Planetary Sciences Community Meetings Calendar
Organized by LPI/USRA *
January 2020
| 6-8 |
Rocky Worlds: From the Solar System to Exoplanets,
Cambridge, United Kingdom
This workshop aims to bring together planetary scientists, astronomers, and earth scientists to foster discussion and build the collaborations that will pave the way for the next decade of rocky exoplanet discovery and characterisation. |
|
| 13-17 |
Seventh International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration (#marspolar2020) *,
Ushuaia, Argentina
This is the latest in a continuing series of conferences intended to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas regarding the polar regions of Mars. This group is international and interdisciplinary, and we welcome any scientist with relevant experience.This conference is designed to pull together the current state of Mars polar research from many fields, including geology, atmospheric, and climate science. Primarily, the aim is to focus on advancements since the Sixth Conference, and attendees will have the opportunity to share their advancements with like-minded colleagues. Additionally, several optional field trips before, after, and during the conference will highlight the beauty of Patagonia and its relevance to martian analogs. |
|
| 14-16 |
Atmospheric Remote-Sensing Exoplanet Large-Survey Open Meeting,
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
ARIEL, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, was selected as the fourth medium-class mission in ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme. During its 4-year mission, ARIEL will study what exoplanets are made of, how they formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of about 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths. It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System. |
|
| 14-16 |
Small Bodies Assessment Group Meeting,
Pasadena, California
The SBAG is NASA's community-based forum designed to provide science input for planning and prioritizing the exploration of small bodies throughout the solar system for the next several decades. It also provides input on how small bodies can be utilized in support of human space activities. The SBAG is open to all interested members of the small bodies community and regularly evaluates the goals, objectives, investigations, and required measurements for the exploration of small bodies on the basis of the widest possible community outreach. |
|
| 19-24 |
Origins of Life Meeting,
Galveston, Texas
The chair is currently developing a description for this conference. This information will be available by April 1, 2019. Please check the website for updates. |
|
| 20-22 |
Ice Giants Systems 2020,
London, United Kingdom
The Ice Giants, Uranus and Neptune, are the least explored class of planets in our Solar System, having been visited only once by a passing spacecraft, Voyager 2. These distant Ice Giant Systems may be hiding secrets that could reveal the origins of our Solar System, and are our nearest and best representatives of a type of planet that is commonplace in our universe. In January 2020, Planetary Scientists from around the world will meet at London’s prestigious Royal Society for a three-day workshop on the future exploration of the Uranus and Neptune systems. We will aim to shape the key scientific questions that will drive mission planning in the coming decade, aiming to make use of ideal launch opportunities around 2030. |
February 2020
| 3-4 |
Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) *,
Houston, Texas
The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) was established by NASA in late 2004 to identify scientific priorities and pathways for exploration in the outer solar system. |
|
| 5-7 |
Exoplanets in Our Backyard *,
Houston, Texas
Exoplanets in Our Backyard is a workshop hosted by the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG), the Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG), and the Exoplanet Exploration Program Analysis Group (ExoPAG) to examine and discuss exoplanet-solar system synergies on planetary properties, formation, evolution, and habitability. |
|
| 10-14 |
Tackling the Complexities of Substellar Objects: From Brown Dwarfs to (Exo-)Planets,
Leiden, Netherlands
The aim of this workshop is to: a) Get to know the four communities and their methods; b) Exchange knowledge and methods; and c) Start joint projects (observation proposals, ideas for papers etc.). |
|
| 11-13 |
The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Exploration *,
Houston, Texas
With the U.S. planning a new series of human missions to the Moon, a new workshop focusing on “The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Exploration” will be hosted at the USRA Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) in Houston, Texas on February 11–13, 2020. Workshop attendees will participate in one of three panels: Panel 1 – Lunar Dust: Nature and Characteristics; Panel 2 – The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Health; Panel 3 – The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Surface Systems and Surface Operations |
|
| 18-21 |
3rd International Planetary Caves Conference (#3rdcaves) *,
San Antonio, Texas
The conference captures advances in the current state of the art in cave exploration and continues the exchange of knowledge and ideas between scientists and engineers for future cave missions. |
|
| 25-27 |
PERC International Symposium on Dust and Parent Bodies (IDP2020),
Tokyo, Japan
The objective of this meeting is to share state-of-the-art research on dust delivered to Earth and its parent bodies in a multidisciplinary approach of planetary science and astronomy in light of the DESTINY+ mission. Special topics will include flyby observations and related sciences and onboard instruments with a special emphasis on cameras. |
|
| 28 |
8th Virtual MEPAG Meeting (VM8),
Virtual
Agenda items are expected to include updates about recent MEPAG activities, including Decadal Survey preparations, and the MEP Update. Additional reports will include the ongoing Goals Document revisions by MEPAG Goals Chair, Dr. Donald Banfield and a PDS Update. The VM8 agenda will be shared within a few weeks on the MEPAG meeting website (http://mepag.nasa.gov/meetings.cfm) and included within the 2nd Information Circular. This meeting is open to all members of the Mars science community including our international colleagues. |
March 2020
| 2-4 | Next Generation Suborbital ResearchersConference (NSRC-2020), Broomfield, Colorado | |
| 2-6 |
Ground and Space Observatories: A Joint Venture to Planetary Sciences (PLANETS2020),
Santiago, Chile
During this workshop, we expect to further explore the synergies between planetary missions and ground-based observatories of exploring space, and to foster collaboration between both communities by sharing scientific and technical knowledge, needs, requirements, and techniques. Capabilities of major ground and space based observatories will be discussed, including JWST. We will take advantage of the workshop location to showcase the current and future capabilities of ALMA for planetary science, and encourage planetary scientists to use this facility. |
|
| 16-20 |
51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (#lpsc2020) *Canceled* *,
The Woodlands, Texas
This conference brings together international specialists in petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, geology, and astronomy to present the latest results of research in planetary science. |
|
| 18-19 |
Astronomy from the Moon: The Next Decades,
London, United Kingdom
Low-frequency radio astronomy from the radio-shielded lunar far side can have a unique science impact on cosmology potentially at modest cost. The permanently shadowed lunar craters may offer advantages for passive cooling of infrared telescopes. This meeting will examine these and other potential uses of the Moon as a platform for astronomical observations and the policy implications. |
|
| 26-27 |
2020 International Conference and Exhibition on Catalysis and Chemical Science,
Madrid, Spain
