PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 11, Number 27 (June 25, 2017) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Elisabeth Adams Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Karen R. Stockstill-Cahill Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science 2. SPICE Training Class 3. AGU Session: Present-Day Landscape Evolution on Mars 4. AGU Session: Nature, Distribution and Evolution of Organic Matter in the Solar System 5. AGU Session: From the Earth to the Moons: Ice-ocean Systems on Earth and Ocean Worlds 6. AGU Special Session: Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructure 7. Scientific Programmer, University of Maryland 8. PDS Release 52 of MER data 9. Swedish Institute of Space Physics Postdoc in Space Physics 10. Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Astronomy/Astrophysics 11. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Observatory Support Scientist/Engineer 12. LSST Solar System Science Collaboration 13. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements: C1. Mars: The Pristine Beauty of the Red Planet 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 ESA RESEARCH 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 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, with the possible extension to three 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 2018. Preference will be given to 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. Deadline: October 2, 2017 More information on the ESA Research Fellowship programme in Space Science, on the conditions and eligibility, as well as the application form, can retrieved from http://cosmos.esa.int/fellowship Questions on the scientific aspects: Dr. Oliver Jennrich or Dr. Bruno Altieri, fellowship@cosmos.esa.int [Edited for length] 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 SPICE TRAINING CLASS NASA's Navigation and Ancillary Information Facility (NAIF) announces a "SPICE" training class to be held November 7-9, 2017, in the Pasadena, CA, area. SPICE is a system used by scientists worldwide to compute observation geometry associated with instruments aboard robotic spacecraft. The class is free and open to all persons, including foreign and commercial. Further information and a registration form are available at: https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/WS2017_prelim_announcement 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 AGU SESSION: PRESENT-DAY LANDSCAPE EVOLUTION ON MARS Session ID: 23844 Session details: Long-lived robotic missions have documented many active surface processes on Mars, including slope, impact, aeolian, and polar processes. These data are now producing insights into landscape evolution over longer timescales. Examples include formation of complex gullied slopes, carbon-dioxide-driven erosion of south polar terrains (including "spiders"), dune field evolution and implications for erosion of layered sediments, steep polar scarps with seasonal avalanches, and new impact events causing dust avalanches. Of special interest due to the possible role of water are recurring slope lineae (RSL), with characteristic associated morphologies such as small gullies or channels, sandy fans, and slumps. There are also better constraints on the rates of other processes, such as ice sublimation and glacial flow in the middle latitudes and tectonic activity. Rovers and landers provide important in situ measurements supporting orbital monitoring. We invite submissions documenting active surface change or assessing current landscape evolution on longer timescales. Abstract deadline: August 2, 2017 For more information see: https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2017/ Conveners: Alfred McEwen, Ganna Portyankina, Colin Dundas 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 AGU SESSION: NATURE, DISTRIBUTION AND EVOLUTION OF ORGANIC MATTER IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM Organic matter is critical for habitability of an extraterrestrial environment and the development of life. It is believed that life on Earth arose from a chemical complexification of simple organic molecules, yet many questions remain about the nature and origin of these building blocks for life. Understanding the chemical processes that occur in the varied environments of the solar system (e.g. Ocean Worlds, Mars, comets, meteorites), and investigating the nature, abundance and distribution of those molecules, give insights on the processes that occurred on primitive Earth. It also provides valuable information on the habitability and potential for life throughout the solar system. We invite contributions that include (1) remote or in situ observations of organic matter on planetary bodies, (2) field work, experimental and modeling studies that could predict organics distribution in planetary environments, and (3) promising locations, instrument concepts and strategies for investigating organic astrochemistry. https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm17/preliminaryview.cgi/Session26955 Abstract deadline: August 2, 2017 Caroline Freissinet, Cyril Szopa, Richard C. Quinn, Melissa Trainer 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 AGU SESSION: FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOONS: ICE-OCEAN SYSTEMS ON EARTH AND OCEAN WORLDS We're excited to invite abstracts for our session "From the Earth to the Moons: Ice-ocean systems on Earth and Ocean Worlds" (P014). We had a great turnout and valuable cross-disciplinary discussions last year and look forward to doing so again in New Orleans! We're seeking a wide range of terrestrial glaciology/oceanography and planetary research to foster the Earth-planetary connection, specifically focusing on the geological, glaciological and oceanographic aspects of Ocean Worlds and their analogues. Bringing together Earth and planetary studies to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and broaden understanding is the aim of this session! We welcome contributions regarding sea ice; glaciers and ice shelves; icy satellites and small bodies; analog studies; field work, in-situ/remotely-sensed observations; experimental and/or modeling projects on ice/ice-water regimes; impact of melt beneath or within ice; coupled ice-ocean physical and circulation models; and beyond! We look forward to seeing you at AGU! Catherine Walker (JPL) Britney Schmidt (Georgia Tech) Kelly Brunt (NASA-GSFC) Justin Burton (Emory U.) 