Planetary Sciences Community Meetings Calendar
Organized by LPI/USRA *
July 2015
| 1-13 | Nordic-Hawai’i Summer School “Water, Ice and the Origin of Life in the Universe”, Reykjavik, Iceland | |
| 3-8 |
International Symposium and Workshop on Astrochemistry,
Campinas, Brazil
We are happy to announce the International Symposium and Workshop on Astrochemistry. This event will take place from July 3rd to 8th, 2016 at the Hotel Fazenda Solar das Andorinhas in Campinas-SP, Brazil. The main goal of this event is get together experimentalists, observers and modelists interested to contribute to the progress of the knowledge in astrochemistry. Additionally, during the symposium, we will have two hands-on workshops: one focusing on experimental astrochemistry and other focusing on observations. The hands-on workshop will have activities about the proposal submissions to the LNLS (Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory) laboratory, data reduction and to LLAMA (Large Latin American Millimeter Array) and ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) radio observatories. During this meeting we will also have an opportunity to follow a real astrochemical experiment (in real time) at one of the beam lines of the LNLS that simulates the interaction between UV and soft X-rays with astrophysical ice analogues. |
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| 6-8 | The Second Workshop on Measuring Precise Radial Velocities, New Haven, Connecticut | |
| 13-17 | Pathways Toward Habitable Planets, Bern, Switzerland | |
| 19-23 | 2nd International Congress on Stratigraphy, Graz, Austria | |
| 19-25 |
Planetary Systems: A Synergistic View,
Quy Nhon, Vietnam
With exciting new results coming from both exoplanet observations and solar system exploration missions, it sometimes seems that the two fields of "planetary studies" aren't talking to each other. What new insights might come from a synergistic approach to planetary studies, where exoplanet and solar system scientists share data sets, develop and tune models jointly, and encourage postdoctoral fellowships and faculty positions that transcend the exoplanet/solar system divide? |
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| 20 |
Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference 2015,
Mountain View, California
The sixth annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2015) will be held at NASA Ames on Monday, July 20, 2015. LunGradCon will address the following research topics of the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute: Dust/Regolith and Plasma; Geology and Geophysics; Volatiles/Exospheres; Missions and Human Exploration. LunGradCon will also present opportunities for social networking among LGC participants and senior scientists and engineers from NASA ARC and the NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute. |
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| 21-23 | NASA Exploration Science Forum, Moffett Field, California | |
| 24 |
Thermoluminesence Analysis of Micrometer Fragments of Primitive Extraterrestrial Materials (Jonathan Craig, University of Arkansas),
Lecture Hall
Extraterrestrial materials such as the matrix from un-equilibrated ordinary chondrites (UOCs) and Antarctic micrometeorites (AMMs) represent some of the most primitive solar system materials and as such they retain a memory of early solar system formation processes. There are many techniques which can determine the mineralogical, petrological or compositional information about extraterrestrial materials. Few of these, however, can provide the insight into the history of a material that is possible with thermoluminescence (TL) analysis. Heretofore considered a “bulk sample” technique we have now extended its capability to include single micrometer particle analysis. In addition to the mineralogical information provided by TL analysis it is now possible to decipher the radiation and thermal history of primitive solar system materials on a scale never seen before. TL data has shown fine scale radiation and thermal heterogeneities present in all the materials analyzed to date which, when considering the close proximity of the samples to each other in the host rock, is a startling result. The data suggest that these materials contain highly localized radiation and thermal effects from galactic/solar cosmic ray exposure. Such heterogeneities at this fine scale show unique pre-compaction characteristics of the host rock that were previously hidden from the bulk analysis. |
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| 25-26 |
The First Billion Years of Impact Records: Evidence from Lunar Samples and Meteorites,
Berkeley, California
A workshop about the first billion of years of impact records in the solar system. Meeting to be held immediately preceding the Meteoritical Society meeting scheduled July 27-31. |
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| 27-31 | 78th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society *, Berkeley, California | |
| 29-Aug 3 | 20th Humans in Space Symposium, Prague, Czech Republic |
August 2015
| 2-7 | 12th Annual Meeting of the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS), Singapore | |
| 3-7 | NBIA Summer School on Protoplanetary Disks and Planet Formation, Copenhagen, Denmark | |
| 3-14 | XXIX IAU General Assembly, Honolulu, Hawaii | |
| 4-6 | Second Landing Site Workshop for the Mars 2020 Rover, Pasadena, California | |
| 12-14 |
6th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting,
Flagstaff, Arizona
The 6th Planetary Crater Consortium meeting will be held August 12-14, 2015, 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 Monday, August 3, 2015. |
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| 17-21 |
Cosmic Dust,
Tokyo, Japan
This series of cosmic dust meetings is aimed at finding a consensus among experts on the formation and evolution of cosmic dust: Where does it come from and where does it go? |
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| 18-20 |
Planet Signatures from Precision Spectroscopy,
Sao Paulo, Brazil
A wealth of information can be inferred from stellar spectra. The effective temperature, surface gravity, projected rotational velocity, and chemical composition can be readily obtained from standard analyses. The classical approach results in errors in effective temperature of about 50 - 100K, and in errors in chemical abundances of about 0.05 dex. However, predicted signatures of planet formation on the host star’s chemical composition demands both precise stellar parameters (effective temperatures within about 10 K) and precise elemental abundances (0.01 dex). This exquisite precision can be achieved by a careful, strict differential analysis between nearly identical stars (stellar twins), as was demonstrated first using solar twins by Melendez et al. (2009) and Ramirez, Melendez & Asplund (2009). Besides being important to study planet signatures (e.g., Ramirez et al. 2011), high precision is also key to study stellar evolution (e.g., Monroe et al. 2013; Tucci Maia et al. 2015), star clusters (Yong et al. 2013), and Galactic chemical evolution (e.g., Melendez et al. 2014; Nissen 2015). The aim of this hands-on workshop is to train a small group of astronomers (~10) on the strict differential technique. We will discuss with the participants all steps necessary to reach precise abundances, including observations, data reduction, equivalent width measurements, line-by-line analysis, stellar parameters, chemical abundances, and determination of errors. The activities will be led by Jorge Melendez (Univ. São Paulo) and Ivan Ramirez (Univ. Texas at Austin), pioneers of the high precision differential technique. Members of our group will help as tutors, and will also present their own work. During the workshop we will also discuss the different applications of high precision abundances, in particular on planet signatures, but also on the determination of stellar masses and ages, signatures of stellar evolution, and galactic chemical evolution. Members of our group will present different applications, and the participants are welcome to present a talk on their own work. |
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| 18 |
Polygonal Patterns and Desert Eyes: Discovery and Study of Pervasively Developed Bedrock Structures in the Western Desert of Egypt Using Freely Available High Resolution Satellite Imagery (Barbara Tewksbury, Hamilton College),
Lecture Hall
Using high resolution satellite imagery, the NSF-funded Desert Eyes Project has discovered and studied bedrock structures that are pervasively developed over literally tens of thousands of square kilometers in the Western Desert of Egypt. That the vast majority of these structures have gone unrecognized before now is a function of 1) the remoteness and lack of topographic relief in large tracts of the Western Desert, 2) the scale and nature of the structures, and 3) the fact that the structures occur on the "Stable Platform" of Egypt, where previous workers have for the most part not gone looking for interesting bedrock structures. The fold structures are big enough in overall size (a few hundred meters across) and have such shallow dips that they are almost impossible to see from ground level given the lack of topographic relief. But, at the same time, the structures are small enough that they remained essentially "hidden" even at the highest resolution of previously available free imagery (e.g., Landsat panchromatic imagery, 15 m/pixel). With the advent of very high resolution imagery in Google Earth (1-2 m/pixel), these structures are suddenly not only spectacularly visible, but micro-topographic features are clear enough to allow significant structural analysis. Over the past five years, the Desert Eyes Project has discovered and documented the first extensive exposure to have been recognized on land of a unique class of faults known as polygonal faults (Tewksbury et al., 2014). Polygonal faults have previously been studied essentially only in marine basins using seismic data. The Project discovered and is investigating a network of hundreds of long, narrow synclines that produce a strong regional patterning in high resolution satellite images over an area of >20,000 km2 in the Western Desert and also in places east of the Nile. The syncline network developed in a narrow time window between Early Eocene deposition of the limestone’s and formation of cross-cutting faults associated with Red Sea rifting. We are currently mapping these structures over a large area in high resolution satellite imagery and have just acquired industry seismic reflection data to pair with our structural mapping. These structures do not have geometries typical of tectonic fold and fault terrains, and we are testing a variety of non-tectonic models for formation of these structures. ------- Desert Eyes is a joint US-Egypt Project funded by an NSF program designed for international collaboration and led out of the Department of Geosciences at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY.. |
