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LUNAR AND PLANETARY INFORMATION BULLETIN January 2020 Issue 159 FEATURED STORY

OSIRIS-REX: Preparing to collect a pristine sample of a carbonaceous asteroid

Kevin Righter, NASA Johnson Space Center

After a nearly two-year journey since planning, and among the bodies most combined with detailed analyses of its launch in September 2016, the likely to collide with Earth in the future. returned samples will allow evaluation of OSIRIS-REx spacecraft arrived at its e mission has ve main goals, which connections between asteroids and mete- target asteroid Bennu in December 2018. are re ected in its name: OSIRIS- orites. ird, the volatile-rich nature of e initial images sent back to Earth REx stands for Origins, Spectral asteroids may o er important resources revealed a rocky surface with unexpected Interpretation, Resource Identi cation, for space exploration, and OSIRIS-REx roughness. e spacecraft is currently and Security-Regolith Explorer. First, will provide a better understanding characterizing the asteroid in preparation as noted, pristine samples will allow of the type and amount of volatiles for sample collection in August 2020. scientists to understand the origin of present on a typical low-albedo aster- organic compounds present in carbo- oid. Fourth, the mission will better e OSIRIS-REx mission was selected naceous asteroids and their potential characterize the variables that control in May 2011 in the third New Frontiers contribution to life on Earth. Second, Bennu’s orbital evolution and, thus, its Program. Pristine carbonaceous asteroid the characterization of spectral features potential for Earth impact. Finally, the material is not part of any collection on Earth; carbonaceous chondrite meteorites are heated upon entering the atmosphere and undergo chemical and mineralogical transformation on Earth. ese Earth e ects hinder the understanding of which organic compounds in meteorites originate from space and which are formed on Earth, and whether any become unstable and disappear after arrival at Earth’s surface. Getting a pristine piece of a carbonaceous asteroid would eliminate this uncertainty and allow scientists to better understand the organic chemistry of the early solar system.

is idea led mission planners to choose near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu as the mission target. Bennu is accessible, volatile-rich, su ciently large, and su ciently characterized to allow Note from the Fig. 1. Instrument deck schematic for the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. fundamental navigation and encounter Credit: University of Arizona.

head of the Touch and Go Sample (materials that have dened open and eled through Earth’s fourth Lagrange Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) closed periods at points throughout point, located 60° ahead in Earth’s has a ring of specially designed collector the mission, exposing and protecting orbit around the Sun. e mission team pads that will sample the upper layer them from environmental conditions) took multiple images in this region of regolith material at the surface. were deployed in the various ATLO with the OCAMS MapCam camera in environments in Denver and Florida. In the hope of identifying Earth-Trojan e mission is a partnership between the addition, materials are archived at JSC asteroids. Although none were discov- University of Arizona, NASA Goddard from various spacecraft and instrument ered, the spacecraft’s camera operated Space Flight Center, and Lockheed components that will have direct or awlessly and demonstrated that it Martin. University of Arizona planetary indirect contact with collected samples. could image objects two magnitudes scientists Michael J. Drake and Dante dimmer than originally expected. Lauretta were the Principal Investigator As ATLO activities shifted from the (PI) and Deputy PI when the mission Denver cleanrooms to Florida, so did e spacecraft used an array of small was selected, and Lauretta serves as the monitoring for contamination, including rocket thrusters to match Bennu’s veloc- current PI. Scientic payloads onboard eorts focused on the payload fairing ity and rendezvous with the asteroid. the spacecraft include the OSIRIS-REx containing the spacecraft. e most After nearly 20 months of instrument Laser Altimeter (OLA), provided by the challenging aspects involved the last checkouts and testing along the way, Canadian Space Agency; the OSIRIS- days before launch, as the fairing (the the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft entered REx ermal Emission Spectrometer nose cone used to protect the spacecraft the approach phase of the mission in (OTES), built by Arizona State against the impact of dynamic pressure August 2018. As the spacecraft closed University; the OSIRIS-REx Visible and aerodynamic heating during launch in on Bennu, surface features began to and InfraRed Spectrometer (OVIRS), through an atmosphere) had to move sharpen, and upon arrival in December built by NASA Goddard; the OSIRIS- through a number of environments on the spacecraft sent back beautiful images REx Camera Suite (OCAMS), built the way to assembly on the launchpad. of the entire asteroid (Fig. 2). One by the University of Arizona; and the is collection of witness plates and remarkable observation is that the shape Regolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer materials is being stored and curated model for Bennu derived from previous (REXIS), built by the Massachusetts at JSC in Houston. ese items will be Earth-based observational data was an Institute of Technology (Fig. 1). available indenitely with the purpose excellent match to the actual shape as e returned sample will be stored of allowing evaluation of any possible imaged by the mission. By early 2019, and curated at the NASA Johnson contamination of the collected sample several exciting discoveries had already Space Center ( JSC) in Houston. by the spacecraft hardware or assemblies. been made. First, OVIRS measured an absorption peak near the 2.7-microme- e launch of OSIRIS-REx was carried ter (0.0001-inch) wavelength, which is Construction out with tremendous eciency. e a key signature of OH in minerals and 21-day launch window for OSIRIS- in this case a conrmation that Bennu and Launch REx aorded exibility in the launch has hydrated phyllosilicates, like CM schedule. However, OSIRIS-REx, chondrite meteorites (Fig. 3). Second, under the guidance of United Launch as JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission found at Building the spacecraft began in 2015 Alliance (ULA) at Cape Canaveral, asteroid Ryugu, the surface of Bennu is with the Assembly, Testing, and Launch lifted o from launch complex 41 at rougher than expected and even con- Operations (ATLO) phase of the mis- only 100 milliseconds into the launch tains very large boulders. Some of the sion. Because one of the mission goals window at 7:08 p.m., September 8, boulders appear to have embedded clasts is to study the organic geochemistry of 2016. is portion of the mission was (Fig. 4). e paucity of ner-grained the collected sample, special attention described in Issue 146 of this publi- material, as observed at other asteroids was given to building and assembling in cation (see suggested reading below). such as Itokawa (by Hayabusa in 2006) a “clean” environment. (In this context, or Eros (by the Near-Earth Asteroid a clean environment refers to one that Rendezvous mission in 1999), was is as free from any kind of biological Activities since puzzling, as were particle ejection events contaminants as humanly possible.) that were observed almost immedi- Mission scientists and curators made a Launch ately upon entering orbit in January considerable eort to acquire data and 2019. Initial assessments indicate that materials that allow a complete under- In February 2017, the spacecraft the shape of Bennu is consistent with standing of the ATLO environments undertook a search for the enigmatic a rubble-pile structure. Many of the as well as the materials composing class of near-Earth objects known as boulders and large rocks exposed at the the spacecraft and its components. Earth-Trojan asteroids. Trojan asteroids surface contain evidence for brecciation, Monitoring of the ATLO environ- are trapped in stable gravity wells, called and the loose material on the surface is ments was focused on both particle and Lagrange points, which precede or diverse with respect to color, reectance, volatile characterization. Witness plates follow a planet. OSIRIS-REx trav- and grain size (Fig. 5). Another import-

and relative safety (presenting min- imal hazards to the spacecraft). All four sites show the hydration feature that is ubiquitous across Bennu.

After a thorough evaluation of all four candidate sites, the mission team selected Nightingale as the site with the greatest amount of sampleable material that is safely accessible. Nightingale is located in a 20-meter (66-foot) crater within a larger crater in the northern hemisphere of Bennu. Its northern location means that it experiences lower temperatures than elsewhere on the asteroid, and the presumably young crater is well preserved. ese characteristics support the possibility that the site will allow for a pristine sample of the asteroid, giving the team insight into Bennu’s history. e Osprey site was selected as a backup sample collection site, as it appears to have less sampleable material but is safer. e spacecraft is designed to autonomously “wave o ” the sampling attempt if its predicted position is too close to a hazardous area. During this maneuver, the exhaust Fig. 2. This mosaic image of asteroid Bennu is composed of 12 PolyCam images collected on December 2, 2018, by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft from a range of 24 kilometers (15 miles). plumes from the spacecraft’s thrusters The image was obtained at a 50° phase angle between the spacecraft, the asteroid, and the could potentially disturb the surface of Sun, and in it, Bennu spans approximately 1500 pixels in the camera’s fi eld of view. Credit: the site, due to the asteroid’s micrograv- NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.On September 22, 2017, the spacecraft performed ity environment. In any situation where an “Earth gravity assist” maneuver, using Earth’s gravity to slingshot itself on a path toward Bennu for rendezvous in December 2018. During this maneuver, the spacecraft came within a follow-on attempt at Nightingale is 17,237 kilometers (10,711 miles) of Antarctica, just south of Cape Horn, Chile, before following not possible, the team will try to collect a route north over the Pacifi c Ocean. Although the launch rocket provided the spacecraft a sample from the Osprey site instead. with all the momentum required to get it to Bennu, Bennu’s orbit is tilted 6° from Earth’s, so OSIRIS-REx needed an extra boost from the Earth’s gravity to change its orbital plane. Near Future ant nding is that Bennu is spinning and dynamic aspects of asteroids. faster over time. e images and ndings e primary and backup sites will be the from the mission have captured the e detailed imaging initially led to focus of even more detailed characteriza- interest of meteoriticists who study the recognition of 50 regions of inter- tion during lower yovers in early 2020. brecciated carbonaceous chondrites and est (ROIs) for sampling on the surface is new information will be used to planetary scientists who study orbital that were explored in more detail using plan the detailed approach and maneu- the spacecraft instrumentation. From vers required for sample acquisition. these 50 ROIs, the mission downse- For example, the original mission plan lected to 16, and then to a nal 4, envisioned a sample site with a diameter named after Egyptian birds: King sher, of 50 meters (164 feet), and while the Osprey, Nightingale, and Sandpiper Nightingale crater is larger than that, the (Fig. 6). ese four sites were selected area safe enough for the spacecraft to in part due to their sampleability (the sample is much smaller: 16 meters (52 presence of centimeter-scale particles feet). is means that the spacecraft has that can be ingested by the TAGSAM) to very accurately target Bennu’s surface.

Fig. 3. OVIRS spectrum of Bennu between 2.3 and 3.5 micrometers compared with spectra of several carbonaceous chondrites. The carbonaceous chondrites were measured in vacuum after heating, and are normalized to a reflectance of 1.0 at 2.4 micrometers and offset vertically for clarity. The dotted vertical line at 2.74 micrometers denotes the Bennu band minimum position. From Hamilton et al. (2019) Nature Astronomy, 3, 332–340.