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 AGU SPECIAL SESSION: PLANETARY SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE 11-15 December 2017 New Orleans, LA Abstract submission is now open for a special session on Planetary Spatial Data Infrastructure (PSDI) at: https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm17/preliminaryview.cgi/Session26632 Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDIs) support data analysis and research using in situ and remotely sensed spatial data. The concept of an infrastructure is to enable users to (1) efficiently discover data, (2) experience improved data integration and usage and (3) engage in collaborative research through integrated research environments. SDIs have been developed for a wide range of topics using a myriad of technologies. The special session is soliciting abstracts focusing on best practices for creating and managing spatial data infrastructure frameworks for processing, analyzing, visualizing, serving and sharing Planetary science spatial data. 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 SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMMER, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND The Small Bodies Node (SBN) of NASA's Planetary Data System, based in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking a programmer with analytic experience who would work with a larger group of planetary scientists and programmers. The ideal candidate will also work closely with programmers at the Minor Planet Center at the Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA, concerned with small body astronomy and orbital calculation. 5 years experience is required, including some system administration experience or training, and with some experience either designing or implementing IT security measures in a Linux network environment. A familiarity with relational database management is also desired. A Bachelor's or Master's level degree in computer science or a related field is prefered, but previous work experience will also be considered. Near-term tasks include developing a cross-identification database for all bodies represented in the archive, overseeing the security plan for the SBN, back-end development and user interface development, and reporting to NASA. For more details and to apply, visit: https://jobs.physicstoday.org/jobs/9151374 To receive full consideration, applications must be submitted by August 25, 2017. 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 PDS RELEASE 52 OF MER DATA The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce Release 52 of Mars Exploration Rover data. This release includes data primarily from Sols 4501 through 4590, rover Opportunity (MER1/B), instruments: APXS Atmospheric Opacity HAZCAM MI NAVCAM PANCAM RAT Rover Motion Counter SPICE There is no Radio Science data in this release, and no more Mini-TES or Moessbauer data is expected. To access the above data, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20170621.shtml The following special services are provided for accessing MER data: MER Analyst's Notebook: http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/mer Planetary Image Atlas: https://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/mer-opportunity To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-Release.shtml All available PDS data may be found at: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/data-search/ For further information, see the PDS Home Page: https://pds.nasa.gov/ 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 SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF SPACE PHYSICS POSTDOC IN SPACE PHYSICS The Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF), Uppsala, Sweden, is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position to study magnetic reconnection in space and, in particular, in the Earth's magnetosphere based on data from the multi-spacecraft missions Cluster (ESA, launched 2000) and MMS (NASA, launched 2015). The successful candidate will be involved in international collaboration. Analysis of data is an important part of the work and experience in combining advanced data analysis with theoretical modelling is an advantage. Interest and experience in development of scientific instruments and measurement techniques will likewise be positively valued, as will experience in coordination of scientific activities. Candidates should have completed a PhD during 2014 or later. The position is available at the Uppsala office of IRF, for 2 years. Candidates should be ready to start no later than January 2018. Closing date: 21 August 2017. Reference number: 2.2.1-182/17 More information and how to apply at: http://www.irf.se/jobb 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 TENURE-TRACK FACULTY POSITION IN ASTRONOMY/ASTROPHYSICS The Department of Physical Sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Astronomy/Astrophysics. The position may be at any rank, assistant through full professor. Preference will be given to candidates with observational and/or