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| 21-22 | Cartography Beyond the Ordinary World, Niteroi, Brazil | |
| 24-26 | NASA Outer Planets Assessment Group Meeting, Laurel, Maryland | |
| 24-27 | 24th Annual Meeting on Characterization and Radiometric Calibration for Remote Sensing, Logan, Utah |
September 2015
| 4 |
Plate Tectonics in Time and Space (Adrian Lenardic, Rice University),
Lecture Hall
The paleomagnetic record, available from oceanic lithosphere, shows that plate tectonics has operated relatively smoothly over the last 150-200 million years of our planets evolution. Data based records extending deeper in geologic time, although not as conclusive, do suggest that the pace of tectonics has changed over our planets geologic lifetime. The observational constraints that are currently available are consistent with the hypothesis that plate tectonics operated in a sporadic ("episodic") mode in the precambrian. Geodynamic models indicate that this type of temporal transition can occur under hotter internal conditions for the early earth (associated with greater radiogenic heating). The combined interpretation of geologic data sets and geodynamic modeling based inferences has implications for understanding: 1) The temporal pace of tectonics over our planets geologic lifetime; 2) Potential tectonic regime transitions over Earth history; and 3) The potential for plate tectonics on other terrestrial planets, both in and beyond our own solar system. I will review the pertinent data, the models that suggest the plausibility of temporal changes in the pace and/or mode or tectonics, and the implications for Earth history and comparative planetology. |
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| 8-11 |
Comparative Climates of Terrestrial Planets II: Understanding How Climate Systems Work,
Moffett Field, California
NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is delighted to invite the science community to participate in -- and we as Co-Organizers are sincerely happy to announce -- the "Comparative Climates of Terrestrial Planets II: Understanding How Climate Systems Work" conference. This next conference (CCTP2) will be held at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California (close to Mountain View CA and ~40 mi south of San Francisco CA and ~15 mi north of San Jose CA), 8-11 September 2015. The first CCTP meeting was held in Boulder, Colorado 2012, and fostered a series of interdisciplinary conversations on a wide range of planetary climates. We are planning for a similar range of conversations at the CCTP2 meeting, including the effects of the Sun and other stars on the climates of Earth and other planets in and beyond the Solar System. We anticipate the publication of a formal NASA Conference Proceeding (CP) comprised of extended abstracts from this meeting, including abstracts from individual presentations, and an Executive Summary that captures the essence of the presentations and panel discussions during the conference. The theme of this year’s CCTP meeting is "Understanding How Climate Systems Work." We encourage the submission of any research that puts planetary climate in the perspective of a comparative framework, including (but not limited to) the effects from space weather, the parent star, and orbital forcing. Abstract submission will open on 26 March, and will close on 15 May. |
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| 11-18 | IRAM 30m Summerschool 2015, Pradollano, Spain | |
| 15-17 |
Life in a Cosmic Context,
Trieste, Italy
Four centuries after the Earth was displaced from the center of the universe by the Copernican revolution, times are ripe for terrestrial life to be set in a cosmic context. This task is felt as a priority by a growing number of scientists working on life's origins and Solar System exploration. The discovery of thousands of exoplanets is giving birth to new, life‐oriented fields, such as planetary habitability and the search for atmospheric biomarkers. The Fifth Workshop of the Italian Astrobiology Society will bring together scientists with widely different backgrounds with the aim of discussing fresh results obtained in the above mentioned fields. |
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| 18 |
Insights Into the Aqueous History of Mars from Acid-Sulfate Weathered Phyllosilicates (Patricia Craig, Lunar Planetary Institute),
Lecture Hall
Phyllosilicates and sulfates have been identified in close spatial proximity to each other in several locations on Mars, including Gale Crater, Mawrth Vallis, and Endeavour Crater. In many cases, Ca-sulfates are identified with either Fe/Mg-phyllosilicates or Al-phyllosilicates. While several studies have shown that sulfates result from acid sulfate-weathered basalts it is possible that phyllosilicates that formed during Mars’ earlier Noachian (~ 4.1-3.7 Ga) era would have been affected by the prevailing acidic conditions in the later Hesperian (~ 3.7-3.0 Ga). Our acid-weathering experiments showed that interlayer Ca2+ weathers out first and the layered structure of the phyllosilicates (octahedral and tetrahedral layers) can remained intact. The leached Ca2+ combined with SO42- to form Ca-sulfates. This weathering process explains the observations of sulfates in close association with phyllosilicates on Mars and provides valuable insight into the aqueous and geologic history of Mars. |
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| 21-25 |
3rd International Workshop on Microbial Life under Extreme Energy Limitations,
Sandbjerg, Denmark
The limits of microbial life and the exploration of the biological demand for energy is the focus of the 3rd International Workshop on Microbial Life under Extreme Energy Limitation, held 21-25 September at Sandbjerg Manor near Sonderborg, Denmark. |
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| 21-25 | Radiation Mechanisms of Astrophysical Objects — Classics Today, St. Petersburg, Russia | |
| 21-26 |
Bridging the Gap III: Impact Cratering in Nature, Experiments, and Modeling (#2015gap) *,
Freiburg, Germany
We invite all researchers working in the field of impact cratering to participate in this conference, which continues the tradition of the successful Bridging the Gap I and Bridging the Gap II meetings in 2003 and 2007 respectively. As with the previous meetings, this conference is aimed at bringing together researchers from different fields, including “observationalists” (remote sensing, field geology, etc.), experimentalists, and modelers. The meeting will be open to all aspects of impact cratering including cratering mechanics, planetary perspectives, environmental effects, impact probabilities. etc. |
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| 27-Oct 2 |
European Planetary Science Congress,
Nantes, France
The intention of the European Planetary Science Congress 2015 is to cover a broad area of science topics related to planetary science and planetary missions. The programme of the congress will contain oral and poster sessions, and it will emphasize workshops and panel discussions in order to have a strong interaction between the participants. |
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| 28-Oct 2 |
Astrobiology and Planetary Atmospheres,
Santiago, Chile
An important activity of the astrobiology community in Chile is the organisation of a major biennial symposium of astrobiology in Chile bringing together astronomers, biologists, geologists, and climatologists from all over the world to discuss the most recent progress in the quest for exolife. AstroBio 2015 is the third symposium of this series. |
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| 28-Oct 2 | Fourth Workshop on Robotic Autonomous Observatories, Torremolinos, Spain | |
| 29-Oct 2 |
Protoplanetary Disk Dynamics and Planet Formation,
Yokohama, Japan
The workshop's scope is the links between the new observations and recent progress in studies of the coupled dynamics of the disk gas, the embedded solid particles, and the newborn planets. The focus will be on exploring the mechanisms that concentrate the solid material during planets' growth, and identifying their signatures in the observations |
October 2015
| 5-8 |
From Clouds to Protoplanetary Disks: The Astrochemical Link,
Berlin, Germany
Recent advances in sub-millimeter (ALMA, NOEMA) and IR (Spitzer, Herschel, SOFIA) observational facilities and modeling have started to shed more light on the physical and chemical processes governing the evolution of interstellar clouds into pre-stellar cores, protostars, protoplanetary disks, and, eventually, planetary systems. Molecular spectroscopy has played a crucial role in these advances, as only lines can unveil the underlying dynamics and can provide information on the physical and chemical structure across clouds, cores and protoplanetary disks. Furthermore, chemo-dynamical models have become more and more detailed, thanks also to the great advances in (gas phase and surface) laboratory work as well as quantum chemistry calculations, while magneto-hydrodynamical simulations have included simplified chemical codes to test theoretical predictions. We believe this is the right moment to try to summarize a current status quo in this exciting field of astronomy, and to facilitate and foster future directions of astrochemistry research. Since astrochemistry is the trait d'union of different communities, the main goal of this well-focussed meeting will be to bring together observers, theoreticians and experimentalists to present their recent advances, to discuss about the main uncertainties and to plan future developments. Interaction between the different communities will be encouraged and mixed, lengthy discussions will be organized at the end of each session, and in the end of each conference's day. We will particularly encourage young scientists (students, PhD students, post-docs) to participate, with the main aim to help them to shape their knowledge and understanding of modern and forthcoming ideas about details of planet- and star-formation from a cohort of the world-leading experts. |
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| 5-9 |
Rainbows on the Southern Sky: Science and Legacy Value of the ESO Public Surveys and Large Programmes,
Garching, Germany
