. in
astronomy, planetary science, or a related field is required.
Lowell Observatory is a research institution where the staff engages
full time in projects of their own design. The successful candidate
will join an ongoing expansion of our scientific and engineering staff
to maximize the potential of our new 4.3-meter Discovery Channel
Telescope, now in the commissioning phase, in partnership with
Discovery Communications, Boston University, the University of Toledo,
the University of Maryland, and Goddard. Lowell also maintains 1.8-m,
1.1-m, and 0.8-m telescopes equipped with optical and IR imagers and
spectrographs, and we are a partner with the US Naval Observatory and
the Naval Research Laboratory in the Navy Precision Optical
Interferometer.
See the Job Register or the following web site for more information:
http://www.lowell.edu/about_jobs.php
The deadline for full consideration is December 1.
6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6
[NASA] PDS: MARS EXPLORATION ROVERS DATA RELEASE 33
The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce Release 33 of
Mars Exploration Rover data. This release includes primarily data
from Sols 2791 through 2880 and includes data only from Opportunity,
MER1/B. It includes data from the following instruments: APXS, HAZCAM,
NAVCAM, MI, MOESSBAUER (EDRs), PANCAM, Radio Science, RAT, Rover Motion
Counter and SPICE. There are no Atmospheric Opacity and Mini-TES data
and no APXS or Moessbauer RDRs in this release. This release includes
the first Radio Science data for Opportunity since 2004.
To access the above data, please visit the following link:
http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20120828.html
The following special services are provided for accessing MER data:
MER Analyst's Notebook:
http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/mer/
Planetary Image Atlas:
http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/mer/
7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7
FACULTY POSITION IN PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE
The School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Tech invites
applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the areas of
Planetary and Space Sciences. We are seeking candidates interested in a
range of topics that complement our existing strengths: space physics,
magnetospheric science, planetary atmospheres, interiors, and/or
planetary geology and surface processes. We are particularly interested
in candidates who incorporate spacecraft observations with numerical
and/or laboratory studies. Applicants at the Assistant Professor level
are sought, although outstanding individuals at all levels will be
considered.
Georgia Tech is undergoing growth in earth and planetary sciences,
which includes a new Strategic University Research Partnership with
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The School of Earth and Atmospheric
Sciences currently has 29 faculty members and 93 graduate students. For
more information about our School and academic programs, visit:
http://www.eas.gatech.edu
Applicants should send an application letter, curriculum vitae, a
statement of research and teaching interests, and the names and contact
information for at least three references. PDF applications should be
emailed to facultysearch@eas.gatech.edu. Requests for information
should be directed to Dr. Carol Paty (carol.paty@eas.gatech.edu) or
Dr. James Wray (jwray@gatech.edu). Applications will be considered
beginning November 1, 2012.
8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8
NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers scientists and engineers
unique opportunities to conduct research at NASA Centers. Each NPP
fellowship opportunity is designed to advance NASA research in a
specific project related to space science, earth science, aeronautics,
exploration systems, lunar science, astrobiology, or astrophysics.
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.
For further information and to apply, visit:
http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm
Questions may be submitted by e-mail to nasapostdoc@orau.org
9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9
WORKSHOP ON "WAVES AND INSTABILITIES IN GEOPHYSICAL AND ASTROPHYSICAL
FLOWS"
Please take note of the workshop "Waves and Instabilities in
Geophysical and Astrophysical Flows" that will be held February 3-8,
2013 in Les Houches, France. The previous workshop in Porquerolles
was a great success with rich interactions between presenters and the
many graduate students in attendance. We hope for a similarly strong
workshop at Les Houches. For further information, please check the
website:
http://www.irphe.fr/~meunier/Workshop2.html
Thanks and best regards, Jon Aurnou
10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10
MEPAG MEETING SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 4, 2012 IN MONROVIA, CA
The 26th meeting of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group
(MEPAG) is scheduled for October 4, 2012, at the DoubleTree Hotel in
Monrovia, CA.
If you have questions, contact:
Joyce Pulliam (joyce.n.pulliam@jpl.nasa.gov)
11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-1
SEPTEMBER MEPAG NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
Dear Members of the Mars Community,
On behalf of Dave Des Marais, the MEPAG Chair, Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek,
and Charles Budney of the Mars Program Science Office, the September
2012 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be
found at:
http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov
Regards,
Joyce Pulliam
12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12
GSA INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR TWO STUDENT AWARDS
1. The Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America
invites applications for two student awards with upcoming deadlines.