instrumentation expertise in stellar, exoplanet, and/or planetary astronomy/astrophysics who will use guaranteed access to the campus 1-m telescope: http://observatory.db.erau.edu and the SARA facilities in Arizona, Chile, and the Canary Islands: http://www.saraobservatory.org ERAU is located on the eastern coast of central Florida, just north of the Kennedy Space Center. Information about the Department can be found at: http://daytonabeach.erau.edu/college-arts-sciences/physical-sciences/ index.html. Candidates who can begin in January 2018 are especially encouraged to apply, but the position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted online at: www.erau.edu/jobs Submissions must include a cover letter, full CV, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, and contact information for at least three professional references. Inquiries may be addressed to: Dr. Terry D. Oswalt, Chair Dept. Physical Sciences, (386) 226-7571; terry.oswalt@erau.edu 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 NON-TENURE-TRACK FACULTY OBSERVATORY SUPPORT SCIENTIST/ENGINEER Applications are invited for a position in support of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's campus observatory and astronomy program: http://observatory.db.erau.edu The primary duties are to maintain the campus 1-m telescope and its instrumentation, to regularly update and maintain relevant software, to supervise observational astronomy classes and to support our regular observatory outreach events. Required qualifications include experience with astronomical optics and instruments and expertise in relevant programming languages. Interest in using ERAU's guaranteed access to the SARA observatories: http://www.saraobservatory.org for independent research would be a plus. Minimum qualifications include a master's degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field, and 3-5 years of astronomy-related work experience. The position is non-tenure-track but permanent, subject to satisfactory annual reviews. Rank may be assistant or associate professor level depending upon the candidate's qualifications. Candidates who can begin in January 2018 are especially encouraged to apply, but the position will remain open until filled. Applications must be submitted online at: http://www.erau.edu/jobs Submissions must include a cover letter, CV, statements of teaching and research interests, and contact information for three professional references. Inquiries may be addressed to: Dr. Terry D. Oswalt, Chair Dept. Physical Sciences, (386) 226-7571; terry.oswalt@erau.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 LSST SOLAR SYSTEM SCIENCE COLLABORATION Over its 10 year lifespan, the Large Synoptic Sky Survey Telescope (LSST) will catalog over 5 million Main Belt asteroids, almost 300,000 Jupiter Trojans, over 100,000 NEOs, over 40,000 KBOs, and over 10,000 comets. Many of these objects will receive hundreds of observations in multiple bandpasses. The LSST Solar System Science Collaboration (SSSC) is preparing methods and tools to analyze this data, as well as understand optimum survey strategies for discovering moving objects throughout the Solar System. The SSSC launched a new website. Check it out at: http://www.lsstsssc.org and please consider joining the collaboration if you're an eligible researcher. If you have any questions, please contact the SSSC Co-Chairs, Meg Schwamb (mschwamb.astro@gmail.com) and David Trilling (David.Trilling@nau.edu). 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html November 13-15, 2017 Planning Solar System Observations with JWST https://jwst.stsci.edu/news-events/events/events-area/stsci-events- listing-container/planning-solar-system-observations-with-jwst---stsci- venue?mwc=4 Baltimore, MD December 11-15, 2017 Exoplanets and Planet Formation https://indico.leeinst.sjtu.edu.cn/event/25/ Shanghai, China December 11-15, 2017 JWST Proposal and Planning Workshop https://jwst.stsci.edu/news-events/events/events-area/stsci-events- listing-container/jwst-proposal-and-planning-workshop-1?mwc=4 Pasadena, CA December 12-15, 2017 Space Science and Technology http://sst.phy.hcmiu.edu.vn Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam December 13-15, 2017 JWST Solar System Workshop https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/jwst-ssws-2017/home Noordwijk, The Netherlands March 19-23, 2018 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2018/ The Woodlands, Texas May 1-3, 2018 Mercury: Current and Future Science of the Innermost Planet https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/mercury2018/ Columbia, MD May 7-11, 2018 Differentiation: Building the Internal Architecture of Planets https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/differentiation2018/ San Gabriel Valley, CA August 28-30, 2018 A Century of Asteroid Families http://asteroidfamilies.net/IAU2018/ Vienna, Austria September 23-28, 2018 Extrasolar Cloud Academy: Cloud Formation and Properties in Extrasolar Planets http://eos-nexus.org/clouds/ Grenoble, France [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop that you think your colleagues should be aware of, 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 MARS: THE PRISTINE BEAUTY OF THE RED PLANET The most outstanding and uniquely curated selection of Mars orbital images ever assembled in one volume. With explanatory captions in 24 languages and a gallery of more than 200 images from HiRISE, this distinctive volume underscores the need for such a camera on future orbiters, especially as more landing missions are planned. Mars: The Pristine Beauty of the Red Planet provides a stunning keepsake of one of humanity's greatest accomplishments in space travel. 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