Since the start of the VLT science operations, about fifteen per cent of the whole science time on La Silla Paranal telescopes has been used for Large Programmes. In the last five years, the Public Surveys on VISTA, VST, VLT and NTT, have beed added to the ESO landscape thus enlarging the offer of large/coherent observing programmes for the community and increasing the legacy value of the data delivered by the ESO telescopes. In 2003 and 2008, ESO organised two workshops to assess the scientific return of Large Programmes; in 2012 the first results from the imaging ESO Public Surveys were also presented to the community. Following the recommendations from the Observing Programmes Committee and Public Survey Panels, ESO now wishes to discuss and put into perspective the scientific results achieved through these programmes together with their teams, the community and representatives of the reviewing panels. The scientific research carried out by members of the community at the Observatory via these Programmes covers all the subjects of observational astronomy. This is celebrated by the diversified scientific program of the workshop organised in six sections: Stars and Planets, Milky Way and Local Group, Extragalactic Astronomy, Galaxy Evolution, High-redshift Universe and Cosmology, Legacy Value of Public Surveys and Large Programmes. The workshop will feature the scientific presentations from all Public Surveys and a representative set of Large Programmes that were completed since the 2008 Large Programme workshop. The astronomers in charge of these Programmes will be invited to present their scientific results and the impact on their field of research. The workshop will include a session on the impact of these ESO programmes and on the developments required to increase the community access to the reduced data. The goal is to enhance their legacy value for the whole astronomical community. |
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| 6-9 |
15th EANA Astrobiology Conference,
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
The conference will focus on "Astrobiology and Spaceflight" and will include lectures by ESTEC colleagues. With Rosetta/Philae coming to a conclusion, Expose-R2 in orbit, ExoMars in the pipeline and nanosatellites under consideration, the focus comes at an ideal time. |
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| 9-15 |
OHP 2015: Twenty Years of Giant Exoplanets,
Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, France
The Colloquium "OHP-2015" will be hosted to review all observed characteristics of giant gaseous exoplanets, from 51 Peg b up to distant giants including Jupiter-like exoplanets, and theoretical works that relate to the measured properties. We propose to discuss the key questions regarding giant planets and how to solve them in the coming years, exploring the synergies between current and new facilities, and confronting the predictions of theories. |
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| 12-16 | 66th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2015), Jerusalem, Israel | |
| 12-16 |
Exoplanetary Atmospheres and Habitability,
Nice, France
The aim of the workshop is to discuss chemical disequilibrium and its link to planetary habitability. In particular, the Thermodynamics, Disequilibrium, and Evolution focus group seeks to understand how disequilibria are generated in geological/chemical/biological systems, and how these disequilibria can lead to emergent phenomena, such as self-organization and eventually, metabolism. |
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| 12-16 | Exploring the Universe with JSWT, Noordwijk, The Netherlands | |
| 16 |
Space Weathering on Icy Satellites in the Outer Solar System (Roger Clark, Planetary Science Institute),
Lecture Hall
Space weathering produces well-known optical effects in silicate minerals in the inner Solar System, for example, on the Moon. Space weathering from solar wind and UV is expected to be weaker in the outer Solar System simply because intensities are lower.However, cosmic rays from inner to outer solar system would be similar to first order. Similarly with micrometeoroid bombardment. That, combined with the much higher volatility of icy surfaces means there is the potential for space weathering on icy outer Solar System surfaces to show optical effects. The Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn is providing evidence for space weathering on icy bodies. The Cassini VIMS instrument has spatially mapped satellite surfaces and the rings from .35-5 microns and the UVIS instrument from 0.1 to 0.2 microns. These data have sampled a complex mixing space between H2O ice and non-ice components and they show some common spectral properties. Similarly, spectra of the icy Galilean satellites and satellites in the Uranian system have some commonality in spectral properties with those in the Saturn system.The UV absorber is spectrally similar on many surfaces. VIMS has identified CO2, H2 and trace organics in varying abundances on Saturn's satellites. We postulate that through the spatial relationships ofsome of these compounds that they are created and destroyed through space weathering effects. For example, the trapped H2 and CO2 observed by VIMS in regions with high concentrations of dark material may in part be space weathering products from the destruction of H2O and organic molecules. The dark material, particularly on Iapetus which has the highest concentration in the Saturn system, is well matched by space-weathered silicates in the .4-2.6 micron range, and the spectral shapes closely match those of the most mature lunar soils,another indicator of space weathered material. |
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| 20-22 |
Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (#leag15) *,
Columbia, Maryland
The 2015 LEAG annual meeting will bring together scientists, engineers, and commercial sector entrepreneurs to focus on issues involving science, exploration, and utilization of the Moon. |
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| 20-23 | 2nd International Planetary Caves Conference (#2ndcaves) *, Flagstaff, Arizona | |
| 26-Nov 6 | COSPAR Capacity Building Workshop on Planetary Data Mission Analysis, Guaratingueta, Brazil | |
| 27-29 | 13th Meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG), Washington, DC | |
| 27-30 |
First Landing Site/Exploration Zone Workshop for Human Missions to the Surface of Mars (#JourneyToMars) *,
Houston, Texas
The purpose of this workshop is to identify and discuss candidate locations where humans could land, live, and work on the martian surface. |
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| 28-29 |
Missions to Habitable Worlds,
Budapest, Hungary
The conference will take place in Budapest, Hungary, to oversee astrobiology relevant aspects of next generation space missions, including Solar System exploration and space telescopes for exoplanet characterization, mainly coordinated by ESA. 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) and 2. on trans-domain research in astrobiology (including possible contribution to ESA missions), together with the initiative of the future European Astrobiology Institute. |
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| 29 |
The Climate History of Mars: Was the Early Mars Climate “Warm and Wet” or “Cold and Icy”? (James W. Head, Department of Geological Sciences, Brown University),
Hess Room - Special Seminar (Note Time and Location)
The current and Amazonian climate of Mars is classified as hyperarid and hypothermal, but the presence of extensive valley networks, open and closed basin lakes, and distinctly different mineralogy in the earlier history of Mars all hint at a "warm and wet" climate in the Noachian. Recent climate models have great difficulty reproducing conditions for a "warm and wet" early Mars, suggesting instead "cold and icy" conditions. We examine the predicted nature of a "cold and icy" early Mars and assess whether such a climate is compatible with the geological evidence. |
November 2015
| 1-4 | Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland | |
| 2-4 | Workshop on Space Weathering of Airless Bodies (#airlessbodies) *, Houston, Texas | |
| 2-5 | K2 Science Conference (K2SCICON), Santa Barbara, California | |
| 5-6 |
Second Off-Earth Mining Forum,
Sydney, Australia
The forum will host speakers from across the spectrum of off-earth mining issues: missions, resources, mining technologies, robotics, automation, instrumentation, legal impediments, business risks, and ethical considerations. |
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| 8-13 | 47th Annual DPS Meeting, National Harbor, Maryland | |
| 9-13 |
2nd Symposium of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR): Water and Life in the Universe “COSPAR 2015”,
Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
COSPAR has initiated a new series of scientific meetings, the Symposia, aimed at promoting space research at a regional level and to be organized in countries with medium or small size space infrastructures. In Brazil, as in many emerging countries, priority has in recent years been given to space research, and COSPAR will hold its Second Symposium, “Water and Life in the Universe,” in Foz do Iguaçu, after a first successful event held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2013. The São Paulo State University, UNESP, and the National Institute of Space Research, INPE, will co-host the Symposium. |
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| 9-13 |
Re-Conceptualizing the Origin of Life,
Washington, DC
Our goal is to host a workshop of broad scope but with targeted impact on key questions and core concepts about the origin of life on Earth, the organization of the biosphere, and the nature of the living state. |
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| 11-13 |
Joint Meeting of the Paneth Kolloquium and DFG SPP 1385 "The First 10 Million Years of the Solar System",
Nördlingen, Germany
The meeting will be held in Nördlingen located in the center of the Nördlinger Ries meteorite impact site. The Paneth Kolloquium is a European meeting that brings together students and researchers from different fields of cosmochemistry, planetology and astrophysics. A field trip is optional. |
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| 13 |
Brine Flows on Mars (Lujendra Ojha, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology),
Lecture Hall
