Planetary Sciences Community Meetings Calendar
Organized by LPI/USRA *
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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! |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
September 2021
| 6-17 |
Sub-Saharan Africa Astronomy Summer School - POSTPONED,
Entebbe, Uganda
The ongoing activities of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope have accelerated the development of astronomy research on the African continent especially in the field of galactic studies. These activities are no longer concentrated in South Africa only, but have also spread to the Sub-Saharan African region. Furthermore, space missions such as NASA's Kepler and NASA's TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) have further enhanced the development of other astronomy research fields, mainly exoplanet and stellar physics exploration. The future of these research areas is expected to become even brighter with the magnificent observations expected from ESA's PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) mission planned to be launched in 2026. A number of African universities from the Sub-Saharan African region have embraced the open access data from these space missions and SKA telescopes, striving to make essential contributions to these research science fields, hence, aiding our understanding of the universe. Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in conjunction with the Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik (MPA), Thüringer Landessternwarte Tautenburg(TLS), and Instituto de Astrofísica e Ciências do Espaço (IA) are organising a Sub-Saharan Africa Advanced Astronomy Summer School in Uganda focusing on three fields of scientific research, namely galaxies, extra-solar planet science, and stellar interior physics. The goal of the summer school is to invite experts to share the state-of-the-art techniques/methods currently employed in these scientific research areas. In addition, research areas such as exoplanet and stellar physics studies have strong synergies and therefore present opportunities for generating research ideas which cut across the two fields, thus creating avenues for networking and building substantial collaborations among researchers and students in these fields. Students and postdoc researchers will be given an opportunity to present their own research work in the form of posters. The summer school is open to 30 participants, i.e., mainly MSc./PhD students, and early career postdoc researchers in physics, astronomy or astrophysics from the Sub-Saharan African region. BSc. students in their final year with prospects of pursuing careers in physics, astronomy or astrophysics will be considered. The summer school will be held in Uganda from September 6th - 17th, 2021. |
|
| 9 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop *,
Virtual Session 11: Lunar Science Accomplished with a Robotic Arm
As NASA enters the next phase of lunar exploration with enhanced capabilities, community input is required to help identify and prioritize relevant science that may be accomplished with a robotic arm. Several opportunities to outfit rovers and landers with arms are in the initial planning phases; e.g., the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) landers/rovers/hoppers, and international contributions. Thus, NASA is hosting a two-part LSSW session on September 9 and September 30, 2021, outlining these opportunities, providing relevant background and scope, and allowing for open dialog with the community. |
|
| 9 |
LPI Seminar: Characterization of spatially resolved organic phases in martian meteorites and on Mars (Sandra Siljestrom, Research Institutes of Sweden),
Virtual
Organic molecules are important building blocks and signatures of life. Their presence on the surface of Mars was recently confirmed by SAM (Sample analysis on Mars) on the Curiosity rover [1]. The origin of the SAM organic molecules, which is probably part of a large organic macromolecular, though uncharacterized, carbon structure, is unknown [1]. Possible sources include infall from space to the surface of Mars, abiotic origin on Mars and biogenic origin [1]. Martian meteorites, the only samples of Mars we have available on Earth, provide some information on the origin of carbon phases and organic molecules on Mars. These meteorites contain both reduced and oxidized carbon in the form of organic carbon and carbonates [2]. As part of a larger research effort into the organic geochemistry of Martian meteorites, we analysed fresh fracture surfaces of small grains of martian meteorites including Tissint, Nakhla and NWA7034 using in-situ techniques time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (SEM)/Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy. The combined instruments provided spatially resolved molecular, elemental and mineral information without being destructive to sample beyond possible surface alteration which provided the opportunity to correlate this data set with other datasets taken. We are able to show that organic diverse phases are spatially resolved to specific mineral phases within the different meteorites providing clues to the origin, of these organic phases [3]. Additionally, in the process of investigating these samples we also developed new sample analysis protocols that can potentially be used on the future returned samples which currently is being collected by the Perseverance rover in Jezero Crater. These analyses, combined with the wealth of other techniques used as part of this study, provide guidance on how to interpret results collected by the rover on rocks in Jezero. The Perseverance rover landed in Jezero Crater in February 2021 where it is currently investigating the local geology with different instruments including spatially resolved ones such as SHERLOC and PIXL. The first rock core was recently successfully collected by Perseverance from the crater floor of Jezero. As a returned sample scientist on the Mars 2020 team, I provide expertise on which sample to collect especially ones that might contain organic matter. Jezero crater appears to contain several different geological units that have high potential for preserving organic matter such as the delta and the marginal carbonates. However, to really understand the Martian organic carbon cycle also other samples such as igneous and regolith samples need to be collected. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3se5JVG. |
