PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 9, Number 22 (May 31, 2015) 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. In Memoriam: Stanton J. Peale (1937-2015) 2. Small Bodies Assessment Group 13th Meeting: Registration and Logistics 3. Training Opportunity Introduction to GIS for Planetary Mappers 4. [NASA] PDS - Dawn FC2 Vesta Global Mosaics Data Release 5. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 6. Post-doctoral Position for Mars Color/Photometry 7. Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) Application Deadline Extended 8. International Meeting: Missions to Habitable Worlds 9. Multiple Postdoc Fellowships at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED) 10. [NASA] Call for Applications for Returned Sample Science Board for Mars 2020 11. Planetary Radar Research Scientists 12. Assistant Professor Position: Solar System Exploration Science 13. Postdoctoral Research Position: Planetary Geochronology/Instrument Development 14. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements C1. Microgravity Journal Now Available C2. Summer School in Software Systems for Astronomy 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 Memoriam: Stanton J. Peale, 1937-2015 Stanton J. Peale passed away on May 14, 2015 in Santa Barbara from complications of leukemia. He was a kind and brilliant planetary scientist with expertise in dynamics and geophysics. After earning his PhD at Cornell University in 1965, he took a faculty position at the University of California, Los Angeles, and then at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he worked from 1968 until 2015. His most recent work was submitted for publication on May 11, 2015. His contributions include the prediction of widespread volcanism on Jupiter's moon Io, the derivation of a general theoretical framework that governs the rotational states of bodies subject to tides, the study of tidal evolution in satellite systems, and the development of an ingenious procedure to determine the size and state of Mercury's core. He was also a pioneer in the study of extrasolar planets, both in terms of their dynamics and their detection by micro-lensing. Stan was awarded the Newcomb Cleveland Prize (1979), the James Craig Watson Medal (1982), and the Brouwer Award (1992). He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2009. He was a wonderful, beloved colleague and will be deeply missed. 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP 13TH MEETING: REGISTRATION AND LOGISTICS The 13th meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) will be held June 29 to midday July 1 in Washington, DC. The website for the meeting is now available: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/ The website contains logistics information, the current agenda, and the opportunity to register. Registration is free but is important for planning and to document the community interest in having future NASA- supported SBAG meetings. Please register for the upcoming meeting if you plan to attend. 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 TRAINING OPPORTUNITY INTRODUCTION TO GIS FOR PLANETARY MAPPERS The MRCTR GIS Laboratory at the Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geologic Survey would like to invite researchers from the planetary mapping community to join us for two and half days of hands-on GIS training. While we will focus on the use of Esri's ArcMap for geologic mapping, we will touch on a using other GIS applications. The goal of the workshop will be to teach the participants how to initiate, organize, and implement "best practices" for a digital planetary mapping project. For additional information and sign-up instructions, please see: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/facilities/mrctr/planetary-gis-training- for-mappers 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 [NASA] PDS - DAWN FC2 VESTA GLOBAL MOSAICS DATA RELEASE The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce the availability of Dawn Framing Camera 2 Vesta global mosaics. In addition to the mosaics, the data set also includes the flat fields and straylight patterns used to radiometrically calibrate the Dawn Framing Camera images. To access these data, please visit the following link: http://sbn.psi.edu/pds/archive/dawn.html 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 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, astrophysics, planetary science, astrobiology, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and operations, and space technology. An example of one of the research opportunities in planetary science is: https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/18818 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/1JkwABH For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 POST-DOCTORAL POSITION FOR MARS COLOR/PHOTOMETRY Applicants are invited to apply for a postdoctoral position associated with MRO's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE), located at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona. The research emphasis will be on surface and atmospheric photometric normalization and color analysis, leading to new standard and special data products, and related research. This work is also needed in preparation for the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) on the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. Experience in remote sensing and image processing is required. Independent research is also encouraged in other areas