Fig. 4. This image shows a large boulder located in asteroid Bennu’s northern hemisphere that has a number of lighter embedded rocks on its southeastern face. It was taken by the PolyCam camera onboard NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft on April 5, 2019, from a distance of 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles). The fi eld of view is 40.2 meters (132 feet). For scale, the boulder is 20.6 meters (68 feet) tall, which is about height of the tail on a 747 aircraft. The image was obtained during Flyby 5B of the mission’s Detailed Survey: Baseball Diamond phase. When the image was taken, the spacecraft was over the southern hemisphere, pointing PolyCam north and west over the equator. Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.

After the detailed characterization, the that are on the side of the sampler head mission will rehearse the sampling that touches the asteroid surface. In maneuvers without touching down. September 2023, the spacecraft will e actual sampling attempt is nomi- make a close approach to Earth and nally scheduled for August 25, 2020. release the Sample Return Capsule (SRC), which will be recovered in a e TAGSAM head is at the end of parachute landing at the Utah Test and a long arm with an elbow and pogo- Training Range near Salt Lake City. stick-like mechanism for exibility at the surface. e head is roughly 38 Upon landing in Utah, the SRC will be centimeters (15 inches) in diameter recovered and safely kept in a portable and has an internal circular cylindri- cleanroom before being transported cal cavity where the sample will be to JSC — the home of all of NASA’s collected and stored. e sampling astromaterials, including Apollo moon mechanism utilizes a jet of nitrogen gas rocks, Antarctic meteorites, cosmic to mobilize loose material into the bulk dust particles, Stardust comet particles, sample collector. Collection tests in and Genesis solar wind collectors. e Earth-gravity and low-gravity environ- curation cleanroom for the storage ments have resulted in the collection and handling of Bennu samples is Fig. 5. Image of a meter-scale breccia on Bennu. Images were acquired by OCAMS of up to 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of currently under construction at JSC PolyCam during a low-altitude flyby image of material. In addition, asteroid material and will be completed in 2020. the boulder, which is located at 247°E, 6°S. will be trapped in surface contact pads Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.

e mission science team looks forward to unraveling the geologic history of Bennu, including its origins, impact record, and more recent dynamic history. JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission to the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu, occurring in parallel with OSIRIS-REx, o ers an enhanced understanding of the volatile-bearing and carbonaceous asteroids that make up more than 50% of the asteroid belt. We look forward to the many new discoveries these missions will make and the corresponding advance- ments in understanding the solar system.

Fig. 6. The fi nal four candidate sample collection sites on asteroid Bennu are designated Nightingale, Kingfi sher, Osprey, and Sandpiper. Each circle has a 5-meter (16.4-foot) radius. Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona.

Suggested Reading

DeMeo F. E. and Carry B. (2014) Solar system evolution from compositional mapping of the asteroid belt. Nature, 505, 629.

Lauretta D. S. et al. (2017) OSIRIS-REx: Sample return from asteroid (101955) Bennu. Space Science Reviews, 212, 925–984.

Lauretta D. S., Hergenrother C. W., Chesley S. R., Leonard J. M., Pelgrift J. Y., Adam C. D., and Bennett C. A. (2019) Episodes of particle ejection from the surface of the active asteroid (101955) Bennu. Science, 366(6470), https://science.sciencemag.org/content/ sci/366/6470/eaay3544.full.pdf.

Messenger S. R. (2016) OSIRIS-REx goes asteroid collecting. Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin, 146, September 2016, https://www.lpi.usra.edu/publications/ newsletters/lpib/archive/lpib146.pdf.

OSIRIS-REx Mission to Bennu, Nature journals collection, https://www.nature.com/ collections/jibgaighje.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLE RETURN MISSIONS IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Lori S. Glaze Director, NASA’s Planetary Science Division, January 2020

Because humankind has never traveled we’ve orbited Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, into space beyond the Moon, most of the and Saturn, as well as the dwarf plan- exploration of our solar system is done ets Vesta and Ceres, and asteroid Eros; using robotic spacecraft. NASA has been we’ve landed on Mars, and our interna- conducting such exploration for over tional partners have done the same on half a century and has explored plan- Venus, an asteroid, and a comet. But the etary bodies from Mercury out to the climax of robotic exploration — sam- Kuiper belt. But the solar system is an ple return — has been much harder to enormous place with a huge diversity of achieve. NASA did it non-robotically bodies, including giant, gaseous planets, on the Moon with the Apollo program, terrestrial planets, dwarf planets, rocks which was followed by several Soviet and icy small objects, satellites of all sizes robotic missions. We did it for a comet delivered to Earth by natural processes, around these bodies, all the way down to in the Stardust mission, collecting greatly through its atmosphere, being compro- dust. Despite 50 years of eort, NASA, altered dust in a high-velocity yby mised to varying extents in the process, now accompanied by other space-far- through the tail. We collected material and only in special cases do we know the ing nations, is still only just beginning from the Sun in the Genesis mission, not point of origin. to fully explore the solar system. e by touching the Sun, but by passively OSIRIS-REx mission is a huge step in collecting solar wind in the vicinity of Why is sample return so important? this massive endeavor. Earth. And Japan heroically survived Although we can learn a huge amount adversity near an asteroid, as Hayabusa about planetary bodies by remote sensing Robotic exploration of any location in succeeded in collecting and returning with cameras, spectrometers, and other space is tailored to our science objec- microscopic dust particles. Other than instruments, and we can learn even more tives and advances as we learn more and a few dust grains embedded in orbiting with instruments with in situ exploration, more about that target body. NASA spacecraft, this is the extent of human most sample science cannot be done has own by objects like the ice giant sample return missions to date. All other this way. Exquisitely sensitive labora- planets Uranus and Neptune, and Kuiper samples of extraterrestrial material that tory instruments on Earth are capable belt objects like Pluto and Arrokoth; we have in scientic collections were of determining the chemical, isotopic,

mineralogical, structural, and physical thought of yet using laboratory instru- including learning about organic material properties of extraterrestrial samples ments that haven’t even been imagined. that may have played a role in the origin from the macroscopic level down to the anks to the policies of NASA and of life. NASA is aiming to return to the atomic scale, frequently all on the very other space agencies, returned samples Moon in the mid-2020s and hopes to same sample. is allows us to determine are freely made available to qualied return samples from previously unex- the origin and history of the material and scientists around the world to study. plored regions, including the lunar south answer questions far beyond the reach pole, which may have deposits of water of current robotic technology. Moreover, e 2020s promise a bounty of new ice within the regolith of permanently sample return provides us with “ground sample returns, and some are even shadowed regions. China is also plan- truth” about the visited body, verifying calling it the “Decade of Sample Return.” ning to return samples from the Moon and validating conclusions that can be Leading o will be the return of samples in the early part of the decade as part of drawn by remote sensing (both Earth- from two small, carbonaceous asteroids, the Chang’E 5 mission. JAXA’s Martian based and by spacecraft) and via landed Ryugu, by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission Moons eXploration (MMX) mission instruments on other bodies. In addi- in late 2020, and Bennu, by NASA’s late in the decade, with NASA participa- tion, returned samples can be compared OSIRIS-REx mission in 2023; these tion, hopes to return samples from Mars’ to astromaterials such as meteorites are in many ways sister missions, both moon, Phobos. And the Mars 2020 mis- and cosmic dust, which give us clues in the kind of body being visited, and in sion, which launches in July 2020, begins about where those materials come from, the close cooperation of scientists and a multi-mission, decade-long campaign potentially increasing their scientic the sponsoring agencies. OSIRIS-REx to return samples from the surface of the value as natural space probes. And nally, promises to provide the largest sample Red Planet, which will help answer the returned samples can be preserved for returned since Apollo. e feature article question of whether Mars ever hosted decades and used by future generations in this issue explains some of the great life. It is an exciting time to be a plane- to answer questions we haven’t even science OSIRIS-REx hopes to achieve, tary explorer!

Ninth International Conference on Mars

In mid-July, nearly 600 “martians” from In the 9th Mars conference program, Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) more than 20 countries gathered at approximately 100 oral presentations and, in particular, the ongoing MEPAG the Ninth International Conference were scheduled in two parallel sessions Goals revisions. on Mars (aka 9th Mars) to discuss the organized according to high-level sci- status and future of our exploration of ence questions, and approximately 300 Key perspectives that emerged at the the Red Planet. As in the past, the aim posters were divided into four poster conference included the growing diver- of this conference was to pull together sessions. Plenary presentations and panel sity and number of possibly habitable the breadth of current Mars knowledge discussions about the state of Mars sci- environments on Mars. Key elements in order to identify current paradigms ence understanding and forward-looking for life have been detected in situ, in our understanding of Mars evolution. plans such as Mars Sample Return and and remote sensing shows increasing en, based on current understandings Human Exploration served as focal numbers of sites with evidence of past of Mars’ history, state, and processes, points for pulling the attendees back hydrothermal and other hydrologic conference attendees were asked to look together into one group. Additionally, activity. One sobering note was that to the future and identify top science four integration teams (focused on surface dust and mineral properties can questions for the next decade of Mars Climate, Geology, Life, and Preparation obscure the true abundance and distri- exploration. 9th Mars was held at a for Human Exploration) were tasked bution of key minerals (i.e., if seen from particularly relevant time for gathering with listening to all presentations in orbit, there is something there, but a lot the international Mars community, as their respective topic areas to seek out is hidden), leading to the question, “How the 2020s will begin with multiple Mars high-priority, repeated, or connecting can the true diversity of Mars mineral- missions from multiple space agencies, concepts. ese designated “Integrators,” ogy be sampled at reasonable cost?” and yet few subsequent missions have drawn from across disciplines and career been conrmed. is period will be levels, presented their results on the nal Growing evidence of active processes considered by the next U.S. Planetary day of the conference and gathered nal shows that modern Mars remains a Science Decadal Survey, which will be a input from attendees. eir Integration dynamic planet that is still changing key input for NASA’s planetary science Reports, available on the conference today. When seeking to understand the priorities in 2023–2032. website, will serve as inputs to discus- present-day environment, measurement sions within the Mars Exploration of winds and water vapor within the