The 2020 International Conference and Exhibition on Catalysis and Chemical Science which will be held March 26–27, 2020, in Madrid, Spain. This is a great opportunity for participants from universities and institutions to network with world class experts and scientists. Research Lake's main goal is to unite chemistry experts, researchers, scientists, professors, and students to discuss and share their knowledge and research results in the field of catalysis and chemical science. |
|
| 30-Apr 3 |
Thermal Infrared Astronomy–Past, Present and Future,
Garching, Germany
In this workshop we aim to bring together the experts in the field to review the science highlights from ESO's thermal IR instruments TIMMI, TIMMI2, VISIR, MIDI and MATISSE as well as those at other observatories, such as COMICS, Michelle and T-ReCS. We will review some future facilities, and we will compare techniques and approaches for observations and calibrations, with the aim to reach the theoretical limit, the background-limited performance. |
April 2020
| 14-16 |
Titan Through Time Workshop V - POSTPONED,
Boulder, Colorado
The Titan Through Time Workshop, convened every two to three years, has been an important venue for the Titan research community to exchange research results and ideas about the science of the Titan System. Although the Cassini mission has ended, there is still work to be done on the returned data, and the recently selected Dragonfly mission provides longer term opportunities for additional gains in our understanding. Aside from large space missions, Titan research continues to progress rapidly through ground-based astronomy, modeling and laboratory investigations. Stay tuned for additional information on registration and abstract submission. |
|
| 15-17 |
Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group Meeting (MEPAG),
Virtual
The April Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Meeting is converted from an in-person meeting to a fully virtual meeting. This meeting will be held over the same dates (April 15-17, 2020), within ~8:30 am-1:00 pm PDT each day. For more information, please go to: https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/meeting/2020-04/MEPAG%2038-2nd%20 Information%20Circular_updateMarch.pdf |
|
| 19-24 |
European Conference on Laboratory Astrophysics ECLA 2020: Linking dust, ice and gas in space,
Anacapri, Capri Island, Italy
The interplay between ubiquitous dust, ice and gas in space knits an interesting tale from collapsing interstellar clouds to the formation of new stars, planets, moons and comets. Along this path the formation of complex organic molecules necessary to construct the building blocks of life brings us a step closer to the understanding of the evolution of life. The advancement in the understanding of these vast intricacies of space lies in the development of varied laboratory techniques together with astronomical observations and astrophysical modeling. The conference allows us an opportunity to ensure collaborations between scientists active in different research fields, which range from astronomy to geology and from chemistry to instrumentation. Further, new results will be discussed and ideas will be exchanged from interdisciplinary perspectives to address questions that will guide observations with the upcoming astronomical large-scale facilities, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. |
|
| 20-24 |
The Sharpest Eyes on the Skies,
Exeter, United Kingdom
At this conference, we aim to discuss the latest science results from high angular resolution astronomy obtained using interferometric and non-interferometric techniques and instruments (ALMA, VLT, Gemini, Subaru, NPOI…), covering topics including (but not limited to): 1. Planet formation and the discs around young stars; 2. Stellar astrophysics and fundamental parameters; 3. Active Galactic Nuclei; 4. Exoplanet atmosphere characterisation and detection; 5. Orbital dynamics close to the Galactic Centre; 6. Evolved stars; and 7. The role of multiplicity in stellar evolution. The meeting will be held in the tradition of the past CHARA meetings and VLTI community days, bringing both communities together for the first time. There will be time provided for discussions regarding the recent and future technological development of CHARA and VLTI, including how to best exploit these advancements in synergy with other facilities and instruments. |
|
| 20-25 |
27th Young Scientists' Conference on Astronomy and Space Physics,
Kyiv, Ukraine
The aim of the annual Open Young Scientists' Conference on Astronomy and Space Physics is to provide young scientists with a possibility to communicate and present their scientific work. Young scientists are bachelor / master / PhD students or young researchers. Fields: atmospheric studies and space geophysics; solar physics and heliosphere; solar system and extrasolar planets; stellar astrophysics; interstellar and intergalactic medium; extragalactic astrophysics and cosmology; high-energy astrophysics and astroparticle physics; positional astronomy and astronomical equipment; computers in astronomy. During the conference each young participant should present a short report (12 minutes) or a poster (with a poster presentation of about 5 minutes). Invited lectures are also planned. |
|
| 21-22 |
Lunar Volatiles and Solar System Science: Workshop Without Walls *Canceled*,
Virtual
Due to rapidly changing circumstances in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we no longer plan to hold this workshop on April 21-22. However, we welcome everyone who is interested to participate in the NASA Exploration Science Virtual Forum (July 8-10, 2020), as well as the SSERVI Volatiles Focus Group, which meets virtually every month to discuss recent research results and other issues of interest to the community. To subscribe to the focus group mailing list, please visit lists.hou.usra.edu/mailman/listinfo/folv or contact focus group coordinator Parvathy Prem ( [email protected]). |
|
| 23-24 |
Bill Feldman Science Symposium *Postponed*,
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Bill Feldman Science Symposium has unfortunately been postponed. When enough information is known, the Symposium will be rescheduled and an announcement will be made. If you have any question or comments, please contact David Lawrence ([email protected]) and/or Katherine Mesick ([email protected]). |
|
| 28-30 |
In Situ Science and Instrumentation Workshop for the Exploration of Europa and Ocean Worlds,
Pasadena, California
The Europa Lander Mission Concept team invites you to join us for a workshop open to all scientists and engineers interested in science and instrument concepts for the in situ (landed) exploration of Europa and other ocean worlds. The workshop is open to all, and there is no registration fee. Some student and early career travel funds will be available. Attendees will have the option on the registration form to submit a brief abstract for a short talk or poster. Contact [email protected] with questions. |
May 2020
| 3-8 |
Atmospheres and Exospheres of Terrestrial Planets, Satellites, and Exoplanets,
Vienna, Austria
The EGU General Assembly 2020 will bring together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience. The EGU is looking forward to cordially welcoming you in Vienna. |
|
| 3-8 |
Planet Mars V,
Les Houches, France
The workshop “Planet Mars V” will be the fifth edition of a series which has taken place in the Center of Physics in Les Houches since 2003. These workshops were organized to bring together senior scientists, young scientists, postdocs, and students in order to optimize the analysis and interpretation of space data, and to prepare the community for the best exploitation of forthcoming missions. As in the case of the previous editions, the format of the workshop will encourage discussions. Leading scientists in the interpretation of data and in modelling processes will present their views on key topics, such as (1) internal structure and magnetism; (2) volcanism, geomorphology, geology, mineralogy and petrology; (3) atmospheric cycles, water history and atmospheric escape. Special attention will be given to the prospect of future planetary missions to Mars. |
|
| 4-6 |
Stars and Planets in the Ultraviolet: A Cross-Community Symposium,
Tempe, AZ