Determining whether liquid water exists on the Martian surface is central to understanding the hydrologic cycle and potential for extant life on Mars. Brine flows (or seeps) have been proposed to explain the formation of some narrow streaks (termed recurring slope lineae (RSL)) observed on Mars, yet direct spectroscopic evidence was missing. Analysis of spectral data from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars instrument onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter provides the first spectral evidence that recurring slope lineae form as a result of contemporary water activity on Mars. In this talk, I will give a synopsis of RSL activity on Mars, and spectral detection of hydrated salts on the slopes where rsl form. |
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| 16-18 |
Enabling Transiting Exoplanet Science with JWST,
Baltimore, Maryland
This workshop will provide a forum for the exoplanet community to learn about and discuss the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to characterize transiting exoplanets. Talks will inform potential observers about the cutting edge science that JWST will enable. Discussion sessions will allow for community dialog on how best to enable exoplanet science with JWST. As JWST proposal opportunities approach, this workshop will serve as an important opportunity to understand how JWST will impact the field of exoplanet science |
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| 16-20 |
International Young Astronomers School on Large Ground-based 21st Century Radio Instruments: ALMA/NOEMA-SKA/LOFAR/NenuFAR,
Paris, France
Since the recent opening of ALMA to the astrophysical community, large ground based observational facilities in the radio centimeter and millimeter range are preparing a new era of radioastronomy for the coming century. In the (sub)millimeter range, ALMA has already provided exciting observations that chalenge our vision of, e.g., star and planetary systems formation processes. The NOEMA project upgrade of the Plateau de Bure interferometer will provide in the northern emisphere a welcomed complement to this world wide observatory. In the near future, LOFAR and the local facility NENUFAR at Nançay Observatory will offer a prefiguration of the major Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project that will open a new window to the distant Universe. All fields of Astrophysics are impacted, from planetary sciences to cosmology and including all scales of galactic studies. However, such large interferometer instruments are far from trivial to use, and getting the best scientific output from the time and ressources invested requires new skills from the coming generation of young astronomers. The goal of the present school is to introduce PhD students and Post-Doc researchers to these exciting developments. They will have the occasion to follow courses from some of the top scientists in the field. Ample time for discussions is scheduled, as well as various hands on sessions. |
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| 29-Dec 4 | Extreme Solar Systems III, Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii |
December 2015
| 3 |
Polar Regolith Workshop Without Walls,
Virtual meeting
NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) exists to integrate solar system science with the exploration needs of the human spaceflight program to explore space beyond low-Earth orbit. Those efforts may involve measurements that address strategic knowledge gaps, the development of mission concepts, and the identification of space resources that enhance exploration activities. A specific request for assistance has emerged from HEOMD that addresses plans to evaluate, and potentially exploit, ices and other volatile elements in the polar regions of the Moon. With that purpose in mind, SSERVI is organizing a 1-day virtual workshop that will bring together our current body of knowledge of the regolith properties in Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs) that might affect the trafficability of robotic rovers, such as NASA's Resource Prospector mission. A few keynote presentations will help frame the issues involved and summarize recent published results with contributed presentations and discussion periods rounding out the program. |
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| 14-18 | AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, California | |
| 15-16 |
International Symposium on Moon 2020-2030: A New Era of Coordinated Human and Robotic Exploration,
ESTEC Noordwijk
The ESA space exploration strategy and the ISECG Global Exploration Roadmap underline the strategic significance of the Moon in a global space exploration endeavour. The international vision for lunar exploration calls for a new era of coordinated human and robotic missions enabled by broad international cooperation. The ISS program has demonstrated the importance of a robust international partnership for ISS development, assembly, operations, and effective utilization. Now is the time to build on this partnership and open it to new partners to continue the journey beyond low Earth orbit. The symposium "Moon 2020-2030" will be a key step in advancing the international approach for lunar exploration together with key players from agencies, academia, and industry. |
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| 28-Jan 8 |
Exoplanets: 33rd Winter School in Theoretical Physics,
Jerusalem, Israel
Through systematic lectures on the foundations of planetary origin, evolution and structure, this School will provide the background needed to explore and interpret the remarkable detection of thousands of exoplanets around other stars. This sets the stage for a more detailed understanding of their properties and system architecture in the coming decade. |
January 2016
| 4-8 | American Astronomical Society 227th Meeting, Kissimmee, Florida | |
| 8 |
Evolving Worlds: A Story of Planetary Evolution and Bi-Stability (Matthew Weller, Rice University),
Lecture Hall
Growing geodynamic and geochemical evidence suggests that plate tectonics may not have operated on the early Earth, with both the timing of its onset and the length of its activity far from certain. This work uses coupled 3D mantle convection and planetary tectonics simulations to explore evolutionary paths and planetary tectonic regimes. Early in the geologic lifetime of a terrestrial planet, high mantle temperatures favour stagnant-lids. As radiogenics decay, an initial stagnant-lid may yield into a high temperature mobile-lid state. The transition from an initial stagnant-lid is a function of yield strength, in addition to both internal and surface temperatures. For intermediate values of internal temperature, multiple stable tectonic states can exist. In these regions of parameter space, the specific evolutionary path of the system has a significant role in determining its tectonic state. This indicates that multiple modes of convection and surface tectonics can potentially operate on a single planetary body at different times in its evolution, as consequence of changing internal parameters, surface temperatures, and differing thermal histories. The implications of terrestrial worlds that can alternate, and be offset between multiple tectonic states over giga-year timescales will be discussed. |
|
| 12-15 |
4th ELSI Symposium: Three Experiments in Biological Origins,
Tokyo, Japan
We will summarize the formation and early environment of Venus, the Earth and Mars and place them into context relative to each other, and to a lesser degree to other planets and exoplanets. We aim to determine what conditions on Earth were favourable for the onset of chemical cycles that eventually led to a thriving biosphere, and whether our neighbours may have once harboured such conditions. Why did Earth succeed where the others failed? |
|
| 17-22 |
Bridging Disciplinary Perspectives to See Further Into Life's Origins,
Galveston, Texas
The research required to understand life's origins occurs at a point where multiple scientific disciplines meet. Chemists, biologists, physicists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, astronomers, meteoriticists, mathematicians and computer scientists are among those contributing to progress. Combining the findings of each discipline into a composite narrative produces multidisciplinary science. The origins research community has come far in this endeavor. More challenging is to extend these connections into true interdisciplinarity, wherein the insights of one research community influence the interpretation of data and questions being asked by others. The forthcoming Gordon Research Conference will explore this transition, from multidisciplinarity to interdisciplinarity. It will visit the traditional array of topics, from LUCA to the non living universe. It will emphasize, however, speakers whose work crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. It will create spaces where scientists from different disciplines are challenged to build bridges of knowledge between their respective areas of expertise. The GRC will integrate with the preceding GRS (Gordon Research Seminar) by asking the latter to report forwards where they see important, emerging connections - in presentations, discussion panels and questions to the conference. |
|
| 27-29 | 14th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG), Monrovia, California |
February 2016
| 5 |
The History of Qarabawi's Camel Charm: A Meteoritic Artifact (Rhiannon Mayne, Texas Christian University),
Lecture Hall
Meteoritics, the study of meteorites, is usually focused on the scientific value of a sample; for example, what can it tell us about the formation of our Solar System, the planets, how Earth formed? It is rare for the cultural value of meteorites to be the focus, although there are a few examples. The Camel Charm is a meteoritic artifact acquired by the National Meteorite Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in 1974. It has never been studied. The Charm is made from an iron meteorite with an average Ni-content of 7.8%, which is identical (within error) to a previously identified meteorite called Wabar. It is possible that the Camel Charm represents a piece of Wabar that was traded to the Ababda in Egypt from its original home in Saudia Arabia. The Camel Charm is a unique meteorite from an ethnographic standpoint, with a very interesting history. It is valuable addition to the National Meteorite Collection. |
|
| 8-12 |
The Astrophysics of Planetary Habitability,
Vienna, Austria
This conference addresses astrophysical factors and processes that are pivotal for the information, sustainability, and evolution of habitable conditions on planets from the era of planet formation in disks to the end of the main sequence life to the host star. |
|
| 10-11 | COSPAR/ISECG Workshop on Science Enabled by Human Exploration, Paris, France | |
| 17-19 |
Solar-System Symposium in Sapporo 2016,
Hokkaido, Japan