|
| 13-24 |
Europlanet Science Congress 2021,
Virtual
The intention of the Europlanet Science Congress 2021 is to cover a broad area of science topics related to planetary science and planetary missions. The programme of the congress will contain oral and poster sessions, as well as workshops and panel discussions and provide with ample opportunities for interaction between the participants. The Scientific Organizing Committee of the EPSC2021 invites all planetary scientists to participate in the congress, submit contributions to the topical sessions and share their research with their colleagues. EPSC2021 is the second EPSC to be held as a virtual meeting. We believe that virtual meetings are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting our community, widening participation from under-represented groups and at the same time addressing the global challenge of climate change. Building on the success and learning lessons from our first virtual meeting in 2020, EPSC2021 will have a hybrid format of live sessions and asynchronous scientific presentations. The ethos for EPSC2021 is to create a simple, flexible, and inclusive virtual meeting that provides multiple opportunities for interaction, scientific discussion, and networking. |
|
| 14-17 |
NASA Astrobiology Graduate ConfereN/Ce (AbGradCon),
Virtual
- 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 2021 will mark the 17th year of this conference-each time in a different place and organized by a different group of students and postdocs, but always with the original charter as a guide. - AbGradCon 2021 will be the first virtual format meeting in its history. |
|
| 20 |
TP4: Impact Processes in the Solar System,
Virtual
Impact processes shaped the Solar System, and modify planetary surfaces and small bodies until today. Impacts also have a technical application for Planetary Defence, exemplified by the joint ESA/NASA Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment (AIDA) collaboration. This session aims at understanding impact processes at all scales in terms of shock metamorphism, dynamical aspects, geochemical consequences, environmental effects and biotic response, and cratering chronology. Naturally, advancing our understanding of impact phenomena requires a multidisciplinary approach, which includes (but it is not limited to) observations of craters, strewn field or airbursts, numerical modelling, laboratory experiments, geologic and structural mapping, remote sensing, as well as petrographic and geochemical analysis of impact products. |
|
| 20-24 |
Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy with Extremely Large Telescopes,
Oxford, UK
The forthcoming generation of Extremely Large Telescope (ELTs) will reach unprecedented spectroscopic sensitivity coupled with high angular resolution in the near infrared. This workshop will bring together the international astronomical community to explore the transformational science that the spectroscopic instrument suites of the ELTs (GMT, TMT and ELT) will achieve. High resolution simulations have played a key role in the development of the instrument science cases providing a quantifiable means to determine feasibility and to predict the scientific outcomes that can be achieved. By bringing together theoreticians, modelers and observers, with interests ranging from exoplanets to cosmology, the goals of the workshop are to: explore the spectroscopic capabilities of the first‐light instrument suite of the ELTs identifying synergies and complementarities between them; encourage development of ELT science cases including preparatory projects on existing telescopes; provide hands‐on experience using the HARMONI simulator (H-SIM); encouraging collaboration and transfer of expertise between the instrument teams and the wider community; and explore synergies with other facilities. The meeting will set the stage for the community to plan and coordinate ELT science programmes and pre-cursor observations, making use of quantitative estimates of what the ELTs can achieve. |
|
| 23 |
LPI Seminar: Is Venus Cooling Quickly or Slowly? (Joseph O'Rourke, Arizona State University),
Virtual
Venus, like all planets, is an engine that converts heat into interesting phenomena. In this seminar, we will debate how fast this engine is running. Some models posit that Venus loses heat from its interior slowly in the absence of plate tectonics. However, recent work shows that many geologic features could be associated with high heat flow. We will explore the implications for the mantle dynamics, internal structure, and magnetic history of Venus. Fortunately, the newly selected missions to Venus will help resolve this debate. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3nPlgLq. |
|
| 30 |
LPI Seminar: Ocean-surface exchange at the icy ocean worlds: Combining insights from experimental and field analogue approaches (Mark Fox-Powell, The Open University),
Virtual