Ultraviolet (UV) photons are diagnostic of many stellar and planetary processes, including system formation, planet atmospheres, habitability, stellar activity, and star-planet interactions. With very limited access to UV observations of exoplanetary systems, it is time to bring the exoplanet, stellar, and solar-system communities together to discuss the state of knowledge, identify the missing information, and plan the instrumentation needed for future space-based UV observatories. Registration and abstract deadline: March 10, 2020. Student registration: Free with student ID. Non-student registration: $150. |
|
| 6-8 |
Women in Space Conference,
Saint-Hubert, Quebec
Women in Space 2020 is an opportunity for scientists and engineers to showcase their work in the field of space and planetary science. The event highlights the achievements of women and non-binary researchers, while offering an opportunity to discuss, challenge, network, and support their peers. |
|
| 11-15 |
17th AIP Thinkshop on Protoplanetary Disk Chemodynamics,
Potsdam, Germany
Protoplanetary disk dynamics are crucial in defining the ecosystem for planet formation. The shift away from turbulence as the main agent for driving disk evolution towards disk winds has recently gained momentum in the community. At the same time, both the absence of significant levels of turbulence and the presence of large-scale outflows are gaining observational support. Yet, we are still lacking clear diagnostics for magnetic fields during the T Tauri phase. The task of extracting useful knowledge about the conditions in planet-forming disks, for instance from molecular-line ALMA data, is paramount. It demands an approach based on forward modelling combined with synthetic observation to understand the relevant dynamical and chemical processes shaping the detected emission features. Highlighting recent developments, we aim to orient the workshop around this chemo-dynamical link with a special focus on the potential role played by magnetic fields. |
|
| 12-13 |
Sixth International Planetary Dunes Workshop (#planetarydunes2020) *Virtual* *
The purpose of this workshop is to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of new ideas and approaches to the investigation of aeolian processes that form and maintain dune fields on Earth and other planetary bodies within the solar system. |
|
| 12-14 |
8th European Lunar Symposium,
Padua, Italy
New scientific data returned by a number of orbiter and landed missions to the Moon have renewed a strong interest in the worldwide community in the future lunar exploration, the most recent example of which is the NASA’s announcement to return humans to the Moon by 2024 through its Artemis program. 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. |
|
| 14 |
LIFE (Large Interferometer For Exoplanets) Virtual Mini-Workshop,
Virtual
The "Virtual Mini-Workshop: LIFE – Large Interferometer For Exoplanets" will introduce a larger audience to the LIFE concept and will be held fully online, on Thursday, 14 May 2020, 4.00–6.00 pm CEST. |
|
| 20 |
LEAG/SSERVI Joint Virtual Meeting,
Virtual
The Decadal Survey on Planetary Science and Astrobiology will assess key scientific questions in planetary science and astrobiology, identify priority medium- and large-class missions and other initiatives, and present a comprehensive research strategy for the 2023-2032 timeframe. Community participation is critical for the success of the survey. |
|
| 21-22 |
Workshop on Observatory for the Outer Heliosphere, Heliosheath, and Interstellar Space,
Boulder, Colorado
With both Voyager spacecraft in interstellar space, IBEX and the upcoming IMAP missions imaging the outer boundaries of the heliosphere, and New Horizons in the outer heliosphere, it is an ideal time to combine resources from these missions and modeling efforts. This workshop seeks input aimed at developing plans to maximize the use of these observations, and plan any operational changes that can maximize the return from these missions. Of particular interest are comprehensive modeling efforts that span these different regions, and engineering and operational strategies that can extend the lifetime and capabilities of the missions and instrumentation. This workshop will provide information to the heliospheric community about the current capabilities, current and potential extensions to current mission capabilities, and an overview of prior and potential comparisons between the data sets and simulations. We devote a portion of the meeting for free form exchange of ideas through a moderated panel working group discussion. |
|
| 26-27 |
Planetary Mission Concept Studies *Virtual* *
As part of NASA's preparations for the 2023 Planetary Science Decadal Survey, proposals to conduct mission concept studies in planetary science were solicited through ROSES-2018, and 11 were selected by the Planetary Science Division in 2019. The selected studies span a range of target bodies across the solar system. The planetary missions that are the focus of these studies are envisioned to have a cost greater than a Discovery mission cost cap (Discovery FY19 cap cost $500M Phases A through D), not including launch costs. The results of these studies will be provided by the individual teams to NASA as input for the 2023 Decadal Survey. An overview of each of the selected Planetary Mission Concept Studies (PMCS) will be presented during this workshop. |
|
| 28-29 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
*Virtual Session 1*
NASA is organizing a workshop to discuss new scientific research that could be enabled by human exploration near the lunar south pole. NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Science and Technology Mission Directorate are co-sponsoring a three-day workshop to actively engage the scientific community in order to determine what science could be done by human crews on the lunar surface and how it can be achieved. |
June 2020
| 1-2 |
23rd Meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group,
Laurel, Maryland
The Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) was established by NASA in March 2008 to identify scientific priorities and opportunities for the exploration of asteroids, comets, interplanetary dust, small satellites, and Trans-Neptunian Objects. |
|
| 1-5 |
Towards Other Earths III: From Solar System to Exoplanets *Postponed*,
Lamego, Portugal
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its global impact, we sadly decided to postpone the conference "TOE3: From Solar System to Exoplanets" originally scheduled for June 1-5, 2020 in Lamego, Portugal. Due to the high number of conferences that have been and will be postponed, we have not decided on the new date yet. We will inform you as soon as possible. |
|
| 1-26 |
Planet Formation: From Dust Coagulation to Final Orbit Assembly,
Garching, Germany
The collective properties of the currently known ~4000 extrasolar planets have left no doubt that planetary systems come in a variety of sizes and orbital configurations. These diverse characteristics of planetary systems, combined with new observational data of our solar system, have raised many questions on the processes involved in the formation of planetary bodies and their dynamical evolution. This program will bring together experts with complementary expertise in observation, theory, solar system, and extrasolar planets to assess the current status of planet formation models, highlight problems in each formation stage, and explore the possibility of developing comprehensive models that can be applied to different planetary systems. |
|
| 2-4 |
Mercury 2020 *Rescheduled*,
Orléans, France
Because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, we have to postpone the Mercury 2020 conference that was scheduled for June 2-4, 2020, in Orléans, France. This conference will now be held next year, from Tuesday June 8, until Friday June 11, 2021, also in Orléans. Note that an additional day has been included (4 days in total) to allow for more oral presentations. |
|
| 5-15 |
GAIA & TESS: Tools for Understanding of the Local Universe,
Brno, Czech Republic