planetary boundary layer, including to discussion of ideas and measurement caps with layering at the edges and shifts their diurnal behavior, remain high-pri- approaches about where and how to in accumulation/ablation due to obliq- ority knowledge gaps. e volatility of search the subsurface, which is thought uity cycles. H2O and CO2 play important roles in to be more habitable than the surface. modifying the surface. Understanding In addition to the vigorous, broad, and the role of dust remains an ongoing Understanding the nature and evolution illuminating science discussion, it was challenge, especially the chain of events of the ancient environment(s) contin- wonderful to see the diversity in coun- that leads to episodic planet-scale dust ues to challenge us, and new data and tries, disciplines, institutions, and people events, such as the planet encircling dust modeling eorts are needed to advance who are involved in Mars exploration. event observed in detail during summer our knowledge. e debate about the For example, many presentations and 2018, when the local opacity was high existence of an ancient ocean continues attendees were from the United Arab enough to starve a solar-powered rover. (and if it was there, how long was it Emirates, who join the Mars mission Continued investigation of how such there?). Attempts to simulate an ancient community with the Emirates Mars high-level dust activity has altered both greenhouse atmosphere able to support Mission Hope orbiter, launching in 2020. atmospheric and surface processes is an early hydrological cycle were much is community expansion bodes well needed. While recurring slope lineae debated, particularly about the role of for continued tremendous advancement (RSL) were a key topic of debate at 8th reducing gases (H2, CH4). However, as we move into the next decade and Mars, at 9th Mars the accumulating isotopic measurements and credible dene what future Mars exploration may evidence seemed to indicate that these extrapolations of measured current-day look like. landforms are more dry than wet. atmospheric loss rates show that most of the early Mars atmosphere has been 9th Mars was convened by the Jet One of the top areas of discussion at lost to space. e timing of elements of Propulsion Laboratory, California 9th Mars concerned methane, and a that atmospheric evolution (solar forcing, Institute of Technology, and NASA, spirited panel discussion focused around water availability, etc.) and its nature with funding provided by NASA and potential explanations for why dierent (episodic, punctuated, trending) remain assistance by the Lunar and Planetary missions are measuring some or none of challenging targets for future measure- Institute. e 9th Mars plenary con- this trace gas. Given general agreement ment and research. ference presentations, all abstracts, the that the diering measurements are integrator reports, and many e-posters correct, the discussion turned to what is ere was also continued progress in are available at the conference website. the source of methane that was detected understanding the climate and climate by MSL (including perhaps from the shifts of Amazonian Mars, including rover?) and how the gas could be so evidence of prolonged, if episodic, water rapidly destroyed that it was detected at activity early on; the abundance of the surface but not at higher altitudes. mid-latitude ground ice (exposed in e methane discussion was part of a craters, clis, and surface/near-surface much broader discussion about where properties); and models connecting the to look for possible extant life. at led radar-revealed internal layers of the polar

— Text provided by Serina Diniega (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/Mars Program Office), Rich Zurek (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/Mars Program Office),

Michael Meyer (NASA Mars Exploration Program), Bethany Ehlmann (California Institute of Technology), Brandi Carrier (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/ Mars Program Office), and David Beaty (Jet Propulsion Laboratory/Mars Program Office)

Seventh International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration

In mid-January, 50 Mars scientists and ing the sixth meeting in 2016. e two series are extended discussion sessions. 21 students gathered in Ushuaia, Tierra primary organizers are aliated with During this seventh conference we had del Fuego, Argentina, to bring together Planetary Science Institute and York over ve hours of discussion open to the state of knowledge for Mars Polar University (Smith) and the University all attendees, and produced a summary Science. e meeting consisted of 13 of Bern (Becerra). ey were supported report that includes the major scien- plenary oral sessions and 1 poster session. by local organizers, especially Jorge tic questions facing the Mars Polar ere were also panel discussions on the Rabassa and Andrea Coronato, from Community today. During the meeting, topics of the upcoming Decadal Survey two Argentina research institutions: a group of synthesizers collected notes and how the Mars Polar Community el Centro Austral de Investigaciones and interacted to record the primary would prepare for that by engaging with Cientícas (CADIC) and Consejo scientic ndings and discussions that the Mars Exploration Analysis Group Nacional de Investigaciones Cientícas y we had. During the last session, a panel (MEPAG) and by writing white papers. Técnicas (CONICET). shared a synthesis of the notes with the assembly and solicited feedback. e Topics covered in the conference ranged Travel grants for early career research- compilation of notes and feedback will from atmosphere, surface-atmosphere ers and students (who numbered become the outline for the summary interactions, polar geology, the stored almost 30% of the total attendees) report. is and the major open ques- climate record, laboratory experiments were supported by the International tions will be published later this year as a that teach us about Mars polar science, Association of Cryosphere Sciences summary document. and terrestrial eld investigations that (IACS), the International Association of reveal secrets about Mars by virtue of Geomorphologists (IAG), and by funds their analog processes and morphology. collected from registration fees. In total, eight students were supported at varying is meeting was the seventh in the levels. International Conference on Mars Polar Science and Exploration series, follow- Two of the hallmarks of this conference

— Text courtesy of Isaac Smith (Planetary Science Institute and York University, Toronto) and Patricio Becerra (University of Bern)

2019 Annual Meeting of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG)

e 2019 annual meeting of the Lunar talks of the Planetary Decadal survey a panel discussion of international Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) process, the outcomes of the previous partners and two panels featuring was held at the Washington Hilton 2011 Decadal survey, and the tentative Commercial Lunar Payload Services in Washington, DC, on October plans for the upcoming survey. is was (CLPS) providers. e day ended with 28–30. Approximately 300 people from followed by several hours of discussion a poster session focused on ISRU and commercial, academic, research, and in ve breakout groups: Solar Systems instrumentation concepts, and was held government institutions registered from (formation and evolution), Planetary in conjunction with a networking session both national and international entities. Formation (interior evolution and with the CLPS providers. processes), Planetary Geology (surface e 2019 meeting brought together processes), Habitability (how to become Day 3 was a half-day that focused on members of the lunar science and habitable and sustained), and Resources moving forward as a community with exploration community to discuss, and Hazards. Groups reconvened to Project Artemis, the Lunar Exploration organize, and prioritize lunar science present their goals and potential white Roadmap, and how the two entities t goals in preparation for the Decadal paper topics, and the day closed with together. is was accomplished through Survey and to oer input into NASA’s a poster session focusing on mission invited talks and a panel discussion. plans for Project Artemis. e meeting concepts. was scheduled for 2.5 days, with Day 1 e 2019 LEAG annual meeting dedicated to the upcoming Planetary Day 2 predominantly consisted of ndings will be released to the commu- Science decadal survey and Days 2 and invited talks and panel discussions. nity soon. To view the program, poster 3 dedicated to Project Artemis. All three Representatives from NASA provided abstracts, and recordings of most of the days held signicant community discus- overviews of dierent aspects of Project oral presentations, please visit the meet- sion components in the form of breakout Artemis as well as updates on lunar-spe- ing website at https://www.hou.usra.edu/ groups and extended discussion periods. cic programs and missions. Findings meetings/leag2019/. Recordings can be from the recent ISRU workshop were accessed via the program. Day 1 began with invited overview also presented. e afternoon held

NASA Selects Flying Mission to Study Titan for Origins, Signs of Life

Taking advantage of Titan’s dense atmosphere and low gravity, Dragonfly will explore dozens of locations across the icy world, sampling and measuring the compositions of Titan’s organic surface materials to characterize the habitability of Titan’s environment and investigate the progression of prebiotic chemistry. Image Credit: NASA/ JHU-APL.

NASA has announced that our next may have arisen on our planet. During for Dragon y’s amazing ight.” destination in the solar system is the its 2.7-year baseline mission, Dragon y Dragon y took advantage of 13 years’ unique, richly organic world Titan. will explore diverse environments worth of Cassini data to choose a calm Advancing our search for the building from organic dunes to the oor of an weather period to land, along with a blocks of life, the Dragon y mission impact crater where liquid water and safe initial landing site and scienti cally will y multiple sorties to sample and complex organic materials key to life interesting targets. It will rst land examine sites around Saturn’s icy moon. once existed together for possibly tens at the equatorial “Shangri-La” dune of thousands of years. Its instruments elds, which are terrestrially similar to Dragon y will launch in 2026 and will study how far prebiotic chemistry the linear dunes in Namibia in south- arrive in 2034. e rotorcraft will y to may have progressed. ey also will ern Africa and o er a diverse sampling dozens of promising locations on Titan investigate the moon’s atmospheric and location. Dragon y will explore this looking for prebiotic chemical processes surface properties and its subsurface region in short ights, building up to common on both Titan and Earth. ocean and liquid reservoirs. Additionally, a series of longer “leapfrog” ights of Dragon y marks the rst time NASA instruments will search for chemi- up to 8 kilometers (5 miles), stopping will y a multi-rotor vehicle for science cal evidence of past or extant life. along the way to take samples from on another planet; it has eight rotors and compelling areas with diverse geogra- ies like a large drone. It will take advan- “With the Dragon y mission, NASA phy. It will nally reach the Selk impact tage of Titan’s dense atmosphere — four will once again do what no one else crater, where there is evidence of past times denser than Earth’s — to become can do,” said NASA Administrator liquid water, organics — the complex the rst vehicle ever to y its entire sci- Jim Bridenstine. “Visiting this myste- molecules that contain carbon, combined ence payload to new places for repeatable rious ocean world could revolutionize with hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen — and targeted access to surface materials. what we know about life in the uni- and energy, which together make up the verse. is cutting-edge mission would recipe for life. e lander will eventually Titan is an analog to the very early have been unthinkable even just a y more than 175 kilometers (108 miles) Earth, and can provide clues to how life few years ago, but we’re now ready — nearly double the distance traveled to

date by all the Mars rovers combined. have sparked life on our planet. is managed by the Planetary Missions “Titan is unlike any other place in the Program Oce at NASA’s Marshall solar system, and Dragony is like no Titan is larger than the planet Mercury Space Flight Center in Huntsville, other mission,” said omas Zurbuchen, and is the second largest moon in our Alabama, for the agency’s Planetary NASA’s associate administrator for solar system. As it orbits Saturn, it is Science Division in Washington. science at the agency’s headquarters about 1.4 billion kilometers (886 million in Washington. “It’s remarkable to miles) away from the Sun, about 10× “e New Frontiers program has trans- think of this rotorcraft ying miles and further than Earth. Because it is so far formed our understanding of the solar miles across the organic sand dunes from the Sun, its surface temperature system, uncovering the inner structure of Saturn’s largest moon, exploring is around –179°C (–290°F). Its surface and composition of Jupiter’s turbulent the processes that shape this extraor- pressure is also 50% higher than Earth’s. atmosphere, discovering the icy secrets of dinary environment. Dragony will Pluto’s landscape, revealing mysterious visit a world lled with a wide variety Dragony was selected as part of the objects in the Kuiper belt, and exploring of organic compounds, which are the agency’s New Frontiers program, which a near-Earth asteroid for the building building blocks of life and could teach includes the New Horizons mission blocks of life,” said Lori Glaze, director us about the origin of life itself.” to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, Juno to of NASA’s Planetary Science Division. Jupiter, and OSIRIS-REx to the asteroid “Now we can add Titan to the list of Titan has a nitrogen-based atmosphere Bennu. Dragony is led by Principal enigmatic worlds NASA will explore.” like Earth. Unlike Earth, Titan has Investigator Elizabeth Turtle, who is clouds and rain of methane. Other based at Johns Hopkins University’s For more information about Titan, visit: organics are formed in the atmosphere Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/ and fall like light snow. e moon’s Maryland. New Frontiers supports saturn-moons/titan/overview weather and surface processes have missions that have been identied as top Read more about NASA’s New Frontiers combined complex organics, energy, solar system exploration priorities by Program and missions at: https://www.nasa. and water similar to those that may the planetary community. e program gov/planetarymissions/newfrontiers.html