related to planetary geology and surface processes. Work on terrestrial or other planetary analogs and quantitative studies using digital topography, spectral imaging, and other data are encouraged. Experience in analysis of Mars remote-sensing datasets is desirable. Researchers with primary experience and training in terrestrial remote sensing are welcome. To apply, go to: https://www.uacareertrack.com/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/ Frameset.jsp?time=1432754767378 For further information contact Alfred McEwen (mcewen@lpl.arizona.edu) or Shane Byrne (shane@lpl.arizona.edu) 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 DIRECTOR, NASA ASTROBIOLOGY INSTITUTE (NAI) APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED New deadline: July 10, 2015 NASA seeks a new Director for the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI). The ideal candidate will be an internationally recognized scientist with proven experience in leading or managing large interdisciplinary research programs or projects, possessed with a vision for leading the Institute into the future. Applicants for this position should have a broad scientific perspective on astrobiology, experience in conducting interdisciplinary scientific research, and demonstrated skills needed to harness the strengths of disparate research communities towards a greater goal. S/he should understand how to grow a research endeavor and respond to changing budget climates while focusing on maximizing the scientific return on NASA's investments in astrobiology. S/he should have experience in leading a diverse staff ranging from established scientists to support personnel, resource planning, and executing budgets and schedules. S/he should be comfortable with modern information technologies and distributed research teams. NASA is particularly interested in applicants who will find ways to infuse astrobiology into NASA flight missions. Interested individuals should apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/393518700 or at: https://www.usajobs.gov/ In the keyword search box, type vacancy number "AR15S0001". Select "Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute", then click "Apply Online". 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 INTERNATIONAL MEETING: MISSIONS TO HABITABLE WORLDS 28-29 of October 2015 Budapest, Hungary The two day long meeting will take place at the main building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on 28-29 of October 2015. During the conference review presentations will be given by experts and mission specialists of ongoing and planned space missions (including ExoMars, JUICE, CHEOPS, PLATO etc.) that support the understanding of the origin and evolution of life beyond the Earth. Beside overview talks, emphasis will be given on some specific research topics, including analogue field activity and planetary protection issues. The meeting will consist of two panel discussions: 1. on how to approach habitability from different disciplines (astronomy, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, philosophy, physics), and 2. on trans-domain research in astrobiology (including possible contribution to next missions). For more information, see: http://life-origins2015.csfk.mta.hu 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 MULTIPLE POSTDOC FELLOWSHIPS AT THE CENTRE FOR EARTH EVOLUTION AND DYNAMICS (CEED) Up to five Postdoc fellowships (3 years period) are available at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), a Centre of Excellence located at the University of Oslo and funded by The Research Council of Norway (2013 to 2023). Experience within the following themes are required and examples of specific research fields are listed below: - Surface and interior dynamic processes of planetary bodies, including exoplanets - Planetary system evolution, planetary time-scales, surface ages, impact cratering and cratering statistics More details can be found at: http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/1400458/97031?iso=no 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 [NASA] CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR RETURNED SAMPLE SCIENCE BOARD FOR MARS 2020 Individuals are invited to apply for membership on the Returned Sample Science (RSS) Board for the 2020 Mars science rover mission (hereafter Mars 2020). This strategic mission is intended to investigate an astrobiologically relevant ancient environment on Mars to decipher its geological processes and history, including the assessment of its past habitability and potential for preservation of biosignatures within accessible geologic materials. The rover also has an objective to collect a set of scientifically compelling samples for possible return to Earth by a potential future mission. Mission details are available at: http://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/overview/ Preparation of the most scientifically compelling samples for possible future analysis on Earth necessitates careful inputs and community engagement, and to this end, the Mars 2020 project will create a board of scientists drawn from the diverse array of disciplines likely to be involved in the study of returned samples. To apply submit a 2-page (11-point font, 1-inch margins) Letter of Application and a CV by July 15, 2015 to michael.a.meyer@nasa.gov with the subject line "Mars 2020 Science Team RSS Board" after having read the instructions at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/announcements/2020DearColleague_RSS-F.pdf 