Highlighted Events

Sunday, March 18

Microsymposium: The Chinese Lunar and Deep Space Exploration Program —
Sunday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Montgomery A-C
International exploration of the solar system has grown significantly since the beginning of the Space Age, with missions launched by many nations, and participation by scientists worldwide in planning and data analysis. Microsymposium 59, cosponsored by the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and the Russian Academy of Sciences Vernadsky and Space Research institutes, is dedicated to a focus on the lunar and deep space exploration activities of the People’s Republic of China. Microsymposium 59 will be highlighted by reports from a wide range of Chinese university and Chinese Academy of Sciences scientific colleagues and their descriptions of both data analysis and results of previous missions to the Moon. It will also include informal and unofficial presentations on future mission plans and activities for the Moon, Mars, asteroids, and beyond. Of particular interest will be the analysis of data for the Chang’E 1-3 missions and the concepts and landing site selection studies for the Chang’E 4 farside rover and Chang’E 5 nearside mare lunar sample return missions. The program consists of a series of invited papers by our Chinese colleagues and will convene on Saturday, March 17, 2018 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.), and Sunday, March 18, 2018 (8:30 a.m. to 12 noon). The Microsymposium will emphasize these invited reports and an open discussion format. For more information, visit the Microsymposium 59 website.

Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies —
Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Waterway 1
NASA’s Planetary Science Division is considering including small secondary payloads on future launch opportunities. To help identify high-priority science objectives that could be addressed with small satellites, 19 studies were funded to develop mission concepts. These concepts span the solar system from the Moon to the outer planets, encompass a variety of science objectives from seismic exploration to magnetospheric boundary characterization, and include a spectrum of spacecraft configurations from 6U CubeSats to 180 kg ESPA-class SmallSats. A brief overview of each of these 19 studies will be presented, including the science objectives, mission architecture, spacecraft concept, concept of operations, and new technologies that may be required. See the Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies meeting website for more information.

Genesis Solar Wind Sample Analysis and Techniques Workshop —
Sunday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Waterway 6
Forum for science planning by encouraging discussion between planetary scientists and heliophysicists. This meeting allows investigators analyzing Genesis solar wind samples to share information about challenges in analytical approaches, instrumentation sensitivity and background, sample handling and cleaning. Opportunity for prospective investigators to learn about sample availability and condition from the curatorial staff.

Planetary Image Analysis with ArcGIS —
Sunday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Waterway 7-8
This workshop provides instructor-led training in image analysis using ArcGIS software, specifically aimed at planetary science users. It will include a brief tutorial in obtaining planetary imagery from the PDS and processing it in ISIS, followed by demonstrations and exercises using ArcGIS components to analyze the imagery. Registration is necessary to ensure that you have access to software, course materials, and computer equipment prior to the start of the workshop. Click here to register. The deadline for registration is March 12, 2018.

Early Career Presenters Review —
Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 PM, Creekside Park
All early career scientists (students, postdocs, and others early in their planetary science careers) preparing to present research at the 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference are invited to present their LPSC 2018 oral or poster presentation and receive feedback from senior scientists at this event on Sunday, March 18, before presenting during the regular meeting. Participants must register by Monday, March 12, at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Central Daylight Time. Registration is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to participate as a reviewer, please contact Andy Shaner at [email protected].

StepUp! Employee Empowerment Strategies by the USGS (USGS SEES) —
Sunday, 2:00 to 6:00 PM, Cochran's Crossing
Bystanders are individuals who observe harassment firsthand or who are later informed of the incident. There are two classes of bystanders: "passive" bystanders who take no action, and "active" bystanders who take action to prevent or reduce harm to the harassment victim. This program will give you the skills, confidence, and motivation to move from being a passive bystander to an active bystander, to step up and intervene. We will cover the Bystander Effect: why people don't step up and intervene; the five stages necessary to move from being a passive to being an active bystander; factors that affect action; and strategies to create a culture of respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Planetary Science Palooza —
Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 PM, Montgomery A
All are invited to the second LPSC Planetary Science Palooza, an event highlighting ongoing planetary science for the public! Explore hands-on activities and hear the latest in planetary science and exploration. This event is free and open to all audiences, and no registration is necessary. For more information, contact [email protected].

Planetary Taxonomy: The Geophysical Planet Definition —
Sunday, 2:30 to 4:00 PM, Panther Creek
Come to a frank, open, but friendly panelist discussion on the scientific usefulness — or lack thereof — of the Geophysical Planet Definition (GPD) in recognizing the many subcategories of “full-fledged” planets such as giant, terrestrial, dwarf, satellite planet, etc. The panelists will also discuss the need for a deeper understanding of scientists’ taxonomic freedoms and responsibilities, clearer science communication and pedagogy, enhanced scientific literacy, and how the GPD is a vehicle for these goals.

49th LPSC Registration and Welcome Event —
Sunday, 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Waterway 4-5
Welcome to the 49th LPSC and welcome to The Woodlands! Check-in for the conference, then head to Waterway Ballrooms 4 and 5 to greet and network with colleagues and friends. Registration will open at 4:00 p.m., and the Welcome Event will begin at 5:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. The speaker-ready room (Alden Bridge, open from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.) will be open, as will the Town Hall Exhibit Area, so you can check-in your oral presentation or install your Tuesday night poster.

Dwornik Award Judges Meeting —
Sunday, 5:30 to 7:00 PM, Panther Creek
This is a training and information meeting for the Dwornik Award judges. This is your opportunity to review the judging procedure, ask questions, meet other judges, and discuss schedules or concerns. We will aim to keep it as brief as possible!

Microblogger Meet Up —
Sunday, 7:00 to 7:30 PM, Indian Springs
An opportunity for the LPSC Microbloggers to meet and greet, compare interests, strategize on session coverage, and consult with conference staff.