New VIPER Lunar Rover to Map Water Ice on the Moon

About the size of a golf cart, the Volatiles is rover will help us answer the many amounting to millions of tons. Now, we Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, questions we have about where the water need to understand the location and or VIPER, will roam several miles, using is, and how much there is for us to use.” nature of the water and other poten- its four science instruments — includ- tially accessible resources to aid in ing a 1-meter drill — to sample various Scientists had long considered the planning how to extract and collect it. soil environments. Planned for delivery lunar poles as promising spots to nd to the lunar surface in December 2022, water ice — a resource of direct value “It’s incredibly exciting to have a rover VIPER will collect about 100 days of for humans that could provide oxygen going to the new and unique environ- data that will be used to inform the rst to breathe and hydrogen and oxygen ment of the South Pole to discover global water resource maps of the Moon. to fuel future landers and rockets. e where exactly we can harvest that water,” Moon’s tilt creates permanently shad- said Anthony Colaprete, VIPER’s “e key to living on the Moon is water owed regions where water ice from project scientist. “VIPER will tell — the same as here on Earth,” said comet and meteor impacts, as well as the us which locations have the highest Daniel Andrews, the project manager Sun’s interaction with the lunar soil, can concentrations and how deep below the of the VIPER mission and director of collect without being melted by sunlight. surface to go to get access to water.” engineering at NASA’s Ames Research In 2009, NASA crashed a rocket into Center in Silicon Valley.” Since the a large crater near the South Pole and To unravel the mysteries of the conrmation of lunar water-ice ten directly detected the presence of water Moon’s South Pole, the rover will years ago, the question now is if the ice. Data from this mission and other collect data on dierent kinds of soil Moon could really contain the amount orbiters have conrmed that the Moon environments aected by light and of resources we need to live o-world. has reservoirs of water ice, potentially temperature — those in complete

NASA is planning to return humans to the Moon by 2024. But fi rst, robotic probes, such as the golf-cart sized VIPER, will scout out where and how much water can be found in the likely landing sites for a crewed mission. Credit: NASA Ames/ Daniel Rutter.

drill samples will then be analyzed by two instruments: the Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations, or MSolo, developed out of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center; and the Near InfraRed Volatiles Spectrometer System, known as NIRVSS, developed by Ames. MSolo and NIRVSS will determine the composition and concentration of potentially accessible resources, including water, darkness, occasional light and in direct it will use the Neutron Spectrometer that were brought up by TRIDENT. sunlight. By collecting data on the System, known as NSS, to detect “wet” amount of water and other materials areas below the surface for further in each, NASA can map out where investigation. VIPER will then stop and else water likely lies across the Moon. deploy a drill to dig up soil cuttings from As the rover drives across the surface, up to a meter beneath the surface. ese

With Mars Methane Mystery Still Unsolved, Curiosity Serves Scientists a New One: Oxygen

For the rst time in the history of space 1.9% argon (Ar), 0.16% molecular oxygen the gas in the air rose throughout spring exploration, scientists have measured (O2), and 0.06% carbon monoxide (CO). and summer by as much as 30%, and the seasonal changes in the gases that ey also revealed how the molecules in then dropped back to levels predicted ll the air directly above the surface of the Martian air mix and circulate with by known chemistry in fall. is pattern Gale Crater on Mars. As a result, they the changes in air pressure throughout repeated each spring, though the amount noticed something ba· ing: Oxygen, the the year. ese changes are caused when of oxygen added to the atmosphere varied, gas many Earth creatures use to breathe, CO2 gas freezes over the poles in the implying that something was producing it behaves in a way that scientists cannot winter, thereby lowering the air pressure and then taking it away. yet explain through any known chemical across the planet following redistribution processes. of air to maintain pressure equilibrium. “ e rst time we saw that, it was just When CO2 evaporates in the spring and mind boggling,” said Sushil Atreya, Over the course of 3 Mars years (or summer and mixes across Mars, it raises professor of climate and space sciences at nearly 6 Earth years) an instrument in the air pressure. the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Atreya is a co-author of a paper on this portable chemistry lab inside the belly of Within this environment, scientists found topic published on November 12 in the NASA’s Curiosity rover inhaled the air of that nitrogen and argon follow a predict- Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. Gale Crater and analyzed its composition. able seasonal pattern, waxing and waning e results SAM spit out con rmed the in concentration in Gale Crater through- As soon as scientists discovered the makeup of the Martian atmosphere at the out the year relative to how much CO2 is oxygen enigma, Mars experts set to surface: 95% by volume of carbon dioxide in the air. ey expected oxygen to do the work trying to explain it. ey rst (CO2), 2.6% molecular nitrogen (N2), same. But it didn’t. Instead, the amount of double- and triple-checked the accuracy

of the SAM instrument they used to measure the gases: the Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer. e instrument was ne. ey considered the possibility that CO2 or water (H2O) molecules could have released oxygen when they broke apart in the atmosphere, leading to the short-lived rise. But it would take ve times more water above Mars to produce the extra oxygen, and CO2 breaks up too slowly to generate it over such a short time. What about the oxygen decrease? Could solar radiation have broken up oxygen molecules into two atoms that blew away into space? No, scientists concluded, since it would take at least 10 years for the oxygen to Over multiple years of observations, scientists on the Curiosity rover team have disappear through this process. identifi ed a seasonal trend in oxygen production and depletion that has yet to be explained. Credit: Melissa Trainer/Dan Gallagher/NASA Goddard. “We’re struggling to explain this,” said Melissa Trainer, a planetary scientist at Oxygen and methane can be produced of oxygen we need, but we think it has NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center both biologically (from microbes, for to be something in the surface soil that in Greenbelt, Maryland who led this instance) and abiotically (from chemistry changes seasonally because there aren’t research. “ e fact that the oxygen behav- related to water and rocks). Scientists are enough available oxygen atoms in the ior isn’t perfectly repeatable every season considering all options, although they atmosphere to create the behavior we see,” makes us think that it’s not an issue that don’t have any convincing evidence of said Timothy McConnochie, assistant has to do with atmospheric dynamics. It biological activity on Mars. Curiosity research scientist at the University of has to be some chemical source and sink doesn’t have instruments that can Maryland in College Park and another that we can’t yet account for.” de nitively say whether the source of the co-author of the paper. methane or oxygen on Mars is biolog- To scientists who study Mars, the ical or geological. Scientists expect that e only previous spacecraft with oxygen story is curiously similar to that non-biological explanations are more instruments capable of measuring the of methane. Methane is constantly in likely and are working diligently to fully composition of the Martian air near the the air inside Gale Crater in such small understand them. ground were NASA’s twin Viking landers, quantities (0.00000004% on average) that which arrived on the planet in 1976. e it’s barely discernable even by the most Trainer’s team considered Martian soil as Viking experiments covered only a few sensitive instruments on Mars. Still, it’s a source of the extra springtime oxygen. Martian days, though, so they couldn’t been measured by SAM’s Tunable Laser After all, it’s known to be rich in the ele- reveal seasonal patterns of the di erent Spectrometer. e instrument revealed ment, in the form of compounds such as gases. e new SAM measurements are that while methane rises and falls season- hydrogen peroxide and perchlorates. One the rst to do so. e SAM team will ally, it increases in abundance by about experiment on the Viking landers showed continue to measure atmospheric gases so 60% in summer months for inexplicable decades ago that heat and humidity could scientists can gather more detailed data reasons. (In fact, methane also spikes release oxygen from Martian soil. But that throughout each season. In the mean- randomly and dramatically. Scientists are experiment took place in conditions quite time, Trainer and her team hope that trying to gure out why.) di erent from the Martian spring envi- other Mars experts will work to solve the ronment, and it doesn’t explain the oxygen oxygen mystery. With the new oxygen ndings in hand, drop, among other problems. Other Trainer’s team is wondering if chemis- possible explanations also don’t quite add “ is is the rst time where we’re seeing try similar to what’s driving methane’s up for now. For example, high-energy this interesting behavior over multiple natural seasonal variations may also drive radiation of the soil could produce extra years. We don’t totally understand it,” oxygen’s. At least occasionally, the two O2 in the air, but it would take a million Trainer said. “For me, this is an open call gases appear to uctuate in tandem. years to accumulate enough oxygen in the to all the smart people out there who are soil to account for the boost measured in interested in this: See what you can come “We’re beginning to see this tantalizing only one spring, the researchers report in up with.” correlation between methane and oxygen their paper. for a good part of the Mars year,” Atreya For more information about SAM, visit: https:// said. “I think there’s something to it. I just “We have not been able to come up with mars.nasa.gov/msl/spacecraft/instruments/sam/ don’t have the answers yet. Nobody does.” one process yet that produces the amount