The Solar-System symposium in Sapporo (3S 2016) will focus on the birth and early evolution of the Solar System from a cosmochemical perspective. The symposium will be comprised of oral and poster sessions with free discussion time. Read more: http://ws2016.webnode.jp/ |
|
| 19 |
Effects of mechanical, rheological and tectonic controls on the formation of giant radial dike systems on Venus: Insights from finite element modeling. (Nicolas LeCorvec, Lunar and Planetary Institute),
Lecture Hall
Radial dike systems are intriguing magmato-tectonic features occurring on Venus, Earth and Mars. For such systems to form, massive quantities of magma ascending from the mantle must be redirected laterally at shallow depths within the lithosphere over several hundred kilometers. Observations have shown different patterns from continuous fanning to subswarms of subparallel dikes. As magma ascends towards the surface, accumulation in reservoirs situated at various depths within the lithosphere is often coupled with the growth of a volcanic edifice at the surface. The stability of magma reservoirs, and therefore the generation of magmatic intrusions, is influenced by their shape, their location, the tectonic environment and the mechanical and rheological properties of the lithosphere. Based on previous work investigating the role of flexure on the stability of magma reservoirs, we developed new models to test: 1- the role of a mechanically-layered lithosphere; 2- the role of extensional stresses; and 3- the ellipticity of magmatic reservoirs on the formation of these radial dike systems. To explore these scenarios, we used the COMSOL Multiphysics finite element package allowing us to develop: 1- 2D axisymmetric elastic models made of mantle and crustal components; 2- 3D elastic models in which an extensional stress was applied; and 3- elliptical magmatic reservoirs embedded within 2D axisymmetric elastoplastic models. Different tectonic environments were studied: lithostatic, upward flexure due to uplift consistent with a plume-derived origin and downward flexure due to the load of a volcanic edifice. Mechanical layering within the lithosphere impacts the location of failure along a magmatic reservoir and the type of magmatic intrusions. We observe that shallow magma reservoirs in an upward flexure environment tend to produce radial dikes. Regional Extensional stresses in 3D tend to focus the location of failure along the magma reservoir, therefore limiting the formation of continuous fanning pattern. Finally, the elliptical shape of a magma reservoir favors continued expansion and increasing ellipticity, because failure at the midsection requires less overpressure as the ellipticity of the reservoir increases. These results highlight new physical and structural controls on the formation of radial dike systems on Venus. Specifically, we can infer 1- potential crust/mantle ratios within the Venusian lithosphere; 2- the extensional stress regime linked to the formation of specific radial dike systems; and 3- the mechanisms of magma chamber growth linked to the formation of calderae observed in conjunction with radial dike systems on Venus. |
|
| 22-24 |
Workshop 'Europa Initiative' 2016,
Toulouse, France
Aims to answer main scientific questions related to Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, through the conception and delivery of several instruments / vehicles designed to take place aboard the NASA Europa Mission spacecraft by 2020's. |
|
| 22-25 |
Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS) 2016,
Huntsville, Alabama
NASA is currently developing capabilities for robotic and crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Strategies that implement advanced power and propulsion technologies, as well as radiation protection, will be important in accom-plishing these missions in the future. NETS serves as a major communications network and forum for professionals and stu-dents working in the area of space nuclear technology. Every year it facilitates the exchange of information among research and management personnel from international governments, industry, academia, and the national laboratory systems. To this end, the NETS-2016 meeting will address topics ranging from overviews of current programs to methods of meeting the challenges of future space endeavors. |
|
| 22-25 | VIII Taller de Ciencias Planetarias, Porto Alegre, Brasil | |
| 26 |
Crustal structure of the South-Pole Aitken Basin from GRAIL and LOLA (Peter James, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University),
Lecture Hall
The Moon's South Pole-Aitken basin (SPA) is the largest confirmed impact basin on the Moon, and it delineates one of the ~4 major lunar terranes. The gravity and topography data from GRAIL and LOLA respectively provide an opportunity to study the structure the crust and mantle under SPA. Long-wavelength gravity and topography are sensitive to the uppermost several hundred kilometers of the lunar interior, and are consequently sensitive to mass heterogeneities in the lunar mantle. Short wavelength gravity and topography data primarily reveal the bulk densities of the crust. Remote sensing instruments such as the Moon Mineralogy Mapper have detected the presence of anorthosites, pyroxenes, and olivines in various parts of the basin, but ambiguities remain: it is not known whether surface compositions are representative of the crust as a whole, and absolute abundances of mafic components are poorly constrained. By correcting for the distribution of porosity in the lunar crust, I use gravity and topography to estimate the grain densities of various crustal features in SPA. In particular, the rings and peak-rings of basins superimposed on SPA offer an opportunity to sample compositions of materials that originated deep within SPA’s impact melt sheet. |
|
| 28-Mar 1 |
The 2nd Conference on Astrophysics and Space Science (APSS 2016),
Beijing, China
This conference will cover issues on astrophysics and space science. It is dedicated to creating a stage for exchanging the latest research results and sharing advanced research methods. |
|
| 29-Mar 1 |
Europa M5 Initiative Meeting #3,
Madrid, Spain
Europa M5 initiative emerges to propose to ESA and NASA a mission complement, that will: – Provide the best possible science return – Prove to be technically flyable – Be well within the budget limits of an ESA M-class mission (550 M€) |
March 2016
| 4 |
Shock Chemistry of Simple Sugars: Production of Biologically Relevant Compounds in Impacts (Nicolle Zellner, Albion College),
Lecture Hall
The identification of over 100 different sugars, sugar acids, amino acids, and other biologically relevant molecules in the Murchison meteorite has spurred interest in the field of prebiotic chemistry. Questions regarding the origins of these compounds are many. For example, are they native to the meteorite? If so, how were they formed? Could they have been formed in the shock event that occurred when the meteorite fell to the Earth? In this talk, I will describe our recent experiments where we explore the reactivity of two simple sugars, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone, catalyzed by mineral surfaces. I will also present the results of laboratory impact experiments where these sugars and mineral matrices were subjected to reverberated shocks from 5 GPa to >25 GPa. Our experiments show that the production of larger molecules (with up to six carbons) is accelerated under the conditions that simulate impacts by extraterrestrial objects. Scenarios for the production of these molecules via impact delivery by asteroids or comets will be explored. |
|
| 7-11 |
Protoplanetary Discussions,
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
In this conference, we invite observers from all wavelength regimes to share their latest results with modellers from the thermo-chemical and hydrodynamic communities in order to foster collaboration across this exciting and rapidly expanding field. |
|
| 18 |
Solar System Observations with the Arecibo Planetary Radar System (Patrick Taylor, Arecibo Observatory),
Lecture Hall
Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico houses the largest and most sensitive single-dish radio telescope and the most active and powerful planetary radar system in the world. The radar system on the 305-m William E. Gordon telescope has been used to study objects in the Solar System since its construction in 1963, from Mercury out to Saturn and all solid bodies in between. I will discuss the history of planetary radar at Arecibo and its applications to Solar System astronomy with specific attention paid to observations of near-Earth objects. Radar observations of near-Earth asteroids are critical for identifying those objects that may present a hazard to Earth and providing detailed physical characterizations in terms of size, shape, spin, and surface-property (reflectivity, polarization, geologic features and sometimes composition and density) information. In fact, radar investigations of many near-Earth objects are roughly equivalent in terms of their science content to space flyby missions, but at a cost orders of magnitude less making radar arguably the most powerful ground-based method for post-discovery characterization of the near-Earth object population. |
|
| 19-20 |
Microsymposium 57 — Polar Volatiles on the Moon and Mercury: Nature, Evolution, and Future Exploration,
The Woodlands, Texas
In this Microsymposium, we will explore our current knowledge of these materials and seek to identify the key questions, goals, and objectives in order to underpin and motivate future exploration. We will review current exploration plans, including the U.S. Resource Prospector, Russian Luna 26 and 27, and ESA BepiColombo missions. |
|
| 21-25 | 47th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (#lpsc2016) *, The Woodlands, Texas |
April 2016
| 4-8 | International Venus Conference 2016, Oxford, United Kingdom | |
| 8 |
Royal Astronomical Society Meeting on Space Resources,
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London
The RAS in the UK will hold a Specialist Discussion Meeting on the theme of "The use of extraterrestrial resources to help facilitate space science and exploration." Note that, for consistency with the scientific interests of the RAS, the emphasis will be on how space resources may facilitate/accelerate scientific discovery (e.g. by enabling the construction of large space observatories, robotic missions to the outer Solar System or beyond, and lunar and planetary research stations) rather than a narrow focus on ISRU techniques. At this (early) stage we would be interested in hearing from colleagues who may be interested in presenting a talk or a poster at this meeting. |
|
| 8 |
Proximal Volcanic Deposits and an Evolving LROC-Perspective of a Dynamic Moon (Julie Stopar, Arizona State University),