Ice-covered moons in the outer solar system contain vast oceans of liquid water, where ongoing water-rock interactions may provide the necessary conditions to support microbial life. While the oceans are locked under kilometres of solid ice, processes such as cryovolcanism can deliver ocean materials to the surface, where they are accessible by spacecraft. In this talk, I will present recent experimental insights into ocean/surface interactions at Saturn’s moon Enceladus, and the implications for how microbial biomass could be entrained in cryovolcanic plumes and delivered to space. I will also outline results from field work at unique brine springs in the Canadian High Arctic, which form large-scale deposits of salts analogous to those remotely detected on Europa’s surface. Investigating natural (bio)geochemistry in these springs provides insights into how such processes may be archived on the surface of Europa and other ocean worlds. I hope to convince you that the integration of experimental, modelling and analogue approaches is key to interpreting spacecraft observations, paving the way for upcoming missions such as NASA’s Europa Clipper and ESA’s Jupiter Icy moons Explorer (JUICE). To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3CVf3SF. |
October 2021
| 3-8 |
53rd Meeting of the AAS Division for Planetary Sciences,
Virtual
DPS will bring all the coolest and most cutting-edge planetary science to you wherever you are, bringing even more opportunities for scientific discussions and opportunities to connect with your colleagues. Also, this year's annual meeting will be augmented with asynchronously scheduled professional development workshops intended to smooth career transitions and foster new opportunities. |
|
| 4-29 |
Gaps, Rings, Spirals, and Vortices: Structure Formation in Planet-Forming Disks,
Munich, Germany
Planets are formed inside the ubiquitous disks found around young stars. The unprecedented resolution and sensitivity of ALMA and high contrast infrared imagers have revealed spectacular features, such as gaps, rings, spirals, and vortices. It is now clear that disks are much more complex, dynamic objects than previously thought and a full explanation of the richness and diversity of features presents a formidable challenge to modelers. This MIAPP program will bring together theorists and observers of circumstellar disks to join forces to decipher these observations and find new ways to probe the processes that drive disk evolution. The program format emphasizes time for discussions and collaborative work with a small number of focused presentations intended to foster interactions. |
|
| 6-8 |
Space Tech Expo USA,
Long Beach, California
Space Tech Expo 2021 will highlight the latest in investment and manufacturing for space, and will focus on optimization through various technologies, including new ways of manufacturing such as the challenges and opportunities of implementing industry 4.0 technologies on the manufacturing floor and into the space supply chain. |
|
| 7 |
LPI Seminar: Planetary Seismology: Nearly Three Years on Mars and a Return to the Moon (Mark Panning, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory),
Virtual
InSight has been recording seismic data nearly continuously since landing on Mars in November 2018. This mission has not been without challenges, including deploying the heat flow probe deep into the surface, and fighting to keep the solar panels clear in the absence of dust-clearing dust devils. While on the surface, we have observed hundreds of seismic events, which have let us determine key characteristics of the martian crust, mantle, and core. Meanwhile, NASA has recently selected a set of geophysical instruments, including the Farside Seismic Suite (FSS), that has instruments derived from InSight, to fly on a commercial lander to Schrödinger basin on the far side of the Moon. This will be the first seismic data recorded anywhere on the Moon since the Apollo instruments were turned off in 1977. FSS is the most sensitive seismometer ever to record on the Moon and the first-ever on the far side of the Moon. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3zFnBLn. |
|
| 10-13 |
Geological Society of America,
Portland, Oregon
GSA Connects - the annual fall GSA meeting - will be held in Portland, OR October 10-13, 2021. Currently 15 planetary-themed sessions are scheduled on topics ranging from volcanism and impact cratering to Venus to Mars to analogue research to planetary science education. To submit an abstract or find out more, check out: https://community.geosociety.org/gsa2021/home |
|
| 11-15 |
PLATO Mission Conference 2021: Exploring Exoplanets in the Habitable Zone of Solar-Like Stars,
Virtual
This Conference aims at presenting the status of the PLATO mission to the community, both on the satellite development and scientific preparation, and at bringing experts working on observations and theory associated with any of the PLATO science objectives (for more information go to https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/plato/ ). The major themes of the Conference are: - PLATO development status - Selection of the PLATO sky fields and the PLATO Input Catalogue - Light-curve analysis for detection and characterisation of long-period small planets - Asteroseismology and stellar characterisation - Advances in modelling stellar internal structure and evolution - Stellar activity - Ground-based observations for the confirmation and mass determination of planets - Long-period small planets and habitability - Planetary structure, composition, evolution, and architecture of planetary systems - PLATO in the context of Kepler/K2, TESS, CHEOPS, JWST, Roman Space Telescope, Ariel, and large ground-based observatories - Complementary science topics benefitting from PLATO high-precision photometry |
|
| 14-15 |
ExMAG Fall 2021 Meeting (formerly CAPTEM) *,
Virtual