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY RADAR RESEARCH SCIENTIST The Arecibo Observatory has an opening for a postdoctoral or research scientist position in the Solar System Studies group studying near- Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Observatory Planetary Radar system and the William E. Gordon Telescope. This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Planetary radar system. Experience with radar observations and techniques is not a prerequisite. Experience and interest in astronomical observations of Solar System objects, small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and/or numerical inverse modeling are desirable. The incumbent would be resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and be an employee of Universities Space Research Association. The incumbent would be expected to participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent research program, and would be encouraged to apply for partial funding support. The Observatory and the Solar System group have significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment support are available. To apply please visit: http://tinyurl.com/lgecxmp For further information, please contact Dr. Mike Nolan at: nolan@naic.edu 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 ASSISTANT PROFESSOR POSITION: SOLAR SYSTEM EXPLORATION SCIENCE The Department of Earth and Planetary Science, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo invites applications for a position as an assistant professor in the area of Solar-System exploration science. We seek a creative individual with leadership ability in the field of solid planetary science based on planetary exploration and observations including instrumental development. The successful candidate can have a science background other than solid planetary science. The successful candidate will be appointed at the earliest possible date after September 1, 2015, and is expected to teach laboratory classes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A Ph.D. or equivalent qualification at the time of appointment is required. If not already fluent in Japanese, he or she will be expected to achieve fluency sufficient for giving lectures and performing administrative duties within several years. Applications must be received by June 22, 2015 via either e-mail or postal mail. More information is available at: http://www.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/open-positions/2458/ 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION: PLANETARY GEOCHRONOLOGY/INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to help develop our LIBS-MS geochronology instrument. Examples of projects that may be pursued include understanding how LIBS and mass spectrometry techniques can be used to understand planetary lithologies, comparing K-Ar and Ar-Ar ages of planetary samples with complex thermal histories, and/or investigating experimental conditions (pressure, temperature, viewing angle, measurement techniques, etc.) to optimize flight instrument workflow and hardware. Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Barbara Cohen (barbara.a.cohen@nasa.gov) directly to develop a research proposal. Applications are due July 1 and must be submitted through the NASA Postdoctoral Program web site: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/ Dr. Barbara Cohen NASA Marshall Space Flight Center 256-961-7566 Barbara.A.Cohen@nasa.gov 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 August 18-20, 2015 Planet Signatures from Precision Spectroscopy http://precisionspectroscopy.yolasite.com Sao Paulo, Brazil October 28-29, 2015 Missions to Habitable Words http://life-origins2015.csfk.mta.hu Budapest, Hungary [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 MICROGRAVITY JOURNAL NOW AVAILABLE Dear Microgravity Researchers: We are excited to announce the official content launch of npj Microgravity. npj Microgravity is a new open access, online-only, peer- reviewed journal, highlighting important scientific advances in the life sciences, physical sciences and engineering fields that are facilitated by spaceflight and spaceflight analogue platforms. You are strongly encouraged to consider submitting an article and help us make this one of the preeminent microgravity journals. To help enable a broader participation in the near term, the article processing charge fees will be waived for invited and/or accepted original research articles. We want to emphasize quality submissions and encourage you to submit your articles as soon as possible. See the following link for more information on submitting an article: http://www.nature.com/npjmgrav/authors-and-referees C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2 SUMMER SCHOOL IN SOFTWARE SYSTEMS FOR ASTRONOMY The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Physics and Astronomy Department offers a two week course, July 20-31. The course covers software design and implementation of telescope and instrument control systems, observation planning tools, and software for analyzing and archiving astronomical data. A full course description and instructions for enrollment are given at: http://phys.uhh.hawaii.edu/Summer2015/index.php#courseA *********************************************************************** * 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) using no NASA funds. All editorial work is * volunteer. ***********************************************************************