Lecture Hall
Unprecedented high-resolution coverage (0.5-2 m scale images) and derived topography (2-5 m scale DTMs) from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) continue to transform our understanding of lunar geology. Both impact craters and volcanic constructs are well preserved on the Moon, and LROC Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images reveal new details of their morphology and distributions. In this talk, I will focus on my investigations of several volcanic landforms about which little detail was previously known and discuss what questions yet remain in their understanding. For example, small-area conical deposits emplaced proximal to source vents (0.5-3 km in diameter) are relatively common and widely dispersed in the maria. NAC images resolve layering in the cones that I interpret as interbedded cinder, spatter, and lava. Dark draping layers on the summits are likely late-stage spatter facies or lava remnants. Cones in the Marius Hills are larger and steeper on average than those found elsewhere, a possible consequence of increased volatiles and/or larger eruption volumes. Other morphologies signify variations in explosiveness and volatile content during or between eruptions. Cone and flow stratigraphies in the Marius Hills connote repeated eruptions from a single, long-lived source, perhaps spanning 3 billion years, suggesting persistent, regional-scale volcanism. These and other landforms are contributing to an emerging view of a more dynamic and younger Moon. |
|
| 11-15 |
15th Biennial ASCE International Conference in Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments,
Orlando, Florida
This conference brings professionals together from across the world to discuss issues related to engineering, science, construction and operations in the extreme environments on Earth and in space. The conference is sponsored by the Aerospace Division of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and administered by Missouri University of Science and Technology. |
|
| 13-16 |
Horizon 2020 EURO-CARES WP3 Meeting - Designing a European Extraterrestrial Sample Curation Facility,
Vienna, Austria
This meeting is focused on infrastructures, storage, and curation of samples. |
|
| 15 |
Volatile Reservoirs in the Outer Solar System (Silvia Protopapa, University of Maryland),
Lecture Hall
Over the past decade, the synergy of ground- and space-based observations, modeling efforts, and laboratory studies have highlighted vital information on the composition of the worlds in the outer solar system. I will discuss some of the latest results from New Horizons at Pluto and contrast them with emerging trends seen in other trans-Neptunian objects and comets — the primitive remnants of the planetesimal disk from which the outer planets formed. I will demonstrate how characterizing the composition of these objects improves our understanding of the primordial solar nebula and the accretion processes that led to the formation of the planets. |
|
| 20 |
The Fine Structure of the Hawaiian Mantle Plume Images the Earth's Deep Mantle (Dominique Weis, University of British Columbia),
Lecture Hall
The origin, scale and source of mantle heterogeneities have been the subject of debate since their first documentation through the study of ocean island basalts (OIB) 50 years ago (Gast et al., 1964). One of the most common approaches is to analyze the geochemistry of oceanic basalts brought to the surface by mantle plumes, sampled either on oceanic islands or by drilling oceanic plateaus. Improved analytical precision for radiogenic isotopes, combined with statistical data treatment, has provided the finer resolution necessary for identifying small-scale geochemical variations in OIB that relate to shallow and deep plume structure. Another key factor is the acquisition of continuous datable sequences of lavas (DePaolo & Weis, 2007). The Hawaiian mantle plume represents >80 Myr of volcanic activity in a pure oceanic setting and with a high magmatic flux. Identification of two clear geochemical trends (Loa and Kea) among Hawaiian volcanoes (Tatsumoto, 1978; Abouchami et al., 2005) in all isotope systems (Weis et al., 2011), together with the recurrence of similar isotopic signatures at >350 kyr intervals identified in the HSDP (Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project) cores, have implications for the dynamics and internal structure of the Hawaiian mantle plume conduit (Farnetani & Hofmann, 2009, 2010) and source (Farnetani et a., 2012). In this review talk, I will present a compilation of recent isotopic data for samples from shield lavas on Hawaiian volcanoes, focusing specifically on high-precision Pb isotopic data (MC-ICP-MS or DS, TS-TIMS) integrated with Sr, Nd and Hf isotopes. All isotopic systems indicate source differences for Loa- and Kea-trend volcanoes that are maintained throughout the ~1 Myr activity of each volcano and that extend back in time on all the Hawaiian Islands (~5 Ma). There is also a NE-SW gradient in isotopic compositions. The Loa-trend source is more heterogeneous in all isotope systems than the Kea-trend source by a factor of ~1.5. When projected to the CMB, many mantle plumes occur at the edges of large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVZ) (e.g., Ritsema et al., 2004). The Hawaiian mantle plume overlies the boundary between typical Pacific lower mantle on the Kea side and a sharp, seismically defined, layer of apparently different ULVZ material that occurs on the Loa side of the plume. The geochemical differences between the Kea and Loa trends reflect preferential sampling of these two distinct sources of deep mantle material at the core-mantle boundary. Similar indications of preferential sampling at the edges of the African LLSVP are found in Kerguelen and Tristan da Cunha basalts in the Indian and Atlantic oceans, respectively. The anomalous low-velocity zones at the core–mantle boundary store geochemical heterogeneities that are enriched in recycled material (EM-I type) and are sampled by strong mantle plumes such as Hawaii and Kerguelen. To wrap up, I will present new data for the Northwestern Hawaiian Ridge (i.e. for 42 myr of activity of the Hawaiian plume) and discuss the conditions of appearance of the Loa component and its impact on plume magmatic flux. |
|
| 21-22 |
The Asteroid-Meteorite Connection,
Los Angeles, California
New spectrographic observations of asteroids hint at complex internal structures. Advances in geochemistry and cosmochemistry suggest complicated geological histories of meteorite parent bodies. This workshop will strive to reconcile observations of asteroids and comets with detailed geochemical and cosmochemical data for meteorites with the goal of achieving a more complete understanding of the formation and evolution of planetesimals in the early solar system. The workshop will bring together geochemists, planetary scientists and astronomers to discuss this 'asteroid-meteorite' connection. |
|
| 25-28 |
From Star and Planet Formation to Early Life,
Vilnius, Lithuania
This meeting will cover a multitude of scientific subjects ranging from star and planet formation until the early evolution of life on Earth. It aims to bring together astronomers, physicists, chemists, geologists and biologists as well as academics and students from humanities to discuss the most important questions and newest findings in all related disciplines. Special sessions will be devoted to comets, meteorites, prebiotic chemistry and early life. |
|
| 29 |
Water, Hydroxyl, and Ice in the Asteroid Belt (Andrew Rivkin, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory),
Lecture Hall
Water-and Organics-rich objects are of intense interest to the planetary science community, and are high-priority targets for spacecraft visits and sample return. However, such visits are rare commodities, and remote sensing via telescopic observations are necessary to obtain the context required for understanding spacecraft measurements. Over the past decade, we have observed hundreds of objects at wavelengths diagnostic for water and organic material. I will present our current understanding of water, hydroxyl, and ice on asteroids, including the ways these objects are and aren't represented in the meteorite collection. |
May 2016
| 4 |
Internal structure of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko probed by the CONSERT radar on ROSETTA (Jeremie Lasue, IRAP-OMP),
Hess Room - Brown Bag
During the successful landing of Philae on 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the Comet Nucleus Sounding Experiment by Radiowave Transmission (CONSERT) provided the first opportunity to investigate the internal structure of a comet nucleus. The data unambiguously showed that propagation inside the smaller lobe of the nucleus was achieved (Figure) [1]. CONSERT also reduced the size of the uncertainty of Philae’s final landing site down to approximately 21 by 34 square meters [1, 2]. From the shape of the received signals, we can infer that the smaller lobe of 67P is fairly homogeneous on a spatial scale of tens of meters. The average permittivity obtained from the propagation delay is about 1.27, suggesting that this region has a volumetric dust/ice ratio of 0.4 to 2.6 and a porosity of 75 to 85% [1]. From comparison with laboratory measurements made on meteorites and ice mixtures, the dust component permittivity value may be comparable to that of carbonaceous chondrites. Simulations of the signal propagation is consistent with a possible near-surface gradient of the dielectric constant decreasing with depth [3]. The very low dielectric constant values and homogeneity of the nucleus as constrained by CONSERT data indicates that the comet interior is primitive and has not been heavily processed. The data does not show the presence of cometesimals or large voids at the scale probed (about 10 meters), providing information about its formation and evolution in the early solar system. Figure: Propagation of signals from Philae on the nucleus to Rosetta on its orbit. References: [1] W. Kofman, et al., Science 349, aab0639-1 (2015) [2] A. Hérique, et al., PSS, 117, 475-484 (2015) [3] V. Ciarletti, et al., A&A aa26337-15, (2015) |
|
| 16-19 |
Biosignature Preservation and Detection in Mars Analog Environments (#biosignature2016) *,
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Our objective is to focus strategies to detect a range of possible biosignatures on Mars in different categories of geologic settings by assessing the attributes and preservation potential of various biosignatures in different Mars-analog habitable environments on Earth. We are seeking a better understanding of three broad classes of ancient environments known to exist in the martian geologic record: 1.Lacustrine and deltaic sediments; 2.Near-surface chemical sediments (including hydrothermal and pedogenic); or 3.Deep crustal rocks (including hydrothermally altered). |