The fall meeting will focus on curation, allocation, and upcoming sample returns. The meeting will include NASA HQ and NASA curation updates, reports from the collections, briefs on sample returns in progress and planned, and talks on advanced curation methods. |
|
| 18-20 |
Habitats Beyond Earth,
Virtual
Astrobiology Society of Britain virtual conference “Habitats beyond Earth” will bring members of the geology, astrobiology & geobiology, astrochemistry & geochemistry, planetary atmospheres, physics, astronomy, remote-sensing, and exoplanet science communities together to explore the environmental factors necessary for supporting life on early Earth and on other planets. |
|
| 18-21 |
Which Observatories for PCMI?,
Paris, France
The observational data gathered by state-of-the-art astrophysical facilities provide our primary source of information towards a better understanding of the impact of the interstellar medium physics and chemistry on high redshift galaxies, on star and planet formation in the Milky Way, or on life emergence. Opening up new regions of discovery space through increased sensitivities, angular and spectral resolutions, polarimetry, survey speeds, multi-wavelength multi-carriers studies is essential to understand these fundamental question of astrophysics. This 4-day workshop aims first at mobilizing the community on the observatories under construction or evolution and on long-term research and development activities, both for ground and space observatories. It also aims at defining the scientific challenges of PCMI community within the next 5-15 years to define the space of parameters to be explored and the associated observatory characteristics. |
|
| 21 |
LPI Seminar: Blown wide open: Searching for oceans in the outer solar system with giant impacts (Adeene Denton, Purdue University),
Virtual
Giant impacts have influenced many planetary bodies in our solar system. The massive basins left behind provide a critical probe into the subsurface of planetary bodies, as their morphology may directly reflect the thermal and mechanical structure of the target’s interior. Connecting giant impacts to their associated structural and tectonic features, which may be global in scale, provides a novel means to reconstruct the geologic history of worlds whose interiors remain difficult to access. In this talk, I will focus on Sputnik Planitia, Pluto's largest impact basin, and use impact simulations to investigate its formation conditions, morphology, and proposed association with geologic features elsewhere on the surface. By reproducing proximal and distal features associated with the giant impact that formed Sputnik Planitia, I will provide insights into improved constraints on Pluto's interior, including core composition, ice shell structure, and the possibility of a liquid subsurface ocean. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3ETC6ih. |
|
| 25-28 |
Brines Across the Solar System: Modern Brines *,
Virtual
The LPI’s Brines Across the Solar System (BAS) initiative dives into brines as a planetary process, from modern to ancient brines and the technologies needed to explore them. |
|
| 29 |
Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey White Papers Workshops: #1 — Organizing the Decadal White Paper Submissions *,
Virtual
This series of workshops will provide a platform for members of the CEDAR community to collaboratively present, refine, and converge on white paper ideas that will lead to high-quality submissions to the Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey. White paper submissions are due in March 2022. The topic of the first virtual workshop is Organizing the Decadal White Paper Submissions and is scheduled for October 29, 2021, 12:00–4:00 p.m. EDT. The agenda will include a plenary session followed by breakout sessions. |
November 2021
| 8-9 |
19th Meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) *,
Laurel, Maryland/Virtual
Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) meeting #19 will be held November 8–10, 2021, at the Parsons Auditorium at the Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland. The hybrid meeting will accommodate remote participation for anyone unable to attend in person. |
|
| 8-9 |
Astromaterials Data Management in the Era of Sample-Return Missions Community Workshop *,
Tucson, Arizona/Virtual
The two-day workshop will be hosted both in-person at the University of Arizona in the Michael J. Drake Building in Tucson and online to facilitate broad participation from the international sample-science community. The workshop will be limited to a maximum of 200 participants (50 in-person and 150 online) to ensure the safety of in-person participants and encourage discussions. |
|
| 16-17 |
Hayabusa 2021: 8th Symposium of Solar System Materials,
Virtual
We are pleased to announce the first circular of "Hayabusa 2021: 8th Symposium of Solar System Materials". Please find information on the website: [https://curation.isas.jaxa.jp/symposium/2021/index.html] The Hayabusa Symposium started in 2013 to present the latest results of the Hayabusa sample return. Since then, the symposium has been held annually and has been growing as a significant focal point for asteroidal sample science. In December 2020 the Hayabusa2 spacecraft returned a sample of Ryugu to Earth. This year, Hayabusa 2021 will become an epoch-making symposium because the results of Ryugu samples will appear for the first time there. Please note that the symposium will be held only online. You will need a "Zoom" account and the URL to enter the conference room. The URL will be sent to you by email in ~mid-November. --- Hayabusa 2021: 8th Symposium of Solar System Materials Date: 15 Nov. - 18 Nov. 2021 (jointly held with Antarctic Meteorites Symposium) Venue: Online Topics (planned): First results of Ryugu samples Future sample-return and planetary missions Studies of Itokawa samples Asteroid-meteorite connections and in particular Ryugu and carbonaceous chondrites New insights from laboratory analysis of solar system materials Small bodies formation and evolution by theoretical, observational, and experimental studies Other related studies Invited speakers: TBD Important dates: Call for abstracts (2nd circular): Early Aug. 2021 Abstract submission due: Late Sep. 2021 Registration due: Mid-Nov. 2021 Meeting period: 15 Nov. - 18 Nov. 2021 Proceedings due: TBD SOC: Masaki Fujimoto (Chair, ISAS/JAXA) Sei-ichiro Watanabe (Nagoya Univ.) Shogo Tachibana (Univ. Tokyo and ISAS/JAXA) Tomohiro Usui (ISAS/JAXA) Tatsuaki Okada (ISAS/JAXA) Trevor Ireland (UQ) Kevin Righter (NASA/JSC) Jörn Helbert (DLR) Rosario Brunetto (IAS) |