The 2012 Eugene M. Shoemaker Impact Cratering Award is offered to
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. For more information and
application procedures, please see the PGD website:
http://www.geosociety.org/pgd/awards.html#_shoemaker
The application deadline is 14 September 2012.
2. Students who are current members of PGD, and who are presenting an
abstract at the GSA Annual Meeting, are eligible to apply for a $500
Student Travel Grant to help offset the cost of attending the GSA
meeting. We award up to two of these grants each year on a competitive
basis. For application details, please see the PGD website:
http://www.geosociety.org/pgd/awards.html#_travel
or contact PGD second vice-chair, Devon Burr (dburr1@utk.edu). The
application deadline is 21 September 2012.
13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13
PHD STUDENT POSITION IN THE NETHERLANDS
PhD student position: combined high-pressure experimental and numerical
study of the interior evolution of the planet Mercury
The Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences of VU University Amsterdam,
The Netherlands: Deep Earth and Planetary Science research cluster,
with visits to the Carnegie Institution Washington.
Study the large-scale differentiation processes that led to the current
surface make-up of Mercury, as derived from recent MESSENGER data,
using an integrated approach: (1) high-pressure experiments to
constrain end member models for the structure and composition of
minerals crystallizing from a global magma ocean and (2) numerical
modeling of Mercury interior evolution. Results will serve as baseline
for further interpretation of MESSENGER data and ESA’s upcoming
BepiColombo mission.
Candidates should have completed their MSc studies in Earth or
Planetary Science, Chemistry or Physics. Experience with either
high-pressure experimentation or numerical modeling, and a good
theoretical background are advantages. The appointment will be for
1 year; after satisfactory evaluation, this can be extended to a total
duration of 4 years (normal length of a PhD in the Netherlands).
Details of salary, excellent fringe benefits, and of the application
procedure, can be found at:
http://www.vu.nl/nl/werken-bij-de-vu/vacatures/2012/1.2012.00199.asp
Deadline for applications is September 10.
14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14
PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS
Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html
September 24-28, 2012
Second International Conference of Astrobiology (CAB2012)
http://www.planetariomedellin.org/planetario
/29150_ii-congreso-de-astrobiologia.html
Medellin, Columbia
February 3-8, 2013
Waves and Instabilities in Geophysical and Astrophysical Flows
https://www.irphe.fr/~meunier/Workshop2.html
Les Houches, France
[Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or
workshop of which you think your colleagues should be aware, please
send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.]
***********************************************************************
COMMERCIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
***********************************************************************
C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1
UWINGU
Uwingu is a start up company planning to launch its first products this
year; proceeds from those products will feed a grant fund for space
research and education. The company, which includes prominent DPS
members, is actively seeking support via a crowdsourcing campaign to
fund its launch at:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/180221?c=activity&a=904032
C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2
COSMOS IN THE CLASSROOM
Papers, handouts, and resources are available from the Astronomical
Society of the Pacific conference on teaching introductory astronomy
held in summer 2010. The 350-page proceedings on CD includes 80
contributions from more than 100 authors, edited by Andrew Fraknoi.
Table of contents:
http://www.astrosociety.org/cosmos/
Order at:
http://astrosociety.org/astroshop/index.php?p=product&id=592&parent=1
C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3-C3
GLOBES OF GALILEAN SATELLITES?
Sky & Telescope is considering production of a set of four 9-inch
(23-cm) globes of the Galilean satellites. Preliminary work is done.
What is the extent of community interest? Please see image/caption at:
http://twitpic.com/aqk9eo
Comment there or contact Kelly Beatty (jkellybeatty@comcast.net)
with your interest level. Thanks!
***********************************************************************
* The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly.
* Current and back issues are available at http://planetarynews.org
*
* To subscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_subscribe.php, or
* send a request to pen_editor at psi.edu
*
* To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor at psi.edu
*
* Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor at psi.edu.
* Announcements and other messages should be brief with links to URLs
* for extended information, including detailed descriptions for job
* announcements. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. Go to
* http://planetarynews.org/submission.html for complete submission
* directions.
*
* PEN is a service provided by the Planetary Science Institute
* (http://www.psi.edu).
***********************************************************************