|
| 17-19 |
Humans to Mars Summit,
Washington, DC
Explore Mars is proud to present the Humans to Mars Summit 2016 (#H2M2016), the comprehensive Mars exploration conference that addresses the major technical, scientific, and policy challenges of getting humans to Mars, as well as how such missions can have positive impacts on STEM education, American Competitiveness and other important collateral issues. |
|
| 17-19 |
International Workshop About Comets in Honor of Hans Rickman,
Paris, France
This three-day meeting will cover both the dynamical and physical properties of comets, with a full day focused on the most recent results obtained from the Rosetta mission. |
|
| 18-19 |
4th European Lunar Symposium,
Trippenhuis (Dutch Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This meeting will build upon the success of previous European Lunar Symposiums (ELS) held in Berlin (2012), London (2014), and Frascati (2015). The fourth ELS will be held under the umbrella of the European nodes of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). A global surge in lunar exploration has thrust lunar science and exploration back into the limelight once again. Current interests in the exploration of the Moon range from astronomical, astrophysical, geological, commercial, resource utilization, and strategic considerations, to its use as an outpost for future human exploration of the Solar System. One of the main aims of this meeting is to bring together the European scientific community interested in various aspects of lunar exploration. In addition, lunar experts from countries engaged in launching lunar missions are also invited to attend this meeting. The format will consist of both oral and poster presentations divided into four broad themes of: “Science of the Moon,” “Science on the Moon,” “Science from the Moon,” and “Future Lunar Missions." |
|
| 18-19 | 68th Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mountain GSA, Moscow, Idaho | |
| 22-26 | Japan Geoscience Union Meeting, Chiba, Japan | |
| 24-25 |
5th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop,
Oxford, United Kingdom
iCubeSat 2016, the 5th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop, will address the technical challenges, opportunities, and practicalities of interplanetary space exploration with CubeSats. The workshop provides a unique environment for open wide ranging practical collaboration between academic researchers, industry professionals, policy makers, and students developing this new and rapidly growing field. |
|
| 24-26 | New Views of the Moon 2 (#newviews2) *, Houston, Texas | |
| 27-30 |
Fourth Beijing Earth and Planetary Interior Symposium,
Beijing, China
The aim of the Symposium is to bring scientists in different disciplines—experimental, observational, theoretical and numerical—together for further understanding the origin, structure, and variations of the Earth’s and planetary magnetic fields. |
|
| 29-Jun 3 |
Brave New Worlds: Understanding the Planets of Other Stars,
Como, Italy
This year's focus will be on exoplanet science. |
|
| 29-Jun 24 |
Water in the Solar System and Beyond,
Rome, Italy
Water plays an important role in the origin and chemical development of comets, asteroids, icy moons, and planets including our own Earth. It is also a necessary ingredient for life as we know it. Recent space missions, remote sensing, and laboratory research have led to considerable growth in our understanding of the role of water in the solar system and in cosmochemistry. Expert faculty will direct a comprehensive four-week course of lectures, presentations, and hands-on projects in the beautiful setting of the Papal villas outside Rome. It will be an unforgettable experience! |
June 2016
| 1-3 |
2nd Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment (AIDA) International Workshop 2016,
Nice, France
The workshop offers a forum for the community to keep abreast with the advances of the AIM and DART studies. |
|
| 1-3 |
First Annual Conference of the Society for Planetary Impact Studies,
Brainerd, Minnesota
To study impact events that occurred on Earth, planetary bodies through the solar system, as well as asteroids, comets, and meteors that cause these events. |
|
| 2-4 | Next-Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference, Broomfield, Colorado | |
| 5-8 | 53rd Annual Meeting of the Clay Minerals Society, Atlanta, Georgia | |
| 7-9 |
7th Joint Meeting of The Space Resources Roundtable (SRR) and the Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium (PTMSS) *,
Golden, Colorado
Given the renewed interest on ISRU activities for the Moon, Mars, and asteroids from space agencies around the globe, the international private sector, academic institutions, and from recent legislation introduced for space-resource commercial exploitation, this meeting will provide a unique and timely forum for discussion of the near- and long-term opportunities for space resources. |
|
| 9-10 |
3rd International Symposium on Lunar and Planetary Science,
Wuhan, China
Recent space missions to our solar system bodies including the LRO, Kaguya, M3, Chang’E series, Dawn, Hayabusa, Rosetta, Stardust-NExT, Cassini and others have greatly advanced our knowledge about the Moon and the solar system. This international symposium aims at the international academic exchange on the topics of processing, analysis, research and applications of lunar and planetary exploration data. The scope of this symposium includes, but not limited to, lunar and planetary compositions; lunar and planetary topography and gravity; lunar and planetary surface processes; lunar and planetary impact; lunar and planetary chronologies; origin and evolution of the Moon and planets; planetary atmospheres; meteorites and cosomochemistry; asteroids and comets; planetary magnetic fields and plasmas; exolar planets: detection, characterizations and habitability; and future deep space missions. |
|
| 11-12 |
International Planetary Probe Short Course,
Laurel, Maryland
Short course – Destination Venus: Science, Technology and Mission Architectures. |
|
| 12-16 | 228th American Astronomical Society Meeting, San Diego, California | |
| 13-15 |
2016 Annual Laboratory Astrophysics Division of the AAS Meeting,
San Diego, California
The fourth LAD meeting will be devoted to the interplay between laboratory astrophysics and other fields in astronomy, planetary science, and related sciences. The meeting will be held jointly with the 228th Meeting of the AAS. |
|
| 13-15 |
Planetary Geologic Mappers Annual Meeting *,
Flagstaff, Arizona
The Planetary Geologic Mappers Annual Meeting 2016 will be held from June 13-15 at the U. S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, AZ. Principal investigators with currently-funded NASA geological mapping projects are required to attend in order to present the status of mapping efforts and obtain guidance for map process, formatting, submission, and technical review. Attendance by scientists and students interested in cartography, geological mapping, and map-related topical science is encouraged. |
|
| 13-17 |
International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW-13),
Laurel, Maryland
Delivering space vehicles to other worlds is one of humankind’s most challenging and rewarding ventures. The 2016 International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW-13) will bring together engineers, technologists, scientists, mission designers, space agency leaders, and students from around the world for a compelling, weeklong collaboration focused on exploring solar system destinations via in situ missions. |
|
| 14-15 |
Cometary Science After Rosetta,
London, United Kingdom
Results from the European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko are leading to a revolution in our understanding of these ancient bodies, and hence the conditions prevalent in the early Solar System. This meeting will report on all aspects of the mission's ground-breaking discoveries, placing them in the context of cometary science as a whole. |
|
| 16-17 |
Cometary Science After Rosetta: Future Directions,
London, United Kingdom
Further review the current status of the field of cometary science following the keenly-anticipated results of Rosetta, with the aim to engender focused, collaborative studies of these fascinating objects. |
|
| 20-21 |
Martian Gullies and Their Earth Analogues,
London, England
The aim of this second workshop would be not only to bring together the plethora of researchers involved in gully-research on Mars, but also to add a wider perspective by including contributions from those studying analogous environments on Earth such as geomorphologists, sedimentologists, glaciologists, hydrologists, climatologists, soil scientists, and mineralogists/petrologists. |
|
| 21-23 |
Binaries in the Solar System IV,
Prague, Czech Republic
The goal of the workshop is to bring together various ideas on the detection, characterization, formation, and implications of binary and multiple objects among the NEO, main-belt, Trojan, Centaur, TNO populations. |
|
| 21 |
Experimental Investigation into the Darkness of Mercury’s Surface (Kathleen E. Vander Kaaden, University of New Mexico, Earth and Planetary Sciences),
Lecture Hall
Prior to the return of data from the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, the planet Mercury was thought to be depleted in volatile elements primarily due to its close proximity to the sun. Initial analyses conducted during flybys from the Mariner 10 mission confirmed the presence of atmospheric H, He, and O. Furthermore, ground-based discoveries enhanced our knowledge about Na, K, and Ca in the atmosphere as well as polar volatiles found in radar-reflective deposits. Although there was some evidence for the presence of volatiles on the surface of the planet and in the exosphere, it was not until the return of data from MESSENGER that it was discovered just how volatile rich Mercury is. We use recent results from the X-Ray Spectrometer and Gamma-Ray Spectrometer that were onboard MESSENGER to investigate the darkness of Mercury’s surface through high pressure and high temperatures experiments. Our results suggest the dark mercurian surface is likely due to a primary floatation crust on Mercury composed of graphite, produced after a global magma ocean event. Furthermore, given the highly reducing nature of Mercury (ΔIW-3 to ΔIW-7), the large core of the planet likely contains Si as the dominant light element. With higher abundances of Si in the core, our experimental investigation suggests that the core of Mercury would have saturated in carbon at low carbon abundances. Since carbon solubility in silicate melts is exceptionally low under highly reducing conditions, its exclusion from the silicate portion of the planet would have been conducive to formation of a graphite floatation crust. |