Forced magnetic reconnection, caused by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory solar scientist at Indian Institute a prominence from the Sun, was seen for has observed a magnetic explosion of Technology (BHU), in Varanasi, the fi rst time in images from NASA’s Solar the likes of which have never been India. “ is could be very useful for Dynamics Observatory, or SDO. This image seen before. In the scorching upper understanding other systems. For shows the Sun on May 3, 2012, with the inset showing a close-up of the reconnection reaches of the Sun’s atmosphere, a example, Earth’s and planetary mag- event imaged by SDO’s Atmospheric Imaging prominence — a large loop of mate- netospheres, other magnetized plasma Assembly instrument, where the signature rial launched by an eruption on the sources, including experiments at X-shape is visible. Credit: NASA/SDO/Abhishek solar surface — started falling back laboratory scales where plasma is highly Srivastava/IIT(BHU). to the surface of the Sun. But before di usive and very hard to control.” it could make it, the prominence ran plasma that has even lower resistance to into a snarl of magnetic eld lines, Previously a type of magnetic recon- conducting an electric current. However, sparking a magnetic explosion. nection known as spontaneous it can only occur if there is some type Scientists have previously seen the reconnection has been seen, both on of eruption to trigger it. e eruption explosive snap and realignment of the Sun and around Earth. But this squeezes the plasma and magnetic tangled magnetic eld lines on the new explosion-driven type — called elds, causing them to reconnect. Sun — a process known as magnetic forced reconnection — had never reconnection — but never one that been seen directly, thought it was While the Sun’s jumble of magnetic had been triggered by a nearby erup- rst theorized 15 years ago. e new eld lines are invisible, they none- tion. e observation, which con rms observations have just been pub- theless a ect the material around a decade-old theory, may help scien- lished in the Astrophysical Journal. them — a soup of ultra-hot charged tists understand a key mystery about particles known as plasma. e sci- the Sun’s atmosphere, better predict e previously-observed spontaneous entists were able to study this plasma space weather, and may also lead reconnection requires a region with just using observations from NASA’s to breakthroughs in the controlled the right conditions — such as having Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, fusion and lab plasma experiments. a thin sheet of ionized gas, or plasma, looking speci cally at a wavelength that only weakly conducts electric of light showing particles heated 1–2 “ is was the rst observation of an current — in order to occur. e new million Kelvin (1.8–3.6 million° F). external driver of magnetic recon- type, forced reconnection, can happen nection,” said Abhishek Srivastava, in a wider range of places, such as in e observations allowed them to

directly see the forced reconnection has led solar scientists for decades to drive space weather — the bursts event for the rst time in the solar search for what mechanism is driving of solar radiation that can damage corona — the Sun’s uppermost atmo- that heat. e scientists looked at mul- satellites around Earth — under- spheric layer. In a series of images tiple ultraviolet wavelengths to calculate standing forced reconnection can help taken over an hour, a prominence the temperature of the plasma during modelers better predict when disrup- in the corona could be seen falling and following the reconnection event. tive high-energy charged particles e data showed might come speeding at Earth. that the prominence, which was Understanding how magnetic “ fairly cool relative reconnection can be forced in a con- Our thought is that to the blistering trolled way may also help plasma corona, gained physicists reproduce reconnection heat after the event. in the lab. is is ultimately use- forced reconnection is suggests ful in the eld of laboratory plasma forced reconnec- to control and stabilize them. tion might be one is everywhere” way the corona e scientists are continuing to look for is heated locally. more forced reconnection events. With Spontaneous more observations, they can begin to back into the photosphere. En route, reconnection also can heat plasma, understand the mechanics behind the the prominence ran into a snarl of but forced reconnection seems to be a reconnection and often it might happen. magnetic eld lines, causing them much more eective heater — raising to reconnect in a distinct X shape. the temperature of the plasma quicker, “Our thought is that forced reconnec- higher, and in a more controlled manner. tion is everywhere,” Srivastava said. Spontaneous reconnection oers one While a prominence was the driver “But we have to continue to observe it, explanation for how hot the solar atmo- behind this reconnection event, other to quantify it, if we want prove that.” sphere is — mysteriously, the corona is solar eruptions like ares and coronal millions of degrees hotter than lower mass ejections, could also cause forced atmospheric layers, a conundrum that reconnection. Since these eruptions

Get Ready for More Interstellar Objects, Yale Astronomers Say

Gregory Laughlin and Malena Rice rial oating around,” said Rice, a Borisov, came on the scene this sum- weren’t exactly surprised a few weeks graduate student at Yale and rst mer. Amateur astronomer Gennady ago when they learned that a sec- author of the study. “So much more Borisov rst noticed 2I/Borisov in ond interstellar object had made data will be coming out soon, thanks August, and researchers will have its way into our solar system. to new telescopes coming online. about a year to observe the object We won’t have to speculate.” with telescopes — a considerably e Yale University astronomers had longer time than the few weeks they just put the nishing touches on a new e rst interstellar object known to pass had to observe ‘Oumuamua. e new study suggesting that these strange, through our solar system was ‘Oumuamua, object is also larger than ‘Oumuamua icy visitors from other planets are rst spotted in October 2017. Its arrival and has a pronounced coma. going to keep right on coming. We generated intense debate over its ori- can expect a few large objects show- gins and how to classify it. Laughlin, an Of course, for scientists one of the big ing up every year, they say; smaller astronomy professor at Yale, has con- questions arising from the appearance objects entering the solar system could tributed valuable research indicating of interstellar objects is: “Where did reach into the hundreds each year. ‘Oumuamua likely has properties similar they come from?” An easy answer e study has been accepted for publica- to a comet, despite the fact that it doesn’t would be that they are ejected plane- tion in e Astrophysical Journal Letters. have a comet’s telltale tail, called a coma. tary building blocks — planetesimals — from other solar systems. But upon “ere should be a lot of this mate- e new object, recently dubbed 2I/ rst look, there’s a problem with that

Artist’s concept of interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua). ‘Oumuamua was the fi rst confi rmed interstellar object to be identifi ed, but more such discoveries are likely as scientists improve their search methods. Credit: European Southern Observatory / M. Kornmesser.

theory, say researchers: A close study of the roughly 4,000 con rmed planets outside our solar system shows that most of them are located too close to their parent stars to readily eject a planetesimal. Planetesimals stirred up by most currently known planets would remain stuck in orbits in the systems where they formed.

So where do the interstellar objects originate? out material that could leave their home the cosmos, the researchers added. Rice and Laughlin’s work proposes for solar systems. However, they are also the rst time that interstellar objects much more di cult to directly observe Unlike many astronomical discov- could be material ejected from large, than their closer-in counterparts, which eries, in which data is observed and newborn planets, orbiting farther away is why not many of these planets have interpreted from tremendous distances, from their sun, which have carved been con rmed, the researchers said. interstellar objects are an up-close look out pronounced gaps in the cosmic To test their theory, the researchers at another part of the galaxy, they said. platters of gas and dust that astron- looked at three protoplanetary disks omers call protoplanetary disks. from the Disk Substructures at High “You’re not looking at a distant star Angular Resolution Project (DSHARP), through a telescope,” Rice said. “ is is When a star is newly formed, it is a survey conducted by a large con- actual material that makes up planets surrounded by a thin, rotating “pro- sortium of astronomers. DSHARP in other solar systems, being ung at toplanetary” disk of dense gas and focuses on images of 20 nearby, bright us. It’s a completely unprecedented dust. e disk is a volatile environ- and large protoplanetary disks taken way to study extrasolar systems up ment in which gas and dust are heated by the Atacama Large Millimeter/ close — and this eld is going to up by the young star, as well as the submillimeter Array telescope in Chile. start exploding with data, very soon.” star’s gravitational energy, leading to movement, collisions, and even- “We were looking for disks in which e research was supported by the tually, the formation of planets. it was pretty clear a planet was there,” NASA Astrobiology Institute through Rice said. “If a disk has clear gaps in it, a cooperative agreement between Although most known planets form like several of the DSHARP disks do, Yale University and the NASA Ames close to their sun, there are some that it’s possible to extrapolate what type Research Center and by the National develop much farther away and create of planet would be there. en, we can Science Foundation Graduate simulate the systems to see how much Research Fellowship Program. material should be ejected over time.” “ We were looking for “ is idea nicely explains the high disks in which it was density of these objects drifting in interstellar space, and it shows that we pretty clear a planet should be nding up to hundreds of these objects with upcoming surveys was there” coming online next year,” Laughlin said. Beyond the mere novelty of noticing interstellar objects passing through large gaps in the protoplanetary disk. our solar system, the idea of observing According to Rice and Laughlin, those such objects o ers major possibili- more distant planets are able to ing ties for advancing our knowledge of

A colossal, head-on collision between estimates of the probability Jupiter and a still-forming planet of collisions under dierent in the early solar system, about 4.5 scenarios and distribution billion years ago, could explain sur- of impact angles. In all cases, prising readings from NASA’s Juno Liu and colleagues found spacecraft, according to a study there was at least a 40% this week in the journal Nature. chance that Jupiter would swallow a planetary embryo Astronomers from Rice University within its rst few million and China’s Sun Yat-sen University years. In addition, Jupiter say their head-on impact scenario mass-produced “strong grav- can explain Juno’s previously puzzling itational focusing” that made gravitational readings, which sug- head-on collisions more gest that Jupiter’s core is less dense common than grazing ones. and more extended that expected. Isella said the collision “is is puzzling,” said Rice astronomer scenario became even more and study co-author Andrea Isella. “It compelling after Liu ran suggests that something happened that 3D computer models that stirred up the core, and that’s where showed how a collision the giant impact comes into play.” would aect Jupiter’s core.

Isella said leading theories of planet for- “Because it’s dense, and mation suggest Jupiter began as a dense, it comes in with a lot of rocky or icy planet that later gathered its energy, the impactor would In this artist’s rendition, a massive, young protoplanet thick atmosphere from the primordial be like a bullet that goes collides with Jupiter during the formation of the solar disk of gas and dust that birthed our sun. through the atmosphere system. The massive shock of this impact redistributed material within Jupiter’s core, leaving it less dense than and hits the core head-on,” expected when measured by the Juno probe. Credit: Isella said he was skeptical when study Isella said. “Before impact, Illustration by K. Suda and Y. Akimoto/Mabuchi Design lead author Shang-Fei Liu rst sug- you have a very dense Office, courtesy of Astrobiology Center, Japan. gested the idea that the data could be core, surrounded by atmo- explained by a giant impact that stirred sphere. e head-on impact Jupiter’s core, mixing the dense contents spreads things out, diluting the core.” heavy material to settle back down of its core with less dense layers above. into a dense core under the circum- Liu, a former postdoctoral researcher in Impacts at a grazing angle could result stances suggested by the paper.” Isella’s group, is now a member of the in the impacting planet becoming faculty at Sun Yat-sen in Zhuhai, China. gravitationally trapped and gradually e Juno mission was designed to help sinking into Jupiter’s core, and Liu scientists better understand Jupiter’s “It sounded very unlikely to me,” said smaller planetary embryos about origin and evolution. e spacecraft, Isella recalled, “like a one-in-a-tril- as massive as Earth would disinte- which launched in 2011, carries instru- lion probability. But Shang-Fei grate in Jupiter’s thick atmosphere. ments to map Jupiter’s gravitational convinced me, by shear calculation, and magnetic elds and probe the that this was not so improbable.” “e only scenario that resulted in a planet’s deep, internal structure. core-density prole similar to what Juno e research team ran thousands of measures today is a head-on impact For more information on the study’s nd- computer simulations and found that with a planetary embryo about 10× ings, visit: https://www.nature.com/ a fast-growing Jupiter can have per- more massive than Earth,” Liu said. articles/s41586-019-1470-2. turbed the orbits of nearby “planetary embryos,” protoplanets that were in Isella said the calculations suggest For more information on the Juno mission, visit: the early stages of planet formation. that even if this impact happened 4.5 https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/juno/. billion years ago, “it could still take Liu said the calculations included many, many billions of years for the

NASA’s InSight Lander Captures Audio of First Likely Quake on Mars

This video and audio illustrates a seismic event detected by NASA’s Mars InSight rover on April 6, 2019, the 128th martian day, or sol, of the mission. Three distinct kinds of sounds can be heard, all of them detected as ground vibrations by the spacecraft’s seismometer: noise from martian wind, the seismic event itself, and the spacecraft’s robotic arm as it moves to take pictures. Credit: NASA.