The GAIA and TESS era brings many challenges with data reduction and with the handling of large data sets in general. This ERASMUS+ Summer School in Brno is aiming at bringing together expert lecturers and tutors who will share their knowledge with school attendants from the early career researcher group. The school is organized in blocks of lectures and hands-on exercises focussing on TESS and GAIA data. In addition, students will work on projects related to TESS and GAIA but from various fields of research. The projects will be led by experienced tutors. The location at Masaryk University Brno, which is home to about 30 thousand students, will offer a vibrant scientific environment for school attendants for exchanges of ideas and fostering of new collaborations. We plan to organize also a career session and a number of social events. Early career researchers (PhD students, young postdocs) focusing on various aspects of data handling of space, missions are welcome to apply. Topics: exoplanets; stellar pulsations; eclipsing binaries; dynamics of the Milky Way; runaway stars; stellar flares. |
|
| 8-11 |
7th Mars Atmosphere Modelling and Observations Conference,
Paris, France
The 7th Mars Atmosphere Modelling and Observations Conference will bring together experts in observations and modelling of the present and past Mars climate systems. We will discuss the nature of the atmospheric circulation and the photochemistry (up to the thermosphere), the dust cycle, the water cycle (vapor, clouds and frost) and the carbon dioxide cycle (polar caps). |
|
| 8-12 |
17th International Planetary Probe Workshop,
Monterey, California
IPPW brings together scientists, engineers, technologists, mission designers, space agency representatives and students from around the world for a collaboration focused on exploring solar system destinations through in-situ missions. |
|
| 9-11 |
Global Space Exploration Conference,
St. Petersburg, Russia
The conference, co-organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and ROSCOSMOS, will bring together leaders and decision-makers within the science and human exploration community – engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, agency representatives and policy makers. The leaders in the field will converge in St. Petersburg to discuss recent results, current challenges, and innovative solutions.The conference will provide several opportunities to learn about how space exploration investments provides benefits as well as discuss how those benefits can be increased through thoughtful planning and cooperation. |
|
| 9-11 |
The 11th joint Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium and Space Resources Roundtable *Postponed*,
Ottawa, Canada
In response to the COVID-19 situation and the guidance provided by health officials, the Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium (PTMSS) and the Space Resources Roundtable (SRR) eleventh joint meeting scheduled for June 9-11, 2020 has been postponed. We are working with our venue and stakeholders to determine a suitable date and will provide that information as soon as it becomes available. We will also be updating our abstract submission and early bird registration deadlines accordingly. For those of you who have already registered for the conference, your registration will be valid for the new dates. Should you wish a refund, please contact Sherry Schmidt directly to have it issued ([email protected]). The conference website remains the same: https://www.ptmss.ca/ We look forward to bringing the space resources community back together as soon as we are cleared for launch .. |
|
| 15-19 |
Astrochemical Frontiers — Quarantine Edition,
Virtual
IAU Commission H2 offers this opportunity via a remote conference to give a remote talk, participate in remote question and answers - and continue to share the science that unites us all. In terms of topics we value all work in our interdisciplinary field we therefore encourage you to apply for a talk and the SOC, comprised by the steering committee above, will create the schedule. We anticipate over-subscription to our 60 speaking slots and will focus the content on frontier/field-leading topics whether theory, observation, or the lab. We will favor early career scholars as this might be the only astrochemistry conference until the fall. Abstract submission is due May 18, 2020; Registration is due June 1, 2020; No registration fee. Talks will be announced on May 29. |
|
| 16-18 |
SPICE Training Class at ESAC
Training Class at ESAC *Canceled*,
Madrid, Spain
Given the developing situation regarding the COVID-19 Virus, we sadly need to announce that we have decided not to hold the June 2020 SPICE Training Class at ESAC. We are deeply sorry for any inconvenience caused by the cancelation. To mitigate this cancellation you might consider using the self-training from NAIF. This option makes use of the same tutorials and lessons used in the live training classes. The tutorials are available here: https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/naif/self_training.html |
|
| 22-24 |
Planetary Science Informatics and Data Analytics Conference *Canceled*,
Madrid, Spain
On March 24th 2020, after careful consideration and comprehensive evaluation of currently available information related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the PSIDA Programme Organizing Committee made the difficult for safe decision to cancel the Planetary Science Informatics and Data Analytics Conference, originally scheduled for June 22-24 at ESAC in Madrid, Spain. We continue to closely monitor the developments surrounding COVID-19, and we wish to inform you, that we are planning to take the opportunity to keep some PSIDA activities later this year using EuroPlanet Science Congress 2020, that will be held in Granada, Spain, between September 27 and October 2 2020, and possibly at the AGU, if the circumstances allow. In agreement with the session conveners, we are thinking of using the EPSC 2020 MITM9 session "Tools and Databases for Solar and Planetary Sciences at the Big Data Era", to include PSIDA themes. |
|
| 22-24 |
Preparing for Sofia-HIRMES Science: The Missing Link Between JWST and Herschel,
Baltimore, Maryland
The HIRMES Science Working Group invites the astronomical community to a workshop June 22-24, 2020 at Space Telescope Science Institute on the campus of Johns Hopkins University. The goal of the workshop is to raise the community's awareness to the upcoming availability of HIRMES, discuss the science that could be enabled by this new capability, and provide technical support for attendees interested in submitting HIRMES proposals. We envision a workshop with a mixture of invited and contributed talks and hands-on tutorial sessions. The invited and contributed talks will have a special focus on community contributions, but will also include presentations by NASA, SOFIA observatory, and Science Working Group members. Presentations will include: science talks illustrating the full range of HIRMES’ potential; the HIRMES instrument, status, and its capabilities; the HIRMES Legacy Science Program; HIRMES synergies with other missions. The tutorial sessions will be hands-on opportunities for members of the astronomical community to learn how to perform exposure time calculations and plan their observations. Attendees would have the opportunity to present posters. |
|
| 22-25 |
Cosmic Explorations: At the Intersection of Science, Space, Art, and Culture,
Pasadena, California
This is the eleventh international conference from the series “The Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena”, focused on the intersection of science, humanities, art, and culture. Celestial phenomena have fascinated the humanity for millennia, inspiring works of art, science, scholarship, and emerging technologies. Southern California has played a major, or even a central role in this arena over the past century. Our goals are to provide an opportunity for the scholars from various, disparate disciplines to interact, gain new perspectives, and establish novel collaborations, to celebrate our rich history and the ongoing activities in this arena, and to inform and inspire the general public. |
|
| 24-25 |
Preventing Harassment in Science: Building a Community of Practice Toward Meaningful Change (#PreventScienceHarassment2020) *Virtual* *