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| 26-Jul 1 | 26th Goldschmidt Conference, Yokomama, Japan | |
| 26-Jul 1 |
Extrasolar Planets: Their Formation and Evolution,
Bad Honnef, Germany
The goal of the school is to provide a solid pedagogical introduction into the general field of Planetary Formation with emphasis on the special requirement of extrasolar planets. In the school the planet formation process will be presented starting from the very early phase of dust agglomeration up to the assembly of fully grown planets. Building upon the ideas on how to form the Solar System, the focus of the school will lie on the main theoretical foundations that have emerged after the detection of extrasolar planets. There are 14 lectures given by international experts in the field. In little projects the participants will have the opportunity to to work on particular problems in the field. Additionally, the participants are encouraged to present their own work in the form of posters. |
|
| 27-29 |
Titan Aeronomy and Climate Workshop,
Reims, France
To bring together international experts from different fields of Titan's research in order to have an overview of the current understanding, and to determine the remaining salient scientific issues and the actions that could be implemented to address them. |
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| 28-30 | 15th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG), Laurel, Maryland |
July 2016
| 3-8 |
Astronomical Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting,
Sydney, Australia
This will be the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Astronomical Society of Australia. |
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| 3-8 |
Exoplanets Conference,
Davos, Switzerland
The astronomical community is in an expansion phase of exoplanet science, especially with several American and European space missions (TESS, CHEOPS, PLATO, JWST) on the horizon (2017 to 2024). The new Exoplanets conference series aims to consolidate all aspects of exoplanet science and strike a balance between: 1.Exoplanet theory, observations and instrumentation; 2.Exoplanet discovery and atmospheric characterisation; 3.Transiting and directly imaged exoplanets; 4.Ground- and space-based surveys/missions; 5.American and European participation. We aim to expand upon the “Planets” in the “Protostars & Planets” conference series by shifting the focus to exoplanet science. We expect about 60% of the program to consist of contributed (rather than invited) talks. |
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| 3-8 | International Symposium and Workshop on Astrochemistry, Campinas, Brazil | |
| 4-9 |
Planetary Science Short Course in Remote Sensing,
London, Ontario
The main objective of this course is to learn the technical and conceptural basis for applying remote sensing and image analysis to Earth and Planetary science. |
|
| 8 |
Micro Cold Traps on the Moon (Paul O. Hayne, Geophysics and Planetary Geosciences, Jet Propulsion Laboratory),
Lecture Hall
Recent observations of the Moon and Mercury have confirmed basic theoretical predictions of water ice in cold traps within permanent shadows at high latitudes. However, several important aspects of the theory do not match these observations: Mercury appears to harbor massive ice deposits, whereas lunar volatiles are more dispersed or even absent in some locations; super-volatiles (CH4, CO2, methanol) are found in a surprising location on the Moon; thermal environments are heterogeneous within the permanent shadows, and volatiles do not always “follow the cold”. In this presentation, we will explore the current datasets and illustrate some of these discrepancies. In order to address the problem, I will present a new theory: micro cold traps, which collectively may be important sinks for volatiles on both the Moon and Mercury. Finally, I will show evidence for the existence of micro cold traps and discuss their possible importance for future robotic and human exploration of the Moon and beyond. |
|
| 10-12 |
Astrobiology Australasia Meeting 2016,
Perth, Australia
Contributions in the general fields of astrobiology will be considered but we particularly welcome offers of presentations on the following special themes: Science Outreach and Education in Astrobiology; Space exploration and astronomy, includes SETI; Life signs on Early Earth; Proof of Biogenicity – advances in technology for positive signal returns; Modern analogues of early life |
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| 11-15 |
4th International HSE Geochemistry Workshop,
Durham, United Kingdom
The 4th HSE workshop is of cross-disciplinary appeal in covering analytical advances, as well as low-temperature and high-temperature geo- and cosmochemistry topics pertaining to HSEs and allied elements. The meeting and related activities will provide opportunities for friendly exchange between scientists of all levels, thus offering the potential for all to accelerate knowledge/technology sharing and explore new observations that advance understanding of key geo- and cosmochemistry questions. Additionally, we anticipate many opportunities for useful new international collaborations to nucleate during the workshop; these will be highly beneficial to continued progress in HSE frontier science and will support overall advances within the geochemistry community, help to create pathways for present and future students, and potentially provide for the early-stages of discussions to commercialise scientific applications for industry. |
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| 11-15 |
New Directions in Planet Formation,
Leiden, The Netherlands
In the past two decades over 2,000 exoplanets have been discovered with properties and orbital architectures very different from the solar system. Yet the theoretical foundations of planet formation theory still rely on a framework conceived for the solar system. This workshop will focus on new developments in dust coagulation, planetesimal formation, planetary growth, and planetary migration. The goal of the workshop is to critically assess the viability of various theories on planet formation and establish new research directions. |
|
| 12-19 |
2016 NASA Planetary Volcanology Workshop,
Kilauea, Hawaii
Study volcanic features analogous to those on Mars that have been imaged recently by MOC, THEMIS, HRSC, HiRISE, and the MER and MSL rovers, comparing their field appearance to their appearance in remotely-sensed images. |
|
| 17-21 |
Transiting Exoplanets,
Keele, United Kingdom
A conference dedicated to the discovery and characterisation of transiting extrasolar planets. |
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| 18-19 |
Third International Conference on the Exploration of Phobos and Deimos,
Moffett Field, California
The conference will be an open international forum gathering scientists, engineers, space exploration professionals, and students interested in discussing the status and advancement of the exploration of Mars’ natural satellites, the investigation of other small bodies in relation to Phobos and Deimos, the exploration of Mars itself via its moons, and the importance of exploring these moons for Solar System science. |
|
| 19 |
Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference
((LunGradCon 2016)),
Mountain View, California
Registration is open for the 7th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2016) to be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the NASA Ames Research Center, preceding the NASA Exploration Science Forum (ESF). With the expanded interests of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the scope of this year's LunGradCon includes both lunar and small bodies science. LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career postdocs to present their research on lunar and small body science in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In addition to oral presentations, the conference presents opportunities for professional development and networking with fellow grad students and postdocs, as well as senior members of SSERVI. A limited amount of funding will be provided for travel and lodging costs. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is June 3rd 2016, 11:59 PM PDT. |
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| 20-22 | NASA Exploration Science Forum, Moffett Field, California | |
| 22-24 |
Dusty Visions Workshop,
Boulder, Colorado
We plan on having a discussion heavy workshop on the current studies and future direction of cosmic dust research. |
|
| 24-28 |
2016 Microscopy and Microanalysis Conference,
Columbus, Ohio
Participating at M&M 2016 will allow you to stay abreast of new technologies, learn new techniques, see the latest instrumentation, and most importantly, network with colleagues and make new connections. We hope that you will be able to join us in Columbus for what is certain to be a very exciting and educational meeting. |
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| 25-29 |
2016 Sagan Exoplanet Summer Workshop,
Pasadena, California
The Sagan Exoplanet Summer Workshops are an annual series of workshops aimed at advancing the communities' scientific and technical understanding of the objectives of the Exoplanet Exploration Program. |
|
| 25-29 |
NASA Planetary Science Summer School,
Pasadena, California
This workshop is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers to participate in space missions of the future by providing an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, lifecycle, cost, schedule, and the trade-offs inherent in each. |
|
| 25-Aug 5 |
Summer School in Software Systems for Astronomy,
Hilo, Hawaii
Students will work with existing software tools and current design methodologies. |
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| 26-29 | Enceladus and the Icy Moons of Saturn (#enceladus) *, Boulder, Colorado | |
| 27-29 |
Workshop Without Walls: Exoplanet Biosignatures,
Seattle, Washington
Review, frame, and advance the science and technology of remotely detectable biosignatures for the search for life on planets around other stars. |
|
| 28-29 | USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers Hands-On Workshop, Flagstaff, Arizona | |
| 30-Aug 7 | 41st Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2016) - MEETING CANCELED, Istanbul, Turkey |