|
| 18 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop — Virtual Session 12: Landing Sites and Capabilities for Future CLPS Deliveries *,
Virtual
The overall goal of this session is to build upon previously identified landing sites of high scientific value for near-term CLPS deliveries and identify new strategic targets. Science conducted at these sites should answer outstanding science questions as outlined in the Planetary Decadal Survey and key community documents. |
|
| 18-20 |
Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific,
Virtual
We invite Astro 101 instructors, K-12 educators, scientists, science communicators, and public engagement professionals in astronomy and related fields to join us all for ASP2021: Virtual Conference to move toward a better future. Whether you teach astronomy to students, engage the public in astronomy live or online, or design astronomy learning experiences, the virtual 133rd Annual Meeting of the ASP can’t be missed! Program strands for ASP2021 will include: Teaching Introductory Astronomy – What are We Doing Now? Engaging Astronomy Learners Using Smart Phones, Tablets, Etc. Doing Public Engagement in Informal Settings Communicating Science Using Social & Traditional Media Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access & Social Justice Addressing Climate/Environmental Science & Preserving Dark Skies Getting Ready for Upcoming Eclipses – Lunar and Solar! ASP2021 is the perfect opportunity to reconvene with your colleagues from around the world, update folks on what you've been working on, and learn about best practices, innovative ideas, lessons learned, research findings, and evaluation results from our global community. |
|
| 18 |
LPI Seminar:Chromium Isotopic Insights into Early Solar System Evolution and Origin of Terrestrial Planets (Ke Zhu, Paris Globe Institute of Physics),
Virtual
Chromium (Cr) isotopes play an important role in cosmochemistry and planetary science because they are powerful tools for dating (53Mn–53Cr short–lived chronometry), tracing (54Cr nucleosynthetic anomalies) the origins of the materials, and studying the processes involved in volatile element fractionation and planetary differentiation (Cr stable isotopic fractionation). I combine these three approaches by using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (TIMS and MC-ICP-MS). In this talk, I will mainly introduce the application of Cr isotopes for understanding the formation and origin of 1) chondrites; 2) chondrules; 3) Earth, Moon, Mars and other terrestrial planets in our solar system. To R.S.V.P., https://bit.ly/3EBbh1u. |
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| 29-Dec 3 |
Venera-D: Venus Cloud Habitability System Workshop *,
Virtual
This workshop will be delivered as a hybrid meeting, with in-person attendance at the Space Research Institute (IKI) in Moscow, Russia. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the formation and stability of Venus clouds over time and their role in potential habitability. This workshop will discuss what is understood about past and present habitability, the best measurements and methods needed to address these questions, and how future missions will contribute to understanding the cloud habitability system. |
December 2021
| 13-17 |
AGU 2021 Fall Meeting,
New Orleans, Louisiana/Virtual
At this time, AGU is planning the 2021 Fall Meeting as a "hybrid" meeting, aimed to optimize both in-person and worldwide virtual participation and to present a best-in class experience for all attendees. Join us for Fall Meeting 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. More information will follow shortly. |
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| 14-17 |
Evolved Stars and their Circumstellar Environments,
Virtual
When low- and intermediate-mass stars exhaust their nuclear fuel in their cores, they expand and enter the giant branch in the HR diagram. Eventually, some also ascend the asymptotic giant branch (AGB), potentially leading to planetary nebulae formation. AGB stars dominate the enrichment of several of the pre-biotic elements (e.g. C, N) and are therefore critical to our understanding of Galactic chemical evolution. The evolution of supergiants can provide information on open cluster evolution and star formation history. Generally speaking, evolved stellar objects also provide unique laboratories for the study of molecule and dust formation and matter-radiation interactions in highly irradiated environments. This workshop will explore how theoretical and observational studies of evolved stellar objects can contribute to the understanding of a critical part of stellar evolution. Because giant stars tend to be cool with significant circumstellar, often dusty, envelopes, red [super] giants, AGB stars, planetary nebulae, and related objects are ideally suited for studies at infrared and [sub]mm wavelengths. We will encourage discussions on synergies between infrared observations and other techniques, and how laboratory work can contribute to the advancement of the field. Addressed topics will include gas chemistry in different regions of stellar objects/different star types; connection to the ISM; elemental enrichment; dust formation theory; dust observations: chemical composition and polarimetric properties; and temporal evolution. |
January 2022
| 10-12 |
Rocky Worlds II,
Oxford, United Kingdom
The planets that are best understood are the four terrestrial planets of our own solar system. Applying the detailed understanding gleaned from these bodies is crucial in our interpretation of exoplanetary systems. With the ongoing programs to search for planets around nearby stars, as well as upcoming ground- and space-based surveys, we can anticipate huge growth in the number and information on detected rocky exoplanets in the coming decades. As the characterisation of these new planetary systems proceeds it will in turn improve understanding of our own solar system, and in particular of how potentially habitable Earth-like planets may form, evolve, and are distributed throughout the galaxy. The Rocky Worlds conference series 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. |
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| 17-29 |
Mars Science and Engineering,
Boston, Massachusetts/Virtual
Mars Science and Engineering (MSE) is a two-week synchronous in-person and online certificate course that explores the engineering, technologies, organisms, planetary science, and materials involved in sustaining a settlement on the martian surface. Cohosted as a non-credit activity in-person on MIT Campus, MSE includes an intensive curriculum with intermediate-level courses about how in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU), settlement systems, 3D printing, materials science and engineering for extreme environments, manufacturing, agriculture, architecture, and more will support the development of a Mars settlement and help make life multiplanetary. |
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| 23-28 |
Origins of Life Conference: Environments for the Origins of Life and Habitability,
Oxnard, California
Life on Earth has been found in almost every environmental niche explored to date, suggesting a wide range of conditions for habitability. But does this mean that life can also emerge in extreme environments? Does life require more benign conditions to emerge and only then evolve into extreme niches? What were the early Earth geochemical conditions and what constraints do they pose on prebiotic chemistry and the origin of life? Similar questions are relevant to other planetary bodies and their satellites in our Solar System and beyond especially as next generation telescopes and space missions probe distant worlds in the upcoming decade. |
|
| 24-25 |
26th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) *,
Virtual
This meeting is the first of SBAG’s two yearly meetings. The agenda will include 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 sent to the Planetary Advisory Committee. |
|
| 26-27 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop — Virtual Session 13: Inclusive Lunar Exploration *,
Virtual
The goal of this session is to begin an open dialogue about how to explore the Moon responsibly, ethically, and inclusively. As the Artemis era begins, this is a time to intentionally make key decisions that will impact the lunar and planetary workforce and the future of exploration. Inclusion is one of NASA’s core values. This session will discuss best practices related to advancing inclusion and diversity in the lunar science and exploration community and initiate conversations about how to explore the Moon responsibly, ethically, and inclusively. One expected outcome of this session is a publicly available report of key findings and recommendations to NASA and the community, including best practices. |
February 2022
| 1-3 |
MExAG Annual Meeting 2022 *,
Virtual
This will be the second meeting of the Mercury Exploration Assessment Group (MExAG). The agenda will include an overview of NASA programs, ongoing science of the innermost planet, updates on ongoing concepts for future spacecraft missions, discussion of the MExAG Goals Document for the future of Mercury science and exploration. This meeting is open to everyone with an interest in the science and exploration of the planet Mercury. |
|
| 2-4 |
SOFIA School,
Virtual
This free virtual event is designed for anyone who uses or considers using mid- and far-IR data in their research. Through short lectures based on existing data and scientific results, attendees will be introduced to many of the scientific cases leveraged by such data. Detailed presentations on data analysis considerations specific to this wavelength range, such as atmospheric transmission correction, will be included. Practical examples on how to derive physical and chemical characterization of astronomical sources will be presented by authors of SOFIA papers. The school is organized by the SOFIA Science Center and will focus on SOFIA data, but can be relevant to other mid/far IR data, from balloon facilities or satellite data. We encourage participation from astronomers at any career level. |
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| 10 |
LPI Seminar: The Internal Happenings of Dwarf Planet Haumea (Jessica Noviello, NASA Postdoctoral Management Program Fellow),
Virtual