The goal of this workshop is to bring leaders of anti-harassment efforts together to share ideas and discuss best practice methods to reduce harassment in the scientific workplace. An expected outcome of this workshop is to create a community of practice to continue future anti-harassment efforts. |
|
| 25-26 |
The Planetary CubeSats/SmallSats Symposium,
Greenbelt, Maryland
The Planetary CubeSats/SmallSats Symposia are held annually at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, with the participation of CubeSat/SmallSats scientists and developers. Discussions include current missions, mission concepts, and opportunities for future mission selections. The sessions also include panel discussions about strategic and technical aspects of planetary CubeSats/SmallSats, and an afternoon poster session provides mission proposers the opportunity to meet with vendors and suppliers. |
|
| 29-Jul 3 |
European Astronomical Society Annual Meeting,
Leiden, the Netherlands
The European Astronomical Society (EAS) Annual Meeting (formerly known as EWASS) has been a tradition for over 25 years, and is the largest conference for European astronomy. In addition to plenary sessions and the award of prestigious prizes, the conference hosts many symposia held in parallel, as well as special sessions and meetings. The EAS, often together with one of its affiliated societies, organises its annual meeting to enhance its links with national communities, to broaden connections between individual members and to promote European networks. EAS 2020 will be held in Leiden, The Netherlands, from June 29 to July 3, 2020. The conference is expected to welcome more than 1000 astrophysicists from all over Europe and beyond. EAS 2020 will also host the NAC 2020 (75th Nederlandse Astronomenconferentie) of the Royal Nederlandse Astronomenclub (NAC). EAS 2020 participants can participate in NAC 2020 and vice-versa. More details will be available on the EAS 2020 and NAC 2020 websites. |
July 2020
| 1-2 |
LunGradCon 2020,
Virtual
The 10th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2020) is to be held virtually on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1-2, 2020, preceding the NASA Exploration Science Forum (ESF, July 8-10). With the expanded interests of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the scope of LunGradCon includes both lunar and small body 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 virtual presentations, the conference will feature Q&A panels with various groups to help grad students navigate the paths to careers in space science. The deadline for LunGradCon registration and abstract submission is June 19, 2019, 11:59 PM PDT. For more details, please visit: http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/ or email any questions to: [email protected] |
|
| 8-10 |
NASA Exploration Science Forum,
Virtual
Due to the COVID-19 situation, this year’s NESF will be an all-virtual meeting. This year's Forum will feature exploration science discussions for human exploration targets of interest (the Moon, near-Earth asteroids, and the moons of Mars). Science sessions will focus on recent mission results and in-depth analyses of science and exploration studies. Dedicated side-conferences for graduate students and young professionals will coincide with the ESF. Public engagement discussions will be interwoven among science topics as well. |
|
| 20-31 |
Data Analysis for Planetary Science (DAPS-CBW 2020),
Antofagasta, Chile
We invite Earth and Space Science graduate students and early career researchers that are interested in working with data coming from planetary missions, to send an application to the COSPAR Data Analysis for Planetary Sciences Capacity Building Workshop 2020 (DAPS-CBW 2020): http://cospar.das.uchile.cl. The goal of the workshop is to develop interesting scientific projects guided by experts of missions as New Horizons, Juno, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, Hayabusa 2, MAVEN and representatives of Nasa's Planetary Data System and ESA's Planetary Science Archive. The workshop will take place between July 20-31 2020 in the facilities of the Universidad Católica del Norte, located in Antofagasta, Chile, in the core of the Atacama Desert. Registration fee and lodging expenses will be fully covered by the organization. Travel support is available for regional participants. Only applications received through the online form by March 31st will be considered. |
|
| 23 |
2020 Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers *,
*Virtual*
The purpose is to report progress on NASA-funded geologic mapping projects. Other planetary geologists who are conducting geologic mapping are also welcome to attend. |
|
| 27-31 |
Exoplanets III,
Heidelberg, Germany
The overall program of talks will likely consist of the following sessions: Detection: Transits; Detection: Radial Velocity; Detection: Imaging, Microlensing, Gaia; Formation; System Architectures & Dynamics; Host stars; Planetary Interiors; Atmospheres; Habitability and Biosignatures; Future Missions and Observatories. There will also be an extensive poster session, with ample time allocated for poster viewing. |
|
| 29-30 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
*Virtual Session 2*
NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Space Technology Mission Directorate were co-sponsoring a three-day workshop to actively engage the scientific community in order to determine what science could be done by human crews on the lunar surface and how it can be achieved. |
August 2020
| 5-7 |
11th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting *,
*Virtual*
The 11th PCC meeting is open to planetary and terrestrial scientists interested in any aspect of impact cratering on solar system bodies. We welcome abstracts related to observational, theoretical, experimental, and/or numerical modeling studies of impact craters on planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, or other small solar system objects. This year, we particularly encourage discussions on the use of topographic data for the analysis of craters on any planetary body. |
|
| 9-14 |
83rd Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society *Canceled* *,
Glasgow, Scotland
As the Covid pandemic continues to advance around the world it is clear that the Glasgow meeting, originally scheduled for August, will need to be rescheduled to another year. Please bear with us as the society adjusts its schedule of annual meetings to respond to the pandemic. It takes years to organize an annual meeting and moving all scheduled meetings is difficult but essential for the safety of our members and their communities. We will announce the rescheduling of annual meetings once arrangements have been finalized and Council has approved the revised schedule. |
|
| 15-23 |
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly,
Sydney, Australia
The Assembly represents the next significant aiming point for Australia to showcase our space sector growth, with particular emphasis on research and innovation to support industry and world class space science, in the context of what by then will be a young but rapidly maturing Australian Space Agency. Australian space activities will be showcased to the world of space research. This will lead to strengthening existing and growing new ties between Australia and international partners, resulting in collaborations and partnerships that will assist both the innovation and industry parts of the sector. The theme of the 2020 Assembly is Connecting Space Research for Global Impact, and Australia stands to use the Assembly to help deliver such impact at a time when the Australian Space Agency is gathering momentum. |
|
| 19-26 |
Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems and Habitable Planets,
Torun, Poland
The summer school will be held on August 19-26, 2020 in the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland. Its aims are: to introduce early career scientists to interdisciplinary work in planetary sciences, to introduce science journalists and science teachers to scientific work and scientists, to teach future scientists how to explain scientific concepts to general public and each other, facilitating interdisciplinary research. The idea behind the school is to gather people from different backgrounds, including astronomy, geology, biology, physics, journalism and teaching, and provide them with the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary groups on solving scientific problems.The program of the school will include joint lectures - from protoplanetary discs and exoplanets to geologic features of the surfaces of Earth and Mars - and afternoon hands-on sessions in small, interdisciplinary groups. Participants will present posters and flash talks about their work at the beginning of the school. Presentations by groups of students about the results obtained as part of the school are schedules at the final day of the school. |
|
| 20 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
*Virtual Session 3*
NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, and Space Technology Mission Directorate were co-sponsoring a three-day workshop to actively engage the scientific community in order to determine what science could be done by human crews on the lunar surface and how it can be achieved. |
September 2020
| 6-12 |
Planetary Science: The Young Solar System,
Quy Nhon, Vietnam
Our goal is to host a highly interdisciplinary mid-sized meeting of broad scope with highly acclaimed key speakers of international standing. We aim to unite ourselves to discuss barriers to progress, propose solutions and identify and foster future collaboration that will advance our understanding of the young solar system. We intend to formulate a coherent and scientifically sound story on the birth and evolution of the young solar system. |
|
| 8-9 |
Ocean Worlds 5 (#oceanworlds5) *,
Woods Hole, Massachusetts
In this, the fifth meeting in the Ocean Worlds series, we focus on studies that utilize knowledge of/or access to our Earth to better understand non-terrestrial ocean worlds and/or advance our ability to explore these worlds with spacecraft. |
|
| 14-16 |
Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (#leag2020) *,
*Virtual*
The Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) was established in 2004 to support NASA in providing analysis of scientific, technical, commercial, and operational issues in support of lunar exploration objectives and of their implications for lunar architecture planning and activity prioritization. |
|
| 14-18 |
NASA Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon),
Tokyo, Japan
AbGradCon (Astrobiology Graduate Conference) provides a unique setting for astrobiologically-inclined graduate students and early career researchers to come together to share their research, to collaborate, and to network. AbGradCon 2020 marks the 16th year of this conference—each time in a different place and organized by a different group of students, but always with the original charter as a guide. This year's conference will be held in Asia for the first time.The theme of this year's conference is "International Collaboration". |
|
| 21-Oct 9 |
Europlanet Science Congress *New Dates*,
Virtual
The intention of the Europlanet Science Congress 2020 is to cover a broad area of science topics related to planetary science and planetary missions. The program of the congress will include oral and poster sessions, and it will emphasize workshops and panel discussions to encourage interaction between participants. The Scientific Organizing Committee of the EPSC2020 invites all planetary scientists to participate in the congress, submit contributions to the topical sessions and share their research with colleagues and friends. We look forward to welcoming you in Granada, Spain. |
|
| 22-25 |
Comet-Like Activity of Small Bodies in the Solar System,
Tatranska Lomnica, Slovakia
The workshop will provide a cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange on physics of the small bodies in the Solar system revealing a comet-like activity, new cometary missions (Comet Interceptor, Destiny+) and related ground-based observational campaigns. The workshop will be held in Tatranska Lomnica, Slovakia, September 22-25, 2020. The workshop is organized by the Astronomical Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Tatranska Lomnica. |
|
| 28-Oct 2 |
From Clouds to Planets II: The Astrochemical Link *POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 2022*,
Berlin, Germany
During the conference, we will make a journey through space and time, starting from interstellar clouds and then moving to cloud filaments and dense cores on the verge of star formation, to protostars and their embedded disks, to planet-forming disks to exoplanet and finally landing in our Solar System, while delving into laboratory facilities and theoretical calculations and simulations. Each evening, before dinner, there will be a general talk on each topic of the conference (the “aperitive talk”), to allow all communities to understand better the “big picture” and to facilitate finding links across disciplines, which always provide fertile ground in our journey towards understanding our astrochemical origins. |
|
| 30 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 4: Planetary Protection/PSR Classification
This virtual session of the Lunar Surface Science Workshop (LSSW) will focus on Planetary Protection/Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) Classification. The session will be a mix of invited/contributed talks and discussion breakouts. |
October 2020
| 12-16 |
71st International Astronautical Congress 2020,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With the theme “Inspire, Innovate, and Discover for the Benefit of Humankind”, the IAC 2020 looks forward to making a contribution to humanity and to science by strengthening and enhancing cooperation between all countries in the space sector. This is your chance to inspire the next generation, and to architect the further development and expansion of the space sector’s growing ecosystem. In fact, the IAC 2020 could be your opportunity to contribute in breakthroughs that revolutionize the future of space exploration. |
|
| 12-16 |
Thermal Infrared Astronomy - Past, Present and Future,
Garching, Germany
The workshop has been postponed until October 12-16, 2020, because of the travel restrictions due to COVID-19. We ask all participants who registered for the earlier date to register again to confirm their attendance in October. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this shift of the workshop dates, but the well being of our participants is our first priority. In this workshop we aim to bring together the experts in the field to review the science highlights from ESO's thermal IR instruments TIMMI, TIMMI2, VISIR, MIDI and MATISSE as well as those at other observatories, such as COMICS, Michelle and T-ReCS. We will review some future facilities, and we will compare techniques and approaches for observations and calibrations, with the aim to reach the theoretical limit, the background-limited performance. Currently planned sessions are: past, present and future of thermal IR instruments at ESO and other observatories; exoplanets in the thermal IR, VISIR NEAR; solar system planets, comets, NEO and distant asteroids; star formation: dust, protostellar disks, young stellar objects, low mass stars; planet formation, protoplanetary disks; dust factories: low/intermediate mass (AGB, PN), high-mass (RSG, LBV, WR, SN), evolved stars (AGB, PN, WR), dusty shells; extragalactic star formation, dusty galaxies (LIRG/ULIRG), active galaxies (AGN, QSO), hot galaxy disks; technological development, new instruments/detectors, instrumentation (ELT and other ground/space/air-borne facilities); calibration issues, especially flux and spectroscopic standard stars; advanced data reduction methods: new strategies for background subtraction, modeling of the thermal stray light, modeling approach in telluric correction; preparation for future of the thermal IR astronomy. We also intend to host a 90 min (splinters) + 60 min (plenary) discussion session with the aim to identify the key science drivers for ground-based thermal-IR astronomy and which technology developments these require. |
|
| 19-23 |
International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Automation in Space (#isairas2020) *,
*Virtual*
For over three decades, the International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space (i-SAIRAS) has brought together researchers and practitioners from the national space agencies to share information on achievements, progress, and plans. |
|
| 25-28 | GSA Annual Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| 26-30 | 52nd Meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society, Spokane, Washington | |
| 27-29 |
Ultraviolet Astronomy in the XXI Century: 5th Workshop of the Network for Ultraviolet Astronomy - Virtual,
*Virtual*
The workshop has been split into two events to the covid-19 pandemic. The face-to-face meeting has been moved to October 5th-9th, 2021. In addition, a virtual meeting will be hold from October 27th-29th, 2020 (during the week of the previously scheduled workshop) to address fundamental issues concerning the world-wide coordination of the UV astronomy community. The meeting will be held from (tentatively) 15:00 to 18:00 Central European Time to enable world-wide participation. Every 3 years, the Network for Ultraviolet Astronomy organizes a Workshop to coordinate international action on the needs and means for Ultraviolet astronomy. In October 2020, the NUVA will hold its 5th workshop. The topics covered in the NUVA workshops include an in-depth review of the scientific needs and objectives, as well as an update on technological developments and status of projects. This workshop is especially important, being held at a time when major investments in UV astronomy are being discussed, and coordination is needed. In addition, the UV Astronomy Working Group within Division B (Facilities, Technologies and Data Science) of the I.A.U. has elaborated a proposal for a standard UV photometric system that requires review and approval by the UV community. |
|
| 28 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 5: Science Enabled by Mobility
This virtual session of the Lunar Surface Science Workshop (LSSW) will focus on Science Enabled by Mobility. The session will be a mix of invited/contributed talks and discussion breakouts. |
November 2020
| 4-6 |
Apophis T–9 Years: Knowledge Opportunities for the Science of Planetary Defense *New Dates* *,
*Virtual*
This workshop will explore the dynamical details and corresponding science opportunities presented by the April 13, 2029 near-miss passage of the asteroid Apophis. Knowledge is the first line of planetary defense, and the 2029 Apophis encounter is a once-per-thousand-year opportunity for investigating an asteroid as large as 350 meters passing within 6 Earth-radii. Time is of the essence as we have less than a decade to plan Earth-based and possible in-situ missions whose measurements can deliver unprecedented detailed knowledge on the physical nature of Apophis as the proto-type example (poster child) of potentially hazardous asteroids. |
|
| 5-6 |
Outer Planet Moon-Magnetosphere Interaction Workshop,
Noordwijk, Netherlands
The focus of this workshop is the interaction between the outer planet moons in our Solar System and their magnetospheric environment, in preparation of upcoming missions like JUICE and Europa Clipper. Suggested topics include but are not limited to: upstream and local variability of the moons' magnetospheric environments; interaction processes between magnetospheres and moon surfaces and exospheres, including the role of dust and the interaction with irregular satellites (for example Thebe and Amalthea). Abstracts addressing moon-magnetosphere interaction from all disciplines are welcome, including ground-based and Earth-orbit based observation, simulation results, theory, in-situ and remote sensing data analysis. We welcome results from past missions such as Voyager, Galileo and Cassini-Huygens, and current missions such as Hisaki and JUNO. Please note that the number of participants is limited to 60 people. |
|
| 9-13 |
Astrobiology 2020,
Vredefort Dome, South Africa
Astrobiology 2020 will trace the pathway to life on Earth and beyond from the simple chemistry established in astrophysical environments, through the formation and evolution of planetary systems, to beyond the beginnings of life, as informed by studies of the very earliest terrestrial fossil record. Astrobiology 2020 is the first international astrobiology conference ever held in Africa. |
|
| 9-14 |
36th International Geological Congress (IGC) (postponed from original date of March 2–8),
New Delhi, India
With as many as 12 plenary talks by outstanding geoscientists from across the globe, 44 science themes, 71 exciting field trips across India and neighboring countries, a far-reaching geohost program, a massive geoexpo, and many other attractions, the Congress promises to be a truly memorable experience. |
|
| 10-12 |
Threats from the Surroundings: An E-Workshop on the Importance of Environment for the Evolution of Protoplanetary Discs and Formation of Planets,
Virtual
This e-workshop aims to bring together the community to share our current understanding of the different ways that the large-scale environment around individual discs shapes disc evolution and planet formation; review the role the environment plays on the evolution of discs, and thus on planet formation; shape the future direction of research in this regard through new ideas and collaborations, as well as to plan possible new observing proposals. In order to facilitate the discussion, the number of "talking" participants will be limited to about 60 persons (final number TBD), selected by the SOC based on scientific relevance to the topic, considering all career stages and reflecting diversity. The other interested registered colleagues will be able to follow the live talks and discussions and will have the possibility to ask questions through chat/e-mail. Colleagues who are only interested in the latter possibility are encouraged to indicate this in the registration form. |
|
| 11-13 |
Hera Workshop,
Nice, France
The Hera workshop is open to all parties involved in the Hera mission and to the whole small body community. It will take place April 20–22, 2020 in Nice. The progress and future plans of the scientific and operational preparation of the Hera mission, organized in 5 working groups, will be discussed. The meeting will be 3 full days. |
|
| 16-17 |
18th Meeting of the Venus Exploration Group (VEXAG) *,
Pasadena, California
Update: In light of COVID-19 and the NASA directive, the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) Meeting #18 will be held virtually on November 16–17, 2020. |
|
| 16-20 |
3rd Annual Interstellar Probe Exploration Workshop (#interstellarprobe)
The virtual workshop is being organized for heliophysicists, planetary scientists, astrophysicists, and engineers from all over the world. The purpose of the workshop is to gather together and discuss the objectives, design, and operations for a near-term, pragmatic Interstellar Probe mission. |
|
| 16-20 |
Magnetism and Accretion,
Cape Town, South Africa
This conference will cover a variety of topics under the theme of magnetism and accretion, including: compact binaries with accreting white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes; disk/jet connections; AGN and blazars; proto-stellar systems, YSOs, and planets; GRBs, kilonovae, and associated objects; and computer simulations of magnetically controlled accretion. This conference will focus on the study of objects and physical processes that occur when magnetic fields influence accretion. These include magnetically dominated regions around accreting sources, including black holes, neutron stars, white dwarfs, young stellar objects and planets. Despite the differences between these sources in terms of mass, radius, and formation history, they are all characterized and influenced by the presence of magnetic fields, which regulate the interaction between the accreting object, its potential companion and the surrounding environment. |
|
| 18-20 |
5th International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions 2020,
Tokyo, Japan
The purpose of this workshop is to provide a forum for collaboration, exchange of ideas and information, and discussions in the area of the instruments, subsystems, and other payload-related technologies needed to address planetary science questions. |
|
| 19 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 6: Foundation Data Products
This virtual session of the Lunar Surface Science Workshop (LSSW) will focus on Foundational Data Products. The session will be a mix of invited/contributed talks and discussion breakouts. |
|
| 30-Dec 4 |
Modeling, Observing, and Understanding Flows and Magnetic Fields in the
Earth's Core and in the Sun,
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Like many other stars and planets, the Earth and the Sun possess magnetic fields built by dynamo action. Unlike the magnetism of most other astrophysical objects, though, the Solar and terrestrial fields have been closely studied for generations, yielding a wide variety of observational constraints that continue to challenge theory and defy prediction. Both analytical theory and numerical simulations have cumulatively yielded significant insight into how both objects build their magnetism, but a comprehensive understanding of this process has remained elusive. This meeting will aim to scrutinize and assess the results of such modelling efforts by comparison to the vast and ongoing array of observations of both the Earth and the Sun. By studying the detailed constraints provided by these two objects, we aim to gain insight into the dynamo process in stars and planets more generally. One aim of the meeting will be to examine the complementary constraints provided by direct numerical simulation and by other methods — e.g., reduced systems of equations valid in an appropriate asymptotic limit. We may aim to identify future targets for numerical simulation, seeking both to identify tractable problems that could test mathematical dynamo theories, and to determine routes by which numerical models could be made more realistic. Another topic of interest is the role played by waves (influenced by rotation, magnetism, and buoyancy) in the dynamo process, and the prospects for using any observable signatures of such waves to infer information. We will also discuss methods (including data assimilation techniques) that aim to turn dynamo models intro predictive tools, and assess the ultimate limits of such predictability. |
December 2020
| 1-3 |
Refining Planetary Protection Requirements for Human Missions to Mars,
Virtual
As part of planning for future space exploration, COSPAR (The Committee on Space Research) together with participating space agencies, is organizing an interdisciplinary meeting to consider next steps in Refining Planetary Protection Requirements for Human Missions to Mars. The objective for planetary protection is to avoid jeopardizing the conduct of scientific investigations of possible extraterrestrial life forms, precursors, and remnants and to protect the Earth from potential hazards posed by extra-terrestrial material on a spacecraft returning from an interplanetary mission. The next meeting on planetary protection for human missions is to be held virtually on December 1-3, 2020 from 10:30-1:30 EST each day. The meeting will focus on technologies and operations to control the contamination in- and outflow of crewed systems on the surface of Mars. The meeting is the latest in the workshop series on planetary protection for human missions to Mars, which first identified and then prioritized important knowledge gaps in science and technology areas. The latest report from these earlier workshops is posted under conference documents at this link: https://sma.nasa.gov/sma-disciplines/planetary-protection/ COSPAR meetings are open (to the capacity of the facilities) and members of the space science and engineering communities are particularly welcome to join in contributing to the important discussions to ensure integration of planetary protection considerations into future mission plans for human missions beyond Earth orbit. Please RSVP to [email protected] and to [email protected] by Nov. 27, 2020 to register. |
|
| 7-11 | AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, California |
January 2021
| 20-21 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 7: Space Biology
The Space Biology virtual session will inform the community about lunar surface science programmatic activities at NASA and solicit input from the community on the potential for new scientific research that could be enabled by Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) and human exploration on the Moon and the technologies needed to conduct the research investigations. |
|
| 21 |
MSR Sample Caching Strategy Workshop,
Virtual
In October 2020, NASA and ESA formalized a partnership to bring samples of Mars to Earth. One crucial piece of planning that will have a large impact on the potential number, nature, and diversity of returned samples, and thus on the science that can be performed on the samples, is the caching strategy for the samples collected by the rover Perseverance. The delivery of cached samples to the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL)is possible via transport by two pathways: 1) retrieval of samples cached on the Mars surface by the Sample Fetch Rover (SFR) and then transport to the Sample Retrieval Lander; and/or 2) delivery of samples retained on Perseverance to the SRL. Thus, there are multiple options for caching. The samples can be cached in one or more depots on the surface of Mars, and the Perseverance rover itself can carry a cache, allowing one or both of the above pathways to be utilized. Which strategies are actually implemented will depend on the nature and perceived value of each sample, the diversity of the samples at a depot, landing site accessibility for SRL, the capabilities of Perseverance and Sample Fetch Rover, lifetime projections for Perseverance and SFR, and the projected risk of rover survivability and trafficability of the terrain encountered. Potential scenarios may include acquiring duplicate samples as well as where, when, and how many depots are established. We solicit your participation in a four-hour workshop on January 21, 2021 (8am-12pm PST) to consider the strategy for establishing the caches on Mars. Key discussion points wil include: • What are the minimum attributes of a cache that warrants sample return? • What should be the strategy for duplicate sampling? • What approach(es) will offer the best balance between minimizing risk and maximizing the scientific value of the samples to be returned? The workshop will present a review of relevant material, and a forum for community discussion on possible viable scenarios for a sample caching strategy. More detailed information will be forthcoming. Please let us know of your interest so we can properly scope the meeting by filling out the Indication of Interest form at https://forms.gle/gf4rxQ1BjFqdVe9BA. Gerhard Kminek and Michael Meyer on behalf of the Caching Strategy Steering Committee (CSSC). |
|
| 26-27 |
24th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) *,
Virtual
The Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) was established by NASA in March 2008 to identify scientific priorities and opportunities for the exploration of asteroids, comets, interplanetary dust, small satellites, and Trans-Neptunian Objects. |
|
| 27 |
MEPAG Virtual Meeting #11,
Virtual
The next virtual meeting (VM11) of the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th, 2021, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm PST, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST. Agenda items are expected to include updates about recent MEPAG, Mars Exploration Program, and Mars Sample Return Program activities, as well as presentations from Jim Watzin and Eric Ianson on Mars Ice Mapper and a discussion led by Scott Hubbard on Humans to Mars activities. The VM11 agenda and 2nd Information Circular will be shared in early January on the MEPAG meeting website (https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/meetings.cfm). WebEx connectivity information will be included in the 2nd Information Circular. This meeting is open to all members of the Mars science community including our international colleagues, and we look forward to your participation. |
