Planetary Sciences Community Meetings Calendar
Organized by LPI/USRA *
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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". |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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3 |
Seminar Series: Extracting Secrets of the Solar System: Soluble Organic Analysis of Meteorites and Returned Samples (Jamie Cook, Goddard Space Flight Center),
Virtual
Laboratory analysis of solar system materials, including meteorites and returned samples, provides important information about early solar system chemistry and the potential distribution of the ingredients necessary for life. Meteorites provide samples from diverse parent bodies, while samples returned by space missions represent materials from known parent bodies with the benefits of context and minimal contamination. Targeted laboratory analyses of these samples have identified a wide range of organic compounds, including soluble organics such as amino acids, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, sugars, nucleobases, hydrocarbons, and more, as well as insoluble macromolecular material. Amino acids are of particular interest to astrobiology because of the role they play in life on Earth. This talk will discuss how soluble organic compounds, especially amino acids, are analyzed in extraterrestrial materials, and how these analyses contribute to our understanding of the origin of life on Earth. |
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7-11 | AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, California | |
10 |
Meteoritic Implications for the Galactic Environment of Solar System Formation (Emilie Dunham, University of California, Los Angeles),
Virtual
The nature of the galactic environment in which our Sun and Solar System formed remains a mystery – did our Sun form in an active region of star formation, or in a quiescent part of the galaxy? The rate of star formation when and where the Sun formed is difficult to constrain using astronomical observations. I will present how we determined a precise star formation rate ~4.5 billion years ago in the vicinity of our nascent Solar System using a short-lived radionuclide (10Be) in ancient meteorite inclusions. We find that the majority of inclusions from a variety of chondrite types (CV3, CO3, CR2, and CH/CB) record a uniform initial 10Be/9Be = 7 × 10−4. These results indicate that our Sun likely formed in an active star forming region, such as a galactic spiral arm, with ~6–7 times higher star formation rate than at present. To R.S.V.P., visit https://rb.gy/fb5hxh. |
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17 |
Falling Sky: The Hadean and Archean Earth Asteroid Impact Flux (Simone Marchi, Southwest Research Institute),
Virtual
In the aftermath of the giant collision resulting in the formation of the Moon, about 4.5 billion years ago, the Earth experienced a protracted time of bombardment by leftover planetesimals. In this talk I will present a bombardment model of the Hadean Earth (4.5-4.0 Ga) that has been calibrated using existing lunar and terrestrial data. We find that the surface of the Hadean Earth was widely reprocessed by impacts through mixing and burial by impact-generated melt. This model may explain the absence of early terrestrial rocks. Further, I will discuss the effects of collisions on the formation of impact-induced geochemical heterogeneities that could still persist in terrestrial mantle rocks. Finally, I will present a recent model for the Archean (4.0-2.5 Ga) impact flux, and discuss implications for the oxygenation history of Earth’s atmosphere. R.S.V.P.: https://rb.gy/oobmou |
January 2021
7 |
Searching for Lunar Water with LunaH-Map: Tiny Interplanetary Spacecraft With Big Science and Exploration Goals (Craig Hardgrove, Arizona State University),
Virtual
LunaH-Map is a new type of NASA planetary science mission manifested for launch on Space Launch System Artemis-1. Following in the footsteps of the MarCO cubesat's successful interplanetary mission, the LunaH-Map spacecraft is a miniaturized, shoebox-sized, interplanetary spacecraft that will use a small ion propulsion system to navigate into lunar orbit and a neutron spectrometer to map enrichments of hydrogen across the lunar South Pole. The maps produced by LunaH-Map will help constrain the amount of hydrogen within permanently shadowed regions, which will inform our understanding of sources and sinks for polar volatile deposits, as well as planning future lunar exploration missions. To R.S.V.P., visit http://ow.ly/JW5b50CZI4h |
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14 |
A Subterranean Hydrothermal System and Microbial Nursery Beneath the Floor of the Chicxulub Impact Crater (David A. Kring, Lunar and Planetary Institute),
Virtual
An expedition sponsored by the International Ocean Discovery Program and International Continental Scientific Drilling Program recovered rock core from the peak ring of the ~180 km-diameter Chicxulub impact crater. Mineral assemblages in the core indicate the crater hosted a substantial and long-lived hydrothermal system. Furthermore, sulfur isotope compositions of pyrite framboids that precipitated in the hydrothermal system indicate it was inhabited by sulphate-reducing thermophilic organisms. The findings support the impact origin of life hypothesis, which posits prebiotic chemistry and the early evolution of life occurred in similar impact-generated systems during the Hadean on Earth and potentially in other planetary systems where similar hydrothermal systems are generated. To R.S.V.P., visit https://bit.ly/3ouPVuT |
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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. |
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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). |
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21 |
A Tale of Lunar Water (Casey Honniball, Goddard Space Flight Center),
Virtual
For decades the lunar surface was believed to be anhydrous, however, reports by three independent spacecraft in 2009 changed this view when they detected a 3 µm hydration band on the Moon. The 3 µm absorption band is attributed to hydroxyl (OH) and possibly molecular water (H2O). The band exhibits variations with lunar time of day, temperature, soil maturity, and composition that has been interpreted as variations in water concentrations. Data from an infrared spectrometer, the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) onboard the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, is widely used to study the 3 µm band, its spectral range, however, only covers half the hydration band. Due to the limited wavelength range of M3, variations of hydration has been called into question. To investigate the validity of variations in the 3 µm band we used the Spex infrared cross-dispersed spectrograph at the NASA InfraRed Telescope Facility (IRTF) at Maunakea Observatory in Hawaiʻi. Our improved data showed that the variation in hydration is real. But is hydroxyl or water responsible for the variations? Distinction between OH and H2O from spacecraft measurements at 3 µm is difficult due to their similar spectral properties. We have developed a new approach for unambiguous detection of the water molecule on the sunlit lunar surface. At 6.07 µm the fundamental H-O-H bend of H2O is exhibited and is strictly due to H2O without contribution by OH. The only current observatory capable of 6 µm observations of the Moon at 6 µm is the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Using data from SOFIA we report the first direct detection of the water molecule on the sunlit lunar surface. To R.S.V.P., visit Https://rb.gy/7z77ll |
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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. |
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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. |
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28 |
Regional Atmospheric Dynamics of Water in Valles Marineris, Mars (Cecilia W.S. Leung, Jet Propulsion Laboratory),
Virtual
Water vapor in the planetary boundary layer is substantially influenced by local topographic gradients. Using a mesoscale atmospheric model, we investigate the convergence of regional moist air masses that forces asymmetries between the day-night concentrations of water in the canyon system. I will discuss the conditions under which water ice fogs may form inside Valles Marineris, and the implications for deliquescence and brines that may result from an atmospheric reservoir. To R.S.V.P., visit https://rb.gy/mql0ye |
February 2021
3-5 |
Mercury Exploration Assessment Group (MExAG) *,
Virtual
This will be the first meeting of the newly chartered MExAG. The agenda will include an overview of NASA programs, ongoing science of the innermost planet, updates on ongoing and concepts for future spacecraft missions, and initiation of the development of a goals document for the future of Mercury science and exploration. |
|
9-11 |
OPAG Meeting *,
Virtual
The next Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) meeting will be delivered virtually on February 9–11, 2021. The focus of this meeting will be on aspects of the Decadal Survey that are relevant to OPAG. Status reports will be requested from the Decadal Survey co-chairs and panel chairs. The meeting agenda will be posted at a later date. Invited presenters are required to upload a presentation file two weeks prior to the start of the meeting, using the USRA meeting portal. Detailed instructions will be forthcoming. |
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11 |
Potassium isotope anomalies in meteorites inherited from the protosolar molecular cloud (Yaray Ku, Harvard University),
Virtual
Potassium (K) and other moderately volatile elements are depleted in many solar system bodies relative to CI chondrites, which closely match the composition of the Sun. These depletions and associated isotopic fractionations were initially believed to result from thermal processing in the protoplanetary disk, but so far, no correlation between the K depletion and its isotopic composition has been found. In this talk, I will present our high-precision K isotope data correlated with other neutron-rich nuclides (e.g., 64Ni and 54Cr), suggesting the observed 41K variations of a nucleosynthetic origin. In addition, I will present new K isotope data from individual chondrules and matrix analysis during this talk. Our data support that K isotope anomalies are inherited from an isotopically heterogeneous protosolar molecular cloud, and were preserved in bulk primitive meteorites. To R.S.V.P., visit https://rb.gy/jtztzn. |
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22-26 |
Habitable Worlds,
Virtual
The Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS), a NASA research coordination network devoted to the study of habitability and detectability of life on exoplanets, is pleased to announce a virtual workshop on Habitable Worlds 2021. This workshop will generate input from the astronomical community during October 2020, culminating in a synchronous online meeting the week of 22-26 February 2021. The goal of the workshop is to identify opportunities and obstacles to cross-disciplinary collaboration on the questions of what makes planets habitable, and life on them detectable. |
|
24-25 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 8: Structuring Real-Time Science Support of Artemis Crewed Operations
When astronauts walked on the Moon during the Apollo program, scientists were embedded in the Flight Control Team (FCT). These scientists populated a science backroom, and they were responsible for helping direct science activities, including sampling, instrument deployment, and other exploration tasks. In this way, the science backroom was critical in maximizing the productivity of the Apollo missions. Part of the reason for their success was that the scientists were able to work closely with the flight controllers, astronauts, and other critical members of the Apollo Program before, during, and after the missions. In the same way, scientists will work with Artemis Program flight controllers, flight directors, astronauts, and spaceflight engineers to achieve mission success and maximize scientific productivity by ensuring that the Artemis lunar surface missions effectively and efficiently accomplish high-priority science objectives. |
|
25 |
The End-Cretaceous Planktic Foraminifera Crisis Linked to Ocean Acidification? (Jahnavi Punekar
Dept. of Earth Sciences
Jahnavi Punekar, IIT Bombay),
Virtual
The Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary event (K-Pg; ~66 Ma) is well known for the demise of >70% life on Earth, including the non-avian dinosaurs. It is one of the BIG FIVE mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic, the only one linked with two triggers- the Chicxulub impact (Yucatan peninsula, Mexico) and Deccan volcanism (India). Recent high-precision U-Pb ages constrain Deccan volcanism between ~66.3 Ma and ~65.6 Ma1. Mercury chemostratigraphy coupled with planktic foraminifera biostratigraphy have enabled unprecedented correlation of the timing, tempo and extent of the end-Cretaceous faunal, climatic and environmental perturbations with Deccan eruptions2. In the main Deccan province (India), the K-Pg boundary is now inferred to be at the top of the Poladpur Formation - a likely catastrophic high-volume eruptive event that lasted <100 kyr1. Proximal K-Pg sequences in the Krishna-Godavari basin intertrappeans (India) document >90% planktic foraminifera species going extinct in response to correlative lava megaflows3. The distal western Tethyan sites reveal a “poor-carbonate-preservation” interval4 with high planktic test fragmentation, increased abundance of opportunist taxa (Guembelitria spp.) and intraspecific dwarfing immediately preceding the K-Pg boundary. Experimental validation of preservation-based proxies lends support to this end-Cretaceous acidification hypothesis. Coeval bulk-rock low magnetic susceptibility and peak mercury signals firmly tie this acidification to ongoing Deccan volcanism5. The biological, taphonomic and geochemical evidence strongly support an ocean acidification interval that persisted for <52 kyr (~2 precession cycles) prior to the K-Pg boundary. The age, duration and nature of this acidification event are better explained by recurrent pulses of Deccan volcanism than the geologically instantaneous Chicxulub impact. To R.S.V.P., visit https://rb.gy/lgjqst. |
March 2021
4 |
Bifurcation of planetary building blocks during Solar System formation (Tim Lichtenberg, Oxford University),
Virtual
The origin of the Solar System shapes our understanding of the physical and chemical processes that drive planetary formation and early evolution. Geochemical analyses of meteoritic materials and astronomical observations of circumstellar disks provide evidence for a fragmented planet formation process. In the Solar System this manifested as two spatially and temporally separated reservoirs that accreted to form the inner, volatile-depleted and outer, volatile-rich planetary populations. The origin of this dichotomy is unknown. In this talk I will discuss our recent work on how the build-up and earliest evolution of the solar protoplanetary disk can influence the timing of protoplanet formation and their internal evolution. Migration of the water snow line during the Class I and Class II disk stage can generate two distinct bursts of planetesimal formation that sample different source regions of interstellar materials. These reservoirs evolve in divergent geophysical modes and develop distinct volatile contents, consistent with constraints from planetary accretion chronology and volatile composition, thermochemistry of extraterrestrial materials, and the mass divergence of inner and outer Solar System. Our simulations suggest that the compositional fractionation and isotopic dichotomy of the Solar System observed today was initiated by the interplay between disk dynamics, heterogeneous accretion, and internal evolution of forming protoplanets. To R.S.V.P., https://rb.gy/ctorbx |
|
11 |
Understanding magnetism in the protoplanetary disk with high-resolution paleomagnetism (Roger Fu, Harvard University),
Virtual
Magnetic fields are thought to govern the lifetime of protoplanetary disks by mediating the inward accretion of gas. At finer scales, magnetic instabilities may have led to the formation of turbulent eddies where the first planetesimals accreted. In recent years, a series of paleomagnetic studies on meteorites have produced the first laboratory constraints on the intensity of magnetic fields in the solar nebula, thereby providing a direct test of theories regarding nebular and planetesimal accretion. I will provide an overview of these experimental results, highlighting the role of new magnetic field imaging technologies and arguing that magnetic fields played a fundamental role in controlling nebular dynamics and may provide evidence for ring and gap structures in the solar nebula. To R.S.V.P., https://rb.gy/p4ge5t |
|
15-19 |
52nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (#lpsc2021) *,
Virtual
This conference brings together international specialists in petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, geology, and astronomy to present the latest results of research in planetary science. |
|
22-24 |
Triple Evolution and Dynamics 3 (TRENDY 3),
Virtual
In this meeting we aim to explore the various observational and theoretical aspects of triple (multiple) evolution and dynamics, and the unique role played by triple (and hierarchical) systems in the (1) evolution of stellar and planetary systems; (2) merger of compact objects; and (3) formation of exotica. The workshop aims to serve as a focal point for researchers working on triple (and hierarchical) systems on all scales, to connect theorists and observers, and to link together and share knowledge and tools between groups working on similar questions. We will discuss the current state-of-the-art, identify open questions and find a way forward to answer them. |
|
23-25 |
Rock, Dust and Ice: Interpreting Planetary Data,
Virtual
How can we leverage multi-wavelength observations, radiative transfer theory and laboratory work to characterize planetary solids? This four-day virtual workshop will bring together observers, modelers and laboratory astronomers to discuss the interpretation of observations of rocks, ices and dust on and around Solar System objects. A large variety of complementary observational techniques will be featured, via invited and contributed presentations, as well as different methods to constrain solids’ fundamental properties such as composition, porosity, thermal inertia and grain size distribution. The workshop is organized by the SOFIA Science Center, and a special emphasis will be put on mid- and far-IR data. Each daily 3-h session will include ample time for moderated interdisciplinary discussions. The fourth day will be dedicated to a moderated discussion on databases, archives and public codes. We welcome attendance from scientists at any career level, especially early career scientists; attendants are encouraged to submit contributions for posters and short talks — with an abstract submission deadline of March 9, 2021. Registration is free but necessary to attend. |
|
25 |
Exploring Mars with Curiosity and Earth for Sedimentary Clues (Mike Thorpe, Johnson Space Center),
Virtual
Preserved in the sedimentary rock record of Mars is an ancient (>3 Ga) history of rivers and lakes, depicting a rich water-lain past that persisted long enough to sculpt landforms and create thick stacks of fluviolacustrine rocks. This rock record illuminates a time when ancient rivers and streams on the surface of Mars physically and chemically altered the terrains and then transported and deposited sediments in downstream basins (i.e., source-to-sink). Since landing in Gale crater, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover has traversed over ∼400 m of one of these sedimentary basins, exploring mudstones, sandstones, and even conglomerates from the Bradbury and Mount Sharp groups. To help paint the picture of what the paleoenvironment of Mars looked like, we shift our focus to similar environments on Earth, searching for clues to piece together a complex sedimentary story. To R.S.V.P., https://rb.gy/2zmmzy |
April 2021
7 |
Venus Decadal Panel Meeting #14,
Virtual
This Panel on Venus is one of six panels providing topical input to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey Steering Group. |
|
7-8 |
ExMAG Spring 2021 Meeting (Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group) (#ExMAGspringmeeting) *,
Virtual
The Program Analysis Group formerly known as the Curation, Analysis, and Planning Team for Extraterrestrial Materials (CAPTEM) has changed to the Extraterrestrial Materials Analysis Group (ExMAG). This will be ExMAG’s inaugural Spring Meeting, and the focus will be on curation of extraterrestrial materials, their allocation, and upcoming sample return missions. The meeting will include NASA HQ and Curation updates, reports on the collections, briefs on sample returns in progress and planned, and talks on advanced curation methods. |
|
9 |
Mercury and Moon Decadal Planning Meeting #14,
Virtual
This Panel on Mercury and the Moon is one of six panels providing topical input to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey Steering Group. |
|
12-16 |
16th Spacecraft Charging and Technology Conference (#SCTC2021) — POSTPONED TO SPRING 2022 *,
Cocoa Beach, Florida
The SCTC is an international series focusing on the science and technology of electrical charging of spacecraft by the space environment. |
|
19-30 |
EGU General Assembly 2021,
Virtual
The European Geophysical Union (EGU) has announced that its General Assembly 2021, traditionally held each spring in Vienna, Austria, will instead take place entirely online due to the continuing risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting restrictions on international travel. While we deeply regret another missed opportunity to meet with colleagues and friends in person next year, we’re committed to graciously accepting circumstances that are beyond our control and continuing the Union’s efforts to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 on Earth, planetary, and space science research. EGU is therefore excited to announce that we will instead host vEGU21: Gather Online (#vEGU21). This virtual event will be an entirely different experience from last year’s meeting, Sharing Geoscience Online, which we had just five weeks to plan. vEGU21 will provide a much more complete representation of the experience that EGU members enjoy at the annual meeting in Vienna. vEGU21, which will be accessible from around the globe, will feature the 2020 and 2021 awards ceremonies and lectures, mentoring, networking events, and many more activities in addition to nearly 700 scientific sessions. The current plan is to extend the meeting dates to April 19–30 but to schedule all technical sessions during the last week of April. |
|
26-30 |
7th IAA Planetary Defense Conference,
Virtual
The International Academy of Astronautics will hold its 7th conference in 2021 in Vienna, Austria. The bi-annual conference brings together world experts to discuss the threat to Earth posed by asteroids and comets and actions that might be taken to deflect a threatening object. Highlight/Spotlight topic areas: Key International and Policy Developments; Advancements in Near Earth Object (NEO) Discovery; New NEO Characterization Results Deflection & Disruption Modeling and Testing; Mission & Campaign Design; Impact Management & Consequences; Disaster Management & Response; Public Education and Communication; The Decision to Act: Political, Legal, Social and Economic Aspects. To pre-register please use the following link: https://atpi.eventsair.com/7th-iaa-planetary-defense-conference-2021/pre-registration/Site/Register |
|
29 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 9: Progress and Challenges: Updates from NASA HQ and Artemis
The upcoming LSSW session will focus on communicating updates from NASA HQ and elements across Artemis. NASA HQ updates will include those from leaders across all three mission directorates, the Agency, and elements within each mission directorate that have relevance to accomplishing lunar surface science objectives. Additionally, we will hear updates from several teams across the Agency preparing hardware, operations, and training concepts to support Artemis. |
|
29 |
LPI Seminar: Surface alteration on Venus: How long does a basalt stay a basalt? (Molly McCanta, University of Tennessee),
Virtual
Venus surface-atmosphere conditions and compositions are unlike any terrestrial analogues and are therefore difficult to investigate or model without the use of experimental methods. Surface conditions are those of the terrestrial greenschist facies in an atmosphere composed predominantly of CO2, with elevated SO2 variations through time. The geochemical and mineralogic changes in basalts induced by these conditions are not well understood. I will discuss recent experiments to constrain the surface alteration chemistry of Venus as a necessary precursor to future missions that plan to return compositional data to elucidate the evolutionary history of the planet. To R.S.V.P., https://rb.gy/j8ehkr |
May 2021
3-7 |
Heliophysics 2050 Workshop *,
Virtual
The workshop will examine current scientific understanding and what near-term investigations can enable and inform future investigations. From this scientific progression, the workshop will create a “Science Web” that maps current understanding to the next set of science investigations which, in turn, will lead to still later studies. These investigations will cover the range of work from basic research to operational efforts and would be agnostic to their mode of execution (e.g., theory, observations, spaceflight missions). |
|
6 |
LPI Seminar: The fate of water on Mars: Tracing water-rock interactions through modelling, satellites, and rovers (Eva Scheller, Caltech),
Virtual
There is abundant geological and mineralogical evidence for large volumes of liquid water forming hydrated minerals, fluvial features, and potential ocean shoreline features early in Martian history (~3-4 Ga). For present-day Mars, we observe that most water is stored in the polar cap or subsurface ice. Based on observation, liquid water availability on Mars has decreased over geological time. However, the processes dictating the loss of water remain unresolved. Previous studies suggested that the fractionation of atmospheric D/H can be explained by significant water loss on Mars due to atmospheric escape. We hypothesize instead that the sequestration of water into the crust during the first 1-2 billion years caused the long-term drying of Mars and explains the atmospheric D/H evolution. We model Martian water history through a new integrated hydrogen isotopic model that simulates the three key processes affecting the Martian water budget and hydrogen isotopic composition including crustal hydration or the sequestration of water into the crust, volcanic outgassing of water, and atmospheric escape of water. Our model results show that sequestration of ocean-scale volumes of water in the crust played a large role in the long-term drying of Mars, simultaneously explaining the hydrogen isotopic budget and geological observations of large past water volumes. This has tremendous implications for considerations with regards to understanding climate and the habitability potential of Mars on a geological time scale as aqueous environments are considered to provide both solvents and adequate thermophysical conditions for life. The models presented in this study presents a possible framework for experiments and sampling by the Perseverance rover. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3ebFMR5 |
|
13 |
LPI Seminar: Impacts of the Entrepreneurial Space Sector on Planetary Science (Elizabeth Frank, First Mode),
Virtual
Over the past decade, the capabilities of the entrepreneurial space sector have begun to overlap with the interests of the planetary science community. The growth is creating new avenues for scientific investigation and collaboration but also brings challenges that the two communities will have to navigate. This talk will contextualize planetary science within the global space economy, explain the growing potential of smallsats, identify existing or potential challenges, and offer opportunities for scientists to get involved—all from the point of view of a planetary scientist working in commercial space. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3f69q9H |
|
17-21 | 52nd Annual Meeting of the AAS Division on Dynamical Astronomy, Virtual | |
17-21 |
Applications of Statistical Methods and Machine Learning in the Space
Sciences,
Virtual
The goal of the conference "Applications of Statistical Methods and Machine Learning in the Space Sciences" is to bring together academia and industry to leverage the advancements in statistics, data science, methods of artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning and deep learning, and information theory to improve the analytic models and their predictive capabilities making use of the enormous data in the field of space sciences. Conceived as a multidisciplinary gathering, this conference welcomes researchers from all disciplines of space science: (solar physics and aeronomy, planetary sciences, geology, exoplanet and astrobiology, galaxies), from the fields of AI, statistics, data science and from industry who make use of statistical analysis and methods of AI. We encourage contributions from a wide range of topics including but not limited to: advanced statistical methods, deep learning and neural networks, times series analysis, Bayesian methods, feature identification and feature extraction, physics-based models combined with machine learning techniques and surrogate models, space weather prediction and other domain topics where AI is applied, model validation and uncertainty quantification, turbulence and non-linear dynamics in space plasma, physics informed neural networks, information theory and data reconstruction and data assimilation. The conference will be fully virtual, given the pandemic, and will consists of invited and contributed talks, and designated discussion sessions. The conference will be an opportunity for students, young researchers and seniors to enhance their knowledge in the emerging techniques of AI and statistical studies and a platform for future collaborations. |
|
17-21 |
EANA International Spring School: Hydrothermal Vents,
Virtual
Hydrothermal systems are crucial environments for astrobiology: they are thought to be the theatre of life’s origins, host unprecedented polyextremophilic biodiversity, and are key targets in the search for life throughout the Solar System, especially on Mars and icy moons. Join us for the first EANA online school to learn about hydrothermal systems from interdisciplinary perspectives at the interfaces of geology, biology and chemistry. From May 17th– 21st, 2021, we will hold one talk each day on a particular aspect of hydrothermal systems. The school is free of charge and is an ideal opportunity to discover or deepen your understanding of these unique environments. |
|
20 |
2021 In Situ Science and Instrumentation Workshop for the Exploration of Europa and Ocean Worlds,
Virtual
This year’s virtual workshop includes a brief introduction of the Europa Lander mission concept from the Pre-project Science and Engineering teams, and presentations by the Instrument Concepts for Europa Exploration 2 (ICEE-2) teams. It will also include a sampling of contributed “lightning” talks on additional instrument concepts. There will be Question and Answer opportunities throughout the event. The virtual meeting will be recorded for those unable to attend all or part of the event. |
|
20 |
LPI Seminar: Mixing of NC and CC Reservoirs in Polymict Ureilite Meteorites: Implications for Models of Early Solar System Dynamics (Cyrena Goodrich, Lunar and Planetary Institute),
Virtual
The first few million years of solar system history were characterized by two distinct isotopic reservoirs, NC and CC, interpreted to correspond to the inner and outer solar system, respectively. At some point, however, bulk CC and NC materials became mixed, and several dynamical models offer explanations for how and when this might have occurred. We use xenoliths in polymict ureilite breccias to test such models. Polymict ureilites represent regolith on ureilitic (NC) asteroids. They contain xenoliths of multiple chondritic and achondritic types that represent remnants of impactors. The first combined 54Cr and oxygen isotope data for carbonaceous chondrite-like xenoliths in these breccias show that they were derived from the CC isotopic reservoir. It has been suggested that such xenoliths were implanted into ureilites by outer solar system bodies migrating into the inner solar system ~3-5 Myr after CAI, as in the “Grand Tack” model. However, combined textural, petrologic, and spectroscopic observations suggest that they were added to ureilitic regolith at ~50-60 Myr after CAI, along with ordinary, enstatite, and Rumuruti-type chondrites, as a result of the breakup of multiple parent bodies in the asteroid belt at this time, consistent with the “Early Instability” model. C-type asteroids were already present in inner solar system orbits at this time. We discuss implications for competing dynamical models. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/339Sj19 |
|
24-Aug 20 |
NASA Planetary Science Summer School,
Virtual
NASA Science Mission Design Schools are 3-month-long career development experiences for doctoral students, recent Ph.D.s, postdocs and junior faculty who have a strong interest in science-driven robotic space exploration missions. Participants learn the process of developing a hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, life cycle, costs, schedule and the trade-offs inherent in each. The Science Mission Design Schools are designed to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for participation and leadership in space science missions of the future. In 2021, we are offering two sessions of the Planetary Science Summer school, which focus on planetary exploration. Each session begins with 10 to 11 weeks of online preparatory sessions (two per week) plus group and individual worktime. During this time, participants act as a mission science team – assuming principal investigator and science team roles - and select their mission and science goals from options based on those defined as high priority by the scientific community. Guided by mentors, they begin the development of an early mission concept study in response to a recent NASA Science Mission Directorate announcement of opportunity, including mission-science hypotheses, science traceability, instrumentation suites and data sufficiency requirements. The full-time culminating week is typically hosted onsite at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, where participants finalize their mission concept design and present it to a review board of NASA Headquarters and NASA center experts. Participants assume engineering roles, such as project manager and systems and subsystem engineers and work alongside mentors from JPL’s Advance Projects Design Team, or “Team X”. |
|
27 |
LPI Seminar:
Delta Bound: Early Exploits of the Perseverance Rover in Jezero Crater (Jim Bell, Arizona State University),
Virtual
After a successful landing on Feb. 18, 2021, the NASA Mars 2020 mission's Perseverance rover science team has been conducting instrument checkout/calibration activities, support activities for the Ingenuity helicopter demonstration mission, and initial scientific reconnaissance of the floor of Jezero crater. That initial reconnaissance has revealed numerous puzzles about the nature and origin/evolution of the crater floor materials, some of which will eventually be sampled and cached for eventual return to Earth. Once the instrument and sampling system checkouts and initial reconnaissance activities have completed, the current plan is to guide the rover to the crater's western delta deposits (about 2 km from the landing site), which are also revealing puzzles and from which more samples are expected to be acquired from an environment that is hypothesized to have once been habitable for life. This presentation will review some of the early activities and key observations so far from the mission. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3eMuemI |
|
30-Jun 6 |
Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2021,
Virtual
Since September last year, we have been preparing for the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Japan Geoscience Union (JpGU 2021), with the aim of holding the meeting in a hybrid format with both on-site and online components. Unfortunately, it has become clear that the Covid 19 vaccination program will not be sufficiently implemented in time for this year's meeting to ensure the safe participation of attendees. In addition, our experience since last year has highlighted the difficulties of forecasting the number of infected people. We believe this uncertainty contributed to a much smaller number of applicants for on-site poster presentations than had been hoped for. Taking the current conditions into account, we have decided now is the appropriate time to decide whether to have an on-site component to the 2021 meeting—although this is one month earlier that the original planned time of April. As a result of today's discussions at the Board of Directors, we have concluded that this year's meeting should be moved to a fully online format. We are very sorry to all of you who were looking forward to the on-site event. We hope you will understand that the safety and health of all participants must be our top priority. We will strive to prepare for the fully online meeting in a way to ensure all participants and presenters have an enjoyable and satisfying experience. We look forward to your online participation. |
June 2021
4-28 |
Arecibo Observatory Options Workshop,
Virtual
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is keenly interested in exploring novel ideas for future scientific, educational, and cultural activities at the Arecibo Observatory following the collapse of the 305-meter telescope platform. In order to explore the broadest range of options possible, we will hold a workshop focused on finding actionable and innovative ways to support, broaden, and strengthen the radio science community across Puerto Rico and to create or enhance the opportunities for scientific, educational and cultural activities and public outreach at the Arecibo Observatory. All are welcome, and participants at universities, colleges, and non-academic organizations, such as museums (etc.), in Puerto Rico are particularly encouraged to contribute. The goal of the workshop is to assemble a diverse, multidisciplinary group of researchers, engineers, and educators who will develop ideas and provide input for expanding the breadth and depth of radio science in Puerto Rico, as well as facilitate the generation of innovative design ideas for the Arecibo Observatory for the short (1–3 years), medium (3–10 years), or long term (10+ years). The broad theme of this activity is a multifaceted approach supporting any or all of the following: next generation science in astronomy, atmospheric and geospace sciences, planetary radar or related fields; inclusive educational and cultural programs; and robust radio science programs, including engineering, instrumentation and radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation. |
|
7-8 |
25th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) *,
Virtual
This meeting is the second of SBAG’s two yearly meetings. After monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic closely, the SBAG steering committee made the decision to deliver this meeting virtually. The agenda includes an overview of NASA’s missions involving small bodies, various presentations from NASA Headquarters managers, early career science talks, and community forums. A findings report from the meeting will be compiled and presented to NASA Headquarters. |
|
10 |
LPI Seminar: The Stardust Sample Return Mission (Scott Sandford, NASA Ames Research Center),
Virtual
The NASA Discovery-class Stardust comet sample return mission collected samples from the coma of Comet 81P/Wild 2 and returned them to Earth for study in 2006. The samples were collected at hypervelocities using low-density aerogel as the spacecraft did a flyby of the comet’s nucleus. In this talk, I will begin by giving an overview of the mission that covers (i) the mission design, (ii) the spacecraft, and (iii) the spacecraft’s encounter with Comet/81P Wild 2 and its subsequent return to Earth. This will be followed by a discussion of many of the principal scientific discoveries that resulted from both the comet flyby and the study of the returned samples in terrestrial laboratories (discoveries that will continue to grow as the returned samples continue to be studied in the future). To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3w3usx5 |
|
14-15 |
2021 Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers *,
Virtual
The annual meeting will bring together community members to report progress on geologic mapping projects, discuss a wide range of mapping strategies, and coordinate map-based scientific investigations of planetary surfaces at multiple scales. |
|
15-17 |
Influence of a Global Magnetic Field on Ion and Atmospheric Loss and Planetary Habitability,
Virtual
Topics of discussion will focus on atmospheric escape (including ion outflow) from planets and moons, and the influence of planetary magnetic fields and stellar inputs on atmospheric retention. There will be interactions between scientists representing diverse scientific disciplines (Heliophysics, Astrophysics, Astrobiology, and Planetary Science) and approaches (e.g. observations, modeling, theory). Abstracts related to the following concepts are encouraged: - Atmospheric escape from planets - Ion outflow from planets - Influence of magnetic fields on atmospheric escape - Atmospheric/ionospheric chemistry related to atmospheric escape - Influence of stellar outputs and their variability on atmospheric escape - Influence of atmospheric escape on planetary evolution - Influence of Ionosphere-Thermosphere coupling on atmospheric escape - Exoplanet atmospheric loss and star-planet interactions - Future challenges and connections to other scientific fields |
|
16-18 |
Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration (#Analogs2021) *,
Virtual
The USGS Astrogeology Science Center is hosting the Workshop on Terrestrial Analogs for Planetary Exploration on June 16–18, 2021. The workshop will bring together community members to discuss a wide range of scientific investigations of planetary analog terrains and processes, exploration strategies, and orbit-to-ground comparisons. Abstracts are solicited for topics including various planetary processes (volcanic, impact, aeolian, subaqueous, mass-wasting, glacial, tectonic, and others) as well as geophysical, geochemical, and astrobiological investigations. Discussions of field methods, sampling techniques, exploration strategies, technology applications, and ground-truthing are also solicited, as are topics related to data standardization and dissemination. In addition, the workshop aims to address analog work that will benefit human and robotic exploration of other planetary surfaces. |
|
17 |
LPI Seminar: Deep Time on the Moon: Development and Application of the Lunar Cratering Chronology (Carolyn van der Bogert, University of Munster),
Virtual
John McPhee used the term "deep time" to describe the vastness of terrestrial geological time in his classic book "Basin and Range" (1981). But, what do we know about deep time on the Moon? And how do we know it? This seminar outlines and discusses the development of the lunar cratering chronology and its applications. The lunar cratering chronology is a tool for connecting lunar geological events to an absolute time scale, and allows a deeper assessment of the geological history of the Moon, the Earth, and even other Solar System bodies. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/2TRTPUo. |
|
24 |
LPI Seminar: All Comets are Somewhat Hyperactive (Jessica Sunshine, University of Maryland),
Virtual
Hyperactive comets, those that produce large amounts of water relative to their size, are one of many ways cometary activity is more complex than once thought. We will examine what hyperactivity on a comet entails, fully develop the A’Hearn Model for Hyperactivity based on the analyses of data collected for the Deep Impact encounter of comet 103P/Hartley 2, describe manifestations of hyperactivity suggested on many, if not all, comets, and provide implications of hyperactivity for future cometary exploration. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/34YgYGT. |
|
28-Jul 2 |
5th Planetary Data Workshop and Planetary Science Informatics and Data Analytics *,
Virtual
The goal of this five-day meeting is to bring together data users, providers, engineers, and software designers and developers for discussion and training sessions. Topics will include the status of planetary data and accessibility, updates on mission archives and tools, informatics applications, data analytics technologies and capabilities, and new processing and visualization tools. |
July 2021
8 |
LPI Seminar: Volcanic Climate Warming: Implications for Terrestrial Planet Habitability (Scott Guzewich, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center),
Virtual
Massive volcanic flood basalt eruptions are contemporaneous with most of Earth’s mass extinction events and these types of eruptions appear common to all other terrestrial worlds in our Solar System. Through massive injections of climate-relevant gas species into an atmosphere, flood basalt eruptions can modify a planet’s habitability in complex ways. Using a sophisticated terrestrial climate model, we simulate the climate response of one phase of the Columbia River flood basalt eruption, the most recent such eruption (~15-17 Ma) and one of modest size relative to others in Earth’s history. Unexpectedly, we find a dynamically and radiatively driven climate warming in response to this massive injection of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. This has compelling implications for Earth’s history and the role of volcanic activity in the habitability of Mars, Venus, and terrestrial exoplanets. To R.S.V.P., https://rb.gy/axgcls. |
|
12-16 | Pluto System and Arrokoth Workshops, Virtual | |
15-16 |
Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2021),
Virtual
The 12th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2021) is to be held virtually on Thursday and Friday, July 15-16th 2021, preceding the combined NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF) and European Lunar Symposium (ELS), July 20-23rd). LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career postdocs studying all aspects of the moon or other small bodies to present their research in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In addition to pre-recorded virtual presentations, the conference will feature Q&A panels with SSERVI leadership and other groups to help grad students navigate the paths to careers in space science. Students who are interested in small body space science are encouraged to register and attend. Even if you choose not to give a talk, LunGradCon is a great opportunity to meet and network with other upcoming space scientists. Registration and abstract submission info can be found on the conference website at http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/. The deadline for LunGradCon abstract submission is May 14th, 2021, 11:59 PM PDT. For more details, please visit: http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/ or email any questions to: [email protected] |
|
19-23 |
2021 Sagan Summer Workshop: Circumstellar Disks and Young Planets,
Virtual
The 2021 Sagan Summer Workshop will focus on young planets and the circumstellar disks from which they form during the first few million years of a star's lifetime. As a protoplanet accretes material from the disk, dynamical interactions drive migration and produce disk substructures such as the gaps, rings and spirals now detected in high-resolution optical, near-infrared, and submillimter images. Over the next 100 million years, planetary systems continue to evolve through processes such as collisions, differentiation, and scattering. These late-epoch evolutionary processes are reflected in the structure and distribution of secondary dust disks. These debris disks, formed as the result of planetesimals stirring, serve as signposts for the presence of planetary systems. As with last year, we expect that the 2021 workshop will be fully virtual. However we will post updates to this page should that change. The Sagan Summer Workshops are aimed at advanced undergraduates, grad students, and postdocs, however all are welcome to attend. There is no registration fee for these workshops. Attendees will also participate in hands-on tutorials and have the chance to meet in smaller groups with our speakers. |
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20-23 |
NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF) and European Lunar Symposium (ELS) 2021,
Virtual
Joining efforts to bring the exploration science communities together, SSERVI and its European partner organizations will jointly co-host the 2021 NASA Exploration Science Forum (NESF) & European Lunar Symposium (ELS) as a virtual meeting on July 20–23, 2021. This conference will bring together scientists from around the world to focus on science which enables human exploration, and science enabled by human exploration, as it relates to the target bodies of the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, and the moons of Mars. What to expect, virtually: • Scientific exchange • Bringing the community together in novel ways • Promoting the next generation of exploration scientists • Creating bridges – between science and exploration, and between international partners • Opportunity for discussion regarding equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion and sustainable exploration. With NASA’s Artemis program and its partners from Europe and around the globe, coupled with the developing lunar industry and other missions from NASA and international space agencies, the opportunity for a new generation of lunar science experiments to probe our nearest neighbor has never been greater. This joint conference will explore current and future plans, and share new, exciting results in a wide range of fields related to exploration science. #NESFELS2021 |
August 2021
1 |
Experimental Analysis of the Outer Solar System II (#ExOSS) — POSTPONED *,
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The purpose of this 2.5-day workshop is to gather and network with those who work specifically in the experimental regime of the outer solar system and share ideas for improving instrumentation in the laboratories and future mission concepts. |
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5 |
LPI Seminar: Dragonfly: A Rotorcraft Lander at Titan (Catherine Neish, The University of Western Ontario),
Virtual
On June 27, 2019, NASA announced its next New Frontiers mission: Dragonfly. This audacious mission will send a rotorcraft to explore Saturn’s largest moon Titan, and evaluate its potential for prebiotic chemistry and (possibly) extraterrestrial life. The Dragonfly mission will also give us a countless high-resolution views of this strangely Earth-like moon, showing us how rivers and sand dunes form on an icy moon at 94 K. In this presentation, I will provide a summary of the history of the Dragonfly mission, its scientific goals, and the next steps forward, from launch in 2027 to landing in the mid-2030s. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3i9wPd9. |
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11-13 |
12th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting (#Craters2021) *,
Virtual
The 12th 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 numerical modeling studies of impact craters on planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, or other small solar system objects. |
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12 |
LPI Seminar: Shaped by Impacts: Understanding the Evolution of Mercury Through Crater Formation and Degradation (Mallory Kinczyk, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory),
Virtual
Mercury’s surface has been scorched by the solar wind, marred by impact craters, and replaced by effusive volcanic events since its formation. To best understand how Mercury’s crust has changed over time, we can look at impact craters whose shapes, sizes, compositions, and spatial distributions hold clues about Mercury’s evolution and the timing of geological events. This presentation will summarize recent work to characterize impact crater morphology across the surface of Mercury. The results provide the first look at the global distributions of craters at various states of degradation and, therefore, a snapshot into Mercury’s impact cratering history. There is a dearth in the number of ancient craters, potentially indicating multiple ancient impact-related resurfacing events. We will also review the effort to generate the first global geological map of Mercury and insights gained from the process. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3iALHBB. |
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15-21 |
84th Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society *,
Chicago, Illinois
The 84th MetSoc meeting will be an excellent opportunity to present and discuss your research and learn about the state-of-the-art advancements in our fields. We encourage you to register today. We look forward to welcoming you to Chicago this summer! |
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18-19 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 10: Fundamental and Applied Lunar Surface Research in Physical Sciences
he NASA Biological and Physical Sciences Division is hosting a workshop on fundamental and applied research on the Moon in physical sciences on August 18–19, 2021. This workshop will bring together the scientific community, commercial companies, and NASA Divisions and Programs with the goals of discussing investigations on reduced gravity and lunar environmental effects in physical sciences research for sustained lunar human habitation and in preparation for human exploration to Mars and to inform and inspire the science community to contribute white papers for the Biological and Physical Sciences Decadal Survey. |
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26 |
LPI Seminar: To be (a CK) or not to be (a CK)?: The unusual case of Northwest Africa 10588 (Tasha Dunn, Colby College),
Virtual
The CV and CK carbonaceous chondrites have similar mineralogies, bulk compositions, and oxygen isotopic compositions. These observations led Greenwood et al. (2010) to suggest that the CV and CK chondrite originated from the same parent body. However, compositions of magnetite, Cr-isotopic compositions, and the extent of metamorphism in each group support two separate parent bodies. A single meteorite containing CV and CK lithologies, or material transitional between the two, would provide strong evidence for the single parent body model. However, meteorites containing both lithologies have so far been elusive. We recently acquired a thin section of CK3 chondrite NWA 10588, which was originally described as being “intermediate between normal CV3 chondrites and typical CK4 chondrites” due to its fine-grained (CV-like) matrix and well-equilibrated (CK-like) olivine. Here, we revisit this classification using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) of the sample’s texture, mineralogy, and mineral chemistry. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3BNC2iC. |
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30-Sep 1 |
Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) Fall Meeting *,
Virtual
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. The group consists of a 15-person steering committee, which actively solicits input from the scientific community and reports its findings to NASA Headquarters. OPAG provides input to NASA but does not make recommendations. |
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31-Sep 2 |
2021 Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) *,
Virtual
The theme of the 2021 Annual Meeting is “Lunar Science and Exploration in the Next Five Years.” It will feature updates from NASA HQ, current and planned lunar missions, Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) providers, and others. The meeting will also engage and showcase the early-career lunar community. |