Since its discovery almost two decades ago, 2003 EL61 Haumea has puzzled the observing and planetary science communities. Haumea is a dwarf planet that orbits the Sun at 43 AU in the Kuiper Belt. Observations from ground-based telescopes revealed Haumea’s size and shape to be a large (average radius ~800 km) triaxial ellipsoid shape with an abnormally high rotational period of just 3.91 hours, making it the fastest spinning large body in the solar system. Later observations also revealed Haumea to have two moons and even a ring system. Its high albedo and spectral signatures suggest that its surface is covered by water ice. Unfortunately, this is almost everything known for certain about Haumea. I will talk about the geophysical and geochemical modeling I have done to help answer some outstanding questions, including making educated guesses about the size and composition of Haumea’s core, and I will connect the ideas to exoplanet research. I will also briefly speak to the management activities I have done as part of the leadership team for the NExSS research coordination network in support of NASA’s astrobiology goals. Watch Video |
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| 12-21 |
I Heart Pluto Festival,
Flagstaff, Arizona
Celebrate the anniversary of Pluto's discovery in cold and snowy Flagstaff, Arizona, where it was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh 92 years ago on February 18, 1930. The Night of Discovery keynote presentation will see notable scientists on a panel discussion about the human fascination with exploration and discovery. Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeffrey Hall will moderate this discussion set to take place on February 18 at Flagstaff’s Orpheum Theater. Panelists will include Dr. Donald Johanson, discoverer of the fossil hominid Lucy; Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond; Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, astronaut who flew four times in space; Dr. Cathy Olkin, Deputy Principal Investigator of the Lucy mission to study asteroids; and Alden Tombaugh, son of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh. Other highlights of the 10-day festival include a science speaker series and space art show hosted by the International Association of Astronomical Artists. |
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| 17 |
Lunar Surface Science Workshop — Virtual Session 14: Heliophysics Applications Enabling and Enabled by Human Exploration of the Lunar Surface *,
Virtual
This Heliophysics-focused Lunar Surface Science Workshop aims to address aspects of Heliophysics science that enable or are enabled by human presence on the lunar surface. Abstracts are solicited for both posters and oral presentations that address topics related to Heliophysics measurements that impact our understanding of and operations on the lunar surface environment. Contributions made during the session will be summarized in a short (5–7-page) report. |
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| 17 |
LPI Seminar: The Lunar Geophysical Network Mission (Renee C. Weber, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center),
Virtual
The Moon represents an end-member in the differentiation of rocky planetary bodies. Its small size (and, therefore, heat budget) means that the early stages of differentiation have been frozen in time. But despite the success of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package (ALSEP), significant unresolved questions remain regarding the nature of the lunar interior. General models of the processes that contributed to the formation of the present-day lunar interior are currently being challenged. While reinterpretation of the Apollo seismic data has led to the identification of a lunar core, it has also produced a thinning of the nearside lunar crust from 60-65 km in 1974, to 45 km in 2002, to 30-38 km today. With regard to the deep interior, Apollo seismic data have been used to infer the presence of garnet below ~500 km, but the same data have also been used to identify Mg-rich olivine instead. A global lunar geophysical network (seismometer, heat flow probe, magnetometer, laser retro-reflector) is essential to defining the nature of the lunar interior and exploring the early stages of terrestrial planet evolution. Such a network would also add tremendous value to the GRAIL and SELENE gravity data. Identification of lateral and vertical heterogeneities, if present within the Moon, will yield important information about the early presence of a global lunar magma ocean (LMO) as well as investigating the stratification in the mantle from LMO cumulate overturn. LGN would also provide new constraints on lunar seismicity, including shallow moonquakes that have been linked to young thrust fault scarps, suggesting current tectonic activity. Advancing our understanding of the Moon’s interior is critical for addressing these and many other important lunar and Solar System science and exploration questions. Watch Video: |
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| 21-23 |
25th Microlensing Conference: The Dawn of Astrometric Microlensing, From Cold Exoplanets to Black-Holes,
Paris, France
Gravitational microlensing has been used for decades as a tool to probe the content of our galaxy, explore its structure and properties. For example, microlensing surveys have enabled the study of the cold exoplanet populations orbiting at the birthplace of giant planets all the way to the Galactic center, thus providing insights on the Galactic distribution of exoplanets and strong constraints for the models of planet formation and evolution. Microlensing has also become a source of constraints for models of the Milky Way, the initial mass function, and for the existence of primordial black holes. Yet the power of microlensing probes has not yet been fully realized and has the potential to expand our knowledge of the frequency and mass-function of exoplanets, brown dwarfs, and compact objects, including black holes and white dwarfs in the Milky Way. New facilities and techniques are unlocking this potential, including the photometric and astrometric capabilities of HST, Gaia, ground-based adaptive optics systems, interferometry, JWST, Rubin Observatory, and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. This 3-day conference will bring together members of the community to discuss all aspects related to microlensing, including (but not limited to): Astrometric microlensing; Interferometric microlensing; Detection of free-floating planets, exoplanets, brown dwarfs, stars and binaries, compact objects, including white dwarfs and black holes; Cold planet demographics (observational constraints and theory); Stellar populations and their properties in the Milky Way (and other galaxies); Search for electromagnetic signatures of gravitational-wave sources through microlensing; Synergies between ground-based facilities and/or space missions (Gaia, Roman, Euclid, Rubin, ELTs, etc.); and Data mining, numerical tools and techniques. |
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| 21-23 |
PERC International Symposium on Dust & Parent Bodies 2022 (IDP2022),
Virtual
The goal of this symposium 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 that will be covered are impact phenomena and collisional outcomes. |
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| 22-23 |
Next Generation Advances in Ground-Based Solar Physics — A Decadal Preparation *,
Virtual
This workshop is focused on organizing the writing of Solar and Space Physics Decadal White Papers on the solar ground-based instruments and facilities needed to advance solar and space weather research in the next decade and beyond. The major projects of past decadal surveys such as FASR and COSMO, as well as ground-based synoptic networks such as ngGONG, SPRING, and neutron monitors, will be presented to bring the community up to date on these efforts, but the workshop also provides the opportunity to discuss other ideas for ground-based platforms envisioned for the next decade to address outstanding solar and space weather science questions. Synergy with other parts of the solar-terrestrial system will also be explored. |
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| 23-25 |
Heliophysics 2050 Workshop: Measurement Techniques and Technologies *,
Virtual
Following on the science framework envisioned by the community during the Heliophysics 2050 Workshop held in May 2021, the objective of this workshop is to enable and facilitate a community discussion to determine what technological advancements are needed to enable the broad scientific vision outlined by the Heliopysics 2050 Workshop and to make transformative advancements in Heliophysics. |
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| 24 |
LPI Seminar: Delivery Of Volatiles To Terrestrial Planets: A Perspective From Heavy Noble Gases (Sandrine Péron, Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology),
Virtual
Delivery of volatiles (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, water) to terrestrial planets was a major process that shaped their early surface environments. Models of volatile accretion often start with acquisition of gases derived from the solar nebula, followed by delivery of chondritic volatiles during the main and/or towards the end stages of planetary formation. However, the timing of accretion and the sources of volatiles remain controversial. Determining the noble gas compositions of planetary mantles provides direct observational clues for planetary formation models on both the sources and timing of accretion of volatiles. Noble gases are invaluable tracers of volatile sources due to their inertness. However, the heavy noble gas (krypton and xenon) compositions of Earth and martian mantles remain poorly determined, in part due to analytical challenges. In particular, the six stable isotopes of krypton are ideally suited to deconvolve chondritic from solar sources, because chondritic and solar krypton are, respectively, enriched and depleted in heavy krypton isotopes compared to atmospheric krypton. Sandrine Péron of the ETH Zürich will discuss results of heavy noble gas analyses, in particular krypton, of oceanic island basalts from the Galápagos and Iceland hotspots, sampling Earth’s deep mantle, and of the meteorite Chassigny, sampling the martian mantle. Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3gWxdKQ |
|
| 27-Mar 4 |
ASLO Ocean Sciences Meeting,
Virtual
Co-sponsored by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), and The Oceanography Society (TOS), Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is the global leader in ocean sciences conferences. We are creating a meeting and networking environment that provides opportunities for ocean scientists, from those doing basic research to those working on solutions for the ocean we want, to present and share knowledge as well as network and address emerging topics in ocean sciences. |
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| 28-Mar 4 |
Our Galactic Ecosystem: Opportunities and Diagnostics in the Infrared and Beyond,
Lake Arrowhead, California
The far infrared contains critical information about the galactic ecosystem, the circle of life of stars and planets. How does interstellar material cycle between atomic and molecular clouds, and how does its chemical composition (and particularly the abundance of hydride molecules) reflect the environment in which it is found? What is the role of feedback (from young and old stars) on the interstellar medium (ISM)? What is the role of magnetic fields in the evolution of the ISM and star formation? SOFIA provides a flexible, and our currently only, general access to the far infrared (30-300 µm) and its tracers of atomic and molecular lines and FIR polarization. This conference will allow in-person discussions of the results and future opportunities in studying galactic ecosystem using FIR methods, from SOFIA and other platforms. A goal will be to explore synergy with other observatories, including JWST and ALMA, and with theory. |