NASA’s Mars InSight lander has mea- designed seismometer, to pick up faint 19, 2018, will enable scientists to gather sured and recorded for the rst time ever rumbles. In contrast, Earth’s surface is similar data about Mars. By studying the a likely “marsquake.” quivering constantly from seismic noise deep interior of Mars, they hope to learn created by oceans and weather. An event how other rocky worlds, including Earth e faint seismic signal, detected by of this size in Southern California would and the Moon, formed. the lander’s Seismic Experiment for be lost among dozens of tiny crackles that Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, occur every day. ree other seismic signals occurred on was recorded on April 6, the lander’s March 14 (sol 105), April 10 (Sol 132), 128th Martian day, or sol. is is the “ e martian sol 128 event is exciting and April 11 (sol 133). Detected by rst recorded trembling that appears because its size and longer duration t SEIS’ more sensitive Very Broad Band to have come from inside the planet, as the pro le of moonquakes detected on sensors, these signals were even smaller opposed to being caused by forces above the lunar surface during the Apollo mis- than the sol 128 event and more ambig- the surface, such as wind. Scientists still sions,” said Lori Glaze, Planetary Science uous in origin. e team will continue are examining the data to determine the Division director at NASA Headquarters. to study these events to try to determine exact cause of the signal. their cause. NASA’s Apollo astronauts installed ve “InSight’s rst readings carry on the seismometers that measured thousands Regardless of its cause, the sol 128 signal science that began with NASA’s Apollo of quakes while operating on the Moon is an exciting milestone for the team. missions,” said InSight Principal between 1969 and 1977, revealing seismic Investigator Bruce Banerdt of NASA’s Jet activity on the Moon. Di erent materials “We’ve been waiting months for a signal Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL) in Pasadena, can change the speed of seismic waves like this,” said Philippe Lognonné, SEIS California. “We’ve been collecting or re ect them, allowing scientists to use team lead at the Institut de Physique du background noise up until now, but this these waves to learn about the interior Globe de Paris (IPGP) in France. “It’s so rst event o cially kicks o a new eld: of the Moon and model its formation. exciting to nally have proof that Mars martian seismology!” NASA currently is planning to return is still seismically active. We’re looking astronauts to the Moon by 2024, laying forward to sharing detailed results once e new seismic event was too small to the foundation that will eventually enable we’ve had a chance to analyze them.” provide solid data on the martian interior, human exploration of Mars. which is one of InSight’s main objec- Most people are familiar with quakes on tives. e martian surface is extremely InSight’s seismometer, which the lander Earth, which occur on faults created by quiet, allowing SEIS, InSight’s specially placed on the planet’s surface on Dec. the motion of tectonic plates. Mars and

the Moon do not have tectonic plates, weather. InSight’s instrument has several identied by InSight’s Marsquake but they still experience quakes — in ingenious insulating barriers, including a Service team, led by the Swiss Federal their cases, caused by a continual process cover built by JPL called the Wind and Institute of Technology. of cooling and contraction that creates ermal Shield, to protect it from the stress. is stress builds over time, until planet’s extreme temperature changes “We are delighted about this rst achieve- it is strong enough to break the crust, and high winds. ment and are eager to make many similar causing a quake. measurements with SEIS in the years to SEIS has surpassed the team’s expec- come,” said Charles Yana, SEIS mission Detecting these tiny quakes required tations in terms of its sensitivity. e operations manager at CNES. a huge feat of engineering. On Earth, instrument was provided for InSight high-quality seismometers often are by the French space agency, Centre For more information about InSight, visit: https:// sealed in underground vaults to isolate National d’Études Spatiales (CNES), www.nasa.gov/insight them from changes in temperature and while these rst seismic events were

First NASA Parker Solar Probe Results Reveal Surprising Details About Our Sun

e Sun is revealing itself in dramatic wind — the constant outow of hot, the beginning of an incredibly excit- detail and shedding light on how other ionized gas that streams outward from ing time for heliophysics with Parker stars may form and behave throughout the Sun and lls up the solar system — at the vanguard of new discoveries.” the universe — all thanks to NASA’s and how the solar wind couples with Parker Solar Probe. e spacecraft is solar rotation. rough these ybys, the Among the ndings are new under- enduring scorching temperatures to mission also has examined the dust of standings of how the Sun’s constant gather data, which are being shared the coronal environment, and spotted outow of solar wind behaves. Seen near for the rst time in four new papers particle acceleration events so small Earth, the solar wind plasma appears that illuminate previously unknown that they are undetectable from Earth, to be a relatively uniform ow — one and only-theorized characteristics which is nearly 149.6 million kilome- that can interact with our planet’s of our volatile celestial neighbor. ters (93,000,000 miles) from the Sun. natural magnetic eld and cause space weather eects that interfere with e information Parker has uncov- During its initial ybys, Parker studied technology. Instead of that ow, near ered about how the Sun constantly the Sun from a distance of about 24 the Sun, Parker’s observations reveal a ejects material and energy will help million kilometers (15 million miles). dynamic and highly structured system, scientists rewrite the models they use at is already closer to the Sun than similar to that of an estuary that serves to understand and predict the space Mercury, but the spacecraft will get as a transition zone as a river ows into weather around our planet, and under- even closer in the future, as it travels at the ocean. For the rst time, scientists stand the process by which stars are more than 342,790 kph (213,000 mph), are able to study the solar wind from created and evolve. is information faster than any previous spacecraft. its source, the Sun’s corona, similar to will be vital to protecting astronauts how one might observe the stream and technology in space — an import- “is rst data from Parker reveals that serves as the source of a river. is ant part of NASA’s Artemis program, our star, the Sun, in new and surpris- provides a much dierent perspec- which will send the rst woman ing ways,” said omas Zurbuchen, tive as compared to studying the solar and the next man to the Moon by associate administrator for science at wind were its ow impacts Earth. 2024 and, eventually, on to Mars. NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Observing the Sun up close rather e four papers, now available online than from a much greater distance is Switchbacks from the journal Nature, describe giving us an unprecedented view into Parker’s unprecedented near-Sun obser- important solar phenomena and how One type of event in particular caught vations through two record-breaking they aect us on Earth, and gives us new the attention of the science teams close ybys. ey reveal new insights insights relevant to the understanding — ips in the direction of the mag- into the processes that drive the solar of active stars across galaxies. It’s just netic eld, which ows out from the

The WISPR instrument on NASA’s Parker Solar Probe captured imagery of the constant outflow of material from the Sun during its close approach to the Sun in April 2019. Credit: NASA/NRL/APL.

Sun, embedded in the solar wind and solar wind and space weather a ect- push in sync with the Sun’s rotation. detected by the FIELDS instrument. ing Earth, it also helps us understand ese reversals — dubbed “switchbacks” a fundamental process of how stars As Parker ventured to a distance of — appear to be a very common phe- work and how they release magnetic around 32 million kilometers (20 nomenon in the solar wind ow inside energy into their environment. million miles) from the Sun, research- the orbit of Mercury, and last anywhere ers obtained their rst observations from a few seconds to several minutes of this e ect. Here, the extent of this as they ow over the spacecraft. Yet Rotating Wind sideways motion was much stronger they seem not to be present any farther than predicted, but it also transitioned from the Sun, making them undetect- In a separate publication, based on mea- more quickly than predicted to a straight, able without ying directly through surements by the Solar Wind Electrons strictly outward ow, which helps mask that solar wind the way Parker has. Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instru- the e ects at a larger distance. is ment, researchers found surprising clues enormous extended atmosphere of During a switchback, the magnetic eld as to how the Sun’s rotation a ects the the Sun will naturally a ect the star’s whips back on itself until it is pointed out ow of the solar wind. Near Earth, rotation. Understanding this transi- almost directly back at the Sun. ese the solar wind ows past our planet as if tion point in the solar wind is key to switchbacks, along with other obser- it travels initially in almost straight lines helping us understand how the Sun’s vations of the solar wind, may provide — or “radially,” like spokes on a bicycle rotation slows down over time, with early clues about what mechanisms wheel — out from the Sun in all direc- implications for the lifecycles of our heat and accelerate the solar wind. Not tions. But the Sun rotates as it releases star, its potentially violent past, as well only does such information help change the solar wind, and before it breaks as other stars and the formation of our understanding of what causes the free, the solar wind is expected to get a protoplanetary disks, dense disks of

gas and dust encircling young stars. of about 3.2–4.8 million kilometers energetic particle events are import- (2-3 million miles) from the Sun, which ant, as they can arise suddenly and the spacecraft could observe as early as lead to space weather conditions near Dust in the Wind September 2020, during its sixth yby. Earth that can be potentially harmful at dust-free zone would signal a place to astronauts. Unraveling the sources, Parker also observed the rst direct where the material of the dust has been acceleration and transport of solar evidence of dust starting to thin out evaporated by the Sun’s heat, to become energetic particles will help us better around 11 million kilometers (7 million part of the solar wind ying past Earth. protect humans in space in the future. miles) from the Sun — an e ect that has been theorized for nearly a century, “ e Sun is the only star we can examine but has been impossible to measure Energetic Particles this closely,” said Nicola Fox, direc- until now. ese observations were made tor of the Heliophysics Division at using Parker’s Wide- eld Imager for Finally, Parker’s Integrated Science NASA Headquarters. “Getting data Solar Probe (WISPR) instrument, at Investigation of the Sun (ISOIS) ener- at the source already is revolution- a distance of about 6.4 million kilo- getic particle instruments have measured izing our understanding of our own meters (4 million miles) from the Sun. several never-before-seen events so small star and stars across the universe. Our Scientists have long suspected that close that all traces of them are lost before little spacecraft is soldiering through to the Sun, this dust would be heated they reach Earth. ese instruments brutal conditions to send home star- to high temperatures, turning it into have also measured a rare type of particle tling and exciting revelations.” a gas and creating a dust-free region burst with a particularly high ratio of around the star. At the observed rate of heavier elements — suggesting that both For more information about Parker, visit: thinning, scientists expect to see a truly types of events may be more common https://www.nasa.gov/parker dust-free zone beginning at a distance than scientists previously thought. Solar

New Horizons Kuiper Belt Flyby Object Oﬃ cially Named ‘Arrokoth’

In a tting tribute to the farthest yby wondering about the stars and worlds ever conducted by spacecraft, the beyond our own,” said Alan Stern, New Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 has Horizons principal investigator from been o cially named Arrokoth, a Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, Native American term meaning “sky” in Colorado. “ at desire to learn is at the the Powhatan/Algonquian language. heart of the New Horizons mission, and we’re honored to join with the Powhatan With consent from Powhatan Tribal community and people of Maryland elders and representatives, NASA’s in this celebration of discovery.” New Horizons team — whose spacecraft performed the record-breaking New Horizons launched in January reconnaissance of Arrokoth 6.4 bil- 2006; it then zipped past Jupiter for lion kilometers (4 billion miles) from a gravity boost and scienti c stud- Earth — proposed the name to the ies in February 2007 and conducted International Astronomical Union an historic rst ight through the and Minor Planets Center, the inter- Pluto system on July 14, 2015. e national authority for naming Kuiper spacecraft continued its unparalleled Belt objects. e name was announced voyage on New Year’s 2019 with the at a ceremony today at NASA exploration of Arrokoth — which Headquarters in Washington, DC. the team had nicknamed Ultima Composite image of primordial contact binary ule — 1.6 billion kilometers (1 Kuiper Belt object 2014 MU69 from New “ e name Arrokoth re ects the inspi- billion miles) beyond Pluto, and Horizons Spacecraft Data. Credit: NASA. ration of looking to the skies and the farthest yby ever conducted.

Arrokoth is one of the thousands name for the celestial body. e team and the celestial connection of humanity.” of known small icy worlds in the used this convention to associate the Kuiper Belt, the vast third zone of the culture of the native peoples who e Pamunkey Reservation in King solar system beyond the inner terres- lived in the region where the object William County, Virginia, is the oldest trial planets and the outer gas giant was discovered; in this case, both the American Indian reservation in the planets. It was discovered in 2014 Hubble Space Telescope (at the Space U.S. — formed by a treaty with England by a New Horizons team — which Telescope Science Institute) and the in the 1600s, it nally received federal included Marc Buie, of the Southwest New Horizons mission (at the Johns recognition in July 2015. e Pamunkey Research Institute — using the pow- Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) tribe and its village were signi cant in erful Hubble Space Telescope. are operated out of Maryland — a tie the original Powhatan Confederacy; to the signi cance of the Chesapeake today, Pamunkey tribal members work “Data from the newly-named Arrokoth, Bay region to the Powhatan people. collaboratively with other Powhatan has given us clues about the formation tribes in Virginia and also have of planets and our cosmic origins,” said “We graciously accept this gift from descendants who are members of the Buie. “We believe this ancient body, the Powhatan people,” said Lori Glaze, Powhatan-Renape Nation in New Jersey. composed of two distinct lobes that director of NASA’s Planetary Science Many direct descendants still live on the merged into one entity, may harbor Division. “Bestowing the name Arrokoth Pamunkey reservation, while others have answers that contribute to our under- signi es the strength and endurance of moved to Northern Virginia, Maryland, standing of the origin of life on Earth.” the indigenous Algonquian people of D.C., New York, and New Jersey. the Chesapeake region. eir heritage In accordance with IAU naming continues to be a guiding light for all For more information about New Horizons, conventions, the discovery team earned who search for meaning and under- visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ the privilege of selecting a permanent standing of the origins of the universe newhorizons/main/index.html

A Terrestrial Magma Ocean Was Key to the Moon’s Formation

A Moon-forming collisional event is simulated with the Earth covered by a magma ocean. Much more terrestrial material is ejected, helping form the Moon as we observe it. Credit: Nature Geoscience.

The origin of the Moon is one of the This discovery became the core of the the impacting object — not Earth’s fundamental questions in planetary Giant Impact Hypothesis. The hypoth- mantle. Simulation conditions in which science. Its presence and size relative to esis states that a large planetary body, the Moon had its proper complement of us are unique in the inner solar system, about the size of Mars, impacted Earth Earth-derived materials required a small and its inﬂ uence on the Earth’s rotation early in its history. Material dislodged subset of impact angles and angular and tides has been crucial to the devel- from that collision was ejected into orbit, velocities, making the formation of the opment of life. Samples brought back eventually coalescing to form the basis Moon by this method seem less likely. from the Apollo missions show that the of the Moon. However, when this idea Moon is composed largely of material was tested in computer simulations, it A new study published April 29 in derived from Earth’s mantle, and that turned out that the material that formed Nature Geoscience, co-authored by Yale it formed later than the Earth itself. the Moon would be made primarily from geophysicist Shun-ichiro Karato, offers

an explanation. The key, Karato says, is and goes into orbit to form the Moon, be a magma ocean at the time is more that the early, proto-Earth — about 50 the researchers say. This explains why plausible than it sounds. At the likely time million years after the formation of there is much more Earth material in of the Moon-forming impact, the solar the Sun — was covered by a sea of hot the Moon’s makeup. Previous models system was still a chaotic place, filled with did not account for the small planetary bodies that had yet to different degree of heating coalesce into planets. An impact by a body between the proto-Earth large enough to melt the Earth’s surface, “ In our model, about 80% silicate and the impactor. but not large enough to disrupt it (as suggested by the Giant Impact Hypothesis) of the Moon is made of “In our model, about 80% was a much more common event. of the Moon is made of proto-Earth materials” proto-Earth materials,” said For the study, Karato led the research Karato, who has conducted into the compression of molten silicate. magma, while the impacting object was extensive research on the chemical A group from the Tokyo Institute of likely made of solid material. Karato properties of proto-Earth magma. “In Technology and the RIKEN Center for and his collaborators set out to test a most of the previous models, about Computational Science developed a com- new model, based on the collision of a 80% of the Moon is made of the putational model to predict how material proto-Earth covered with an ocean of impactor. This is a big difference.” from the collision became the Moon. magma and a solid impacting object. Karato said the new model confirms Portions of this article were provided by Yale News. The model showed that after the colli- previous theories about how the Moon sion, the magma is heated much more formed, without the need to propose than solids from the impacting object. unconventional collision conditions. The magma then expands in volume The requirement that Earth’s surface

NEWS NEWS FROM FROM

Public and Scientist Engagement Events at the 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

At the 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, a variety of engagement opportunities for scientists, students, and the public will take place during LPSC. For more information, visit www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2020/education or contact [email protected].

Planetary Palooza e public is invited to attend this free event with hands-on March 15, 2020, 2:00–5:00 p.m., activities and presentations about ongoing solar system Montgomery Ballroom A exploration. Scientists, members of NASA’s Science Activation Community, and public engagement specialists are welcome to participate in this year’s event. LPSC attendees who wish to participate may contact Christine Shupla ([email protected]).

Early Career Presenters Review Students, post-doctoral fellows, and other early career scien- March 15, 1:30–5:00 p.m. (orals only) tists preparing to present research at LPSC 2020 are invited to receive feedback from senior scientists before presenting March 16, 7:00–9:00 p.m. (posters only) during the regular meeting. Registration is required, and space March 18, 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. (orals only) is limited. Register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/lpsc51_pre- senters. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer as March 18, 7:00–9:00 p.m. (posters only) a reviewer, please contact Andy Shaner ([email protected]). Location for each date is TBD.

LPSC Insights: Get Connected, Are you a student attending LPSC for the rst time? Are you unsure Stay Connected how to navigate the conference? Are you nervous about networking? e LPSC Insights: Get Connected, Stay Connected program March 16, 12:00–1:15 p.m. is here for you! First-time student attendees who register for this Montgomery Ballroom Foyer program will be introduced to an experienced LPSC attendee, and the pair will spend time attending sessions and networking together. Registration will open after the LPSC program has been posted; check the LPSC website for the registration link. Space is limited. If you have questions, please contact Andy Shaner ([email protected]).

Meet with educators from the NASA Members of the NASA Science Activation Collaborative will be Science Activation Program present at LPSC with posters and at a booth. Come hear about NASA SMD activities and resources and discuss ways to partner roughout the conference and incorporate your science into these projects.

Planetary Scientist Workshop: It can be challenging to communicate when your audience’s expe- Sharing Planetary Science riences are dierent from your own. Explore models, metaphors, and analogies that do not rely on specic cultural experiences, and March 19, 12:00–1:15 p.m., learn about making culturally relevant connections. Planetary sci- Montgomery Ballroom entists attending LPSC are invited to this free workshop. For more information, please contact Christine Shupla ([email protected]).

Live from LPSC e public is invited to join this teleconference to hear about the hot topics and ongoing research presented at LPSC. We March 19, 5:00–6:00 p.m., Grogan’s Mill will be joined by planetary scientists who will share their thoughts about this year’s presentations and discussions and respond to questions.

Educator and Public Engagement Opportunities

Upcoming opportunities exist for educator and public engagement around the broader topics of NASA planetary exploration. Contact local astronomical societies, planetariums and museums, local scientists, and NASA’s Solar System Ambassadors (solarsystem.nasa.gov/ssa/directory.cfm). Ask them to join your events and share their experiences or resources with your audience.

Solar Orbiter Launches ESA’s Solar Orbiter rst opportunity to February 5, 2020 launch. Solar Orbiter seeks to solve the mysteries of the 11-year solar cycle and its impact on Earth and the rest of the solar system. Host a launch viewing or solar observing event to highlight the sun’s place in the solar system! www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/ Solar_Orbiter

Lyrids Meteor Shower e Lyrids Meteor Shower is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 atcher. e shower peaks April 22–23, 2020 this year on the night of April 22 and the morning of April 23. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky. Meteor showers provide a great opportunity to discuss comets with your audiences! www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/ meteor-shower-calendar/#Lyrids

th Apollo 50 Anniversary NASA continues to celebrate the Apollo missions and their contributions to the eld of planetary science into 2020. Find NASA events and resources at www.nasa.gov/specials/ apollo50th/.

Undergraduate and Graduate Student Opportunities

MSA Grant for Student Research in Mineralogy and Petrology

e Mineralogical Society of America o ers two grants of up to $5,000 each for research in mineralogy and petrology. Students, including undergraduates and graduates, are encour- aged to apply. All proposals are considered together. e award selection will be based on the quali cations of the applicant; the quality, innovativeness, and scienti c signi cance of the research; and the likelihood of success of the project. Applications are due 1 March 2020. For more information, visit www.minsocam.org/MSA/Awards/Min_Pet_Award.html.

Nominate a Scientist or Educator for an ASP Education Award

Nomination deadline for all awards is March 1, 2020.

Richard H. Emmons Award e Richard H. Emmons Award of the ASP is awarded annually to an individual demonstrating outstanding achievement in the teaching of college-level introductory astronomy for non-science majors. astrosociety.org/who-we-are/awards

Klumpke-Roberts Award e ASP bestows the annual Klumpke-Roberts Award on those who have made outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy. astrosociety.org/who-we-are/awards

Thomas J. Brennan Award e omas J. Brennan Award recognizes excellence in the teaching of astronomy at the high school level in North America. e recipients have demonstrated exceptional commitment to classroom or planetarium education, as well as the training of other teachers. astrosociety.org/who-we-are/awards

Nominate a Scientist or Educator for an AGU Education Award

e nomination cycle for 2020 AGU Union awards, medals, and prizes is now open until March 15.

AGU’s Spilhaus Award e Athelstan Spilhaus Award is given annually to one honoree, recognizing individual achievement in the enhancement of the public engagement with Earth and space sciences through conveying to the general public the excitement, signi cance, and beauty of the Earth and space sciences. www.agu.org/Honor-and-Recognize/Honors/Union-Awards/ Athelstan-Spilhaus-Award

Excellence in Earth and Space e Excellence in Geophysical Education Award (EGEA) is Science Education Award presented annually to acknowledge a sustained commitment to excellence in geophysical education by a team, individual, or group. Examples include educators who have had a major impact on geophysical education at any level (kindergarten through postgraduate); who have been outstanding teachers and trainers for a number of years; or who have made a long-lasting, positive impact on geophysical education through professional service. www.agu.org/Honor-and-Recognize/Honors/Union-Awards/ Excellence-in-Education-Award

Bruce F. Bohor 1932–2019

Geologist Bruce Bohor died on (USGS) in Lakewood, Colorado, in the he was awarded the Barringer Medal November 17, 2019. He was born Coal Resources Branch. at the Meteoritical Society meeting in May 4, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, to London, England, in 2011. Alexandria and Rudolph Bohor, both Bohor continued to be involved with of whom were teachers in the Chicago study and research in his eld with After his retirement from the Survey in school system. After graduating from funding from the USGS and NASA. 1995, Bohor continued as an emeritus Fenger High School, Bohor continued He de ned altered volcanic ash beds and volunteer at the USGS. During this his education, receiving his B.S. from (tonsteins) in the western U.S. and time he also did follow up to research Beloit College in Wisconsin where China. He established the presence of that he had co-investigated with a he was a member of the Sigma Chi detritus from the asteroid impact at the graduate student 40 years before by Fraternity and graduated Magma Cum Cretaceous/Tertiary (K/T) boundary investigating the occurrence of atta- Laude; his Master’s Degree from the 65 million years ago that caused the pulgite, a clay mineral used by both University of Indiana; and his Ph.D. extinction of the dinosaurs. He dis- ancient and present day Mayan potters from the University of Illinois. covered shocked and metamorphosed in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. He quartz grains occurring in the boundary authored or coauthored more than 100 As a geologist he began his career at clays-tones worldwide, which con rmed technical publications over his research Conoco in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in their impact origin. He also discovered career. For health reasons, Bohor dis- the Production Research Division. His several sites of the impact debris layers continued his active research and moved next career move was to Illinois State in the western U.S. and studied many to Green Valley, Arizona, as a full time Survey in the Clay Mineral Section other sites around the world. For his resident in 2010. and then to the U.S. Geological Survey exceptional achievement in meteoritics

— Portions of text courtesy of the Green Valley News

Breakthrough Prize Foundation Announces Student Winner of Fifth Annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Jeffery Chen, 17, receives top honors and $250,000 in educational prizes for original video bringing science concepts to life.

e Breakthrough Prize today Mesmerized by astronomy after visit- McDonald, Breakthrough and Nobel announced Jeery Chen, 17, of ing a planetarium in elementary school, Prize laureate for the discovery of neu- Burlingame, California, as the win- Jeery’s submission to the Breakthrough trino oscillations. “Well done, Jeery!” ner of the fth annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge explained the neu- Junior Challenge, a global sci- trino particle and its implications for is is the fth consecutive year in ence video competition designed astronomy – enabling astronomers to which students ages 13-18 were invited to inspire creative thinking about look at high energy cosmic events, gaze to create original videos (up to three fundamental concepts in the life at the core of stars, and even look at minutes in length) that illustrated a sciences, physics, and mathematics. the universe moments after it began. concept or theory in physics, the life sciences, and mathematics. e submis- Jeery, his teacher, and his school Jeery was recognized alongside some sions were evaluated with respect to the will share prizes worth a combined of the world’s top scientists and math- students’ abilities to communicate com- $400,000. Currently a senior at ematicians as they were awarded the plex scientic ideas in the most engaging, Burlingame High School, Jeery will world’s largest annual science prize, illuminating, and imaginative ways. receive a $250,000 college scholarship. the Breakthrough Prize. e cere- His science teacher, Heather Johnson, mony was broadcast live on National Breakthrough Junior Challenge who sparked Jeery’s interest in sci- Geographic in the United States. is a global initiative to develop ence, mentored him, and helped him and demonstrate young people’s launch an environmental science club, 2020 Breakthrough Prize Live knowledge of science and scientic will win a $50,000 prize. Additionally, Stream: Seeing the Invisible principles, generate excitement in his school will receive a state-of-the- these elds, support STEM career art science lab valued at $100,000. “I was very impressed with Jeery choices, and engage the imagination Chen’s grasp of the complex subject of and interest of the public-at-large in Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2019 || neutrino astronomy and also with the key concepts of fundamental science. Neutrino Astronomy: A New Frontier way in which he was able to describe it for a general audience,” said Art

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and safety, integrated aviation systems, has named Robert Pearce as the and the nurturing and development of next associate administrator for transformative concepts for aviation. the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Pearce replaces Prior to this appointment, Pearce Jaiwon Shin, who retired from the served as the deputy associate admin- agency on August 31, 2019. istrator for ARMD. He also has been ARMD’s director for strategy, archi- Pearce has served as the acting asso- tecture and analysis, and has held ciate administrator for ARMD since various strategic and program man- September 1, responsible for the agency’s agement positions within NASA. Robert Pearce Credit: NASA overall aeronautics research strategic direction, including research in advanced Pearce’s full biography is available online. air vehicle concepts, airspace operations

NASA Administrator Presents Medal to John Culberson

NASA honored John Culberson, former U.S. representative from Texas, with an agency Distinguished Public Service Medal. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine presented the award to Culberson at the 70th International Astronautical Conference in Washington.

Culberson served in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2019 representing Texas’ seventh congressional district in west Houston. He served 16 years on the House Appropriations Committee and four years as Chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which funds NASA, the National Science Foundation, and other science agencies. John Culberson, former U.S. representative from Texas, gives remarks after receiving a NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, NASA’s highest award for a non-NASA NASA’s Distinguished Public Service individual, presented by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine during the 70th International Astronautical Congress on Octber 25, 2019, in Washington. Credits: NASA/Bill Ingalls Medal is awarded to individuals not employed by the U.S. government for sustained performance that embod- my congressional colleagues for oceans of Europa, and help ensure ies multiple contributions on NASA their steadfast support to help me that an American spacecraft will be projects, programs, or initiatives. signicantly increase overall NASA the rst interstellar mission to travel funding, double Planetary Science to the nearest Earthlike planet.” “I am deeply grateful to Administrator funding, help ensure that it will be Bridenstine for this singular honor,” an American orbiter and lander that For more information about NASA and Culberson said. “I also want to thank are the rst to seek out life in the agency programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov

NASA Pays Tribute, Says Goodbye to One of Agency’s Great Observatories

NASA celebrated the far-reaching legacy physicist Farisa Morales, current of planets around stars other than our of the agency’s Spitzer Space Telescope – Mission Manager Joseph Hunt, and Sun). It con rmed two and discovered a mission that, after 16 years of amazing former Mission Manager Suzanne ve of the seven Earth-sized exoplan- discoveries, soon will come to an end. Dodd paid tribute to the mission. ets around the star TRAPPIST-1, the largest batch of terrestrial planets ever Spitzer’s Final Voyage (live public talk) One of NASA’s four Great Observatories, found around a single star. On January Spitzer launched on August 25, 2003 and 30, 2020, engineers will decommis- In a special live broadcast, which aired has studied the cosmos in infrared light. sion the Spitzer spacecraft and bring on January 22, featured experts such Its breathtaking images have revealed this amazing mission to a close. as NASA’s Director of Astrophysics the beauty of the infrared universe. Paul Hertz; and from the agency’s Jet For more information about Spitzer, Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL) Spitzer Spitzer made some of the rst studies visit: https://www.nasa.gov/spitzer. Project Scientist Mike Werner, astro- of exoplanet atmospheres (atmospheres

2019 Breakthrough of the Year and Runners-up

Each year, Science’s editors and writ- ers choose several runners-up and one Breakthrough of the Year. is year, the top honor went to the rst image of a black hole — the culmination of more than 10 years of work. ere were many other advances that were recognized.

Learn about the Breakthrough of the Year and nine runners-up in this video:

2019 Breakthrough of the Year

NASA Named Best Place to Work in Federal Government for 8th Straight Year

For the eighth consecutive year, NASA excellence of our workforce and their e Best Places to Work rankings are has been selected by the Partnership determination to maintain America’s based on responses from almost 883,000 for Public Service as the Best Place leadership in space exploration,” said employees at 490 federal agencies to Work in Government. e rank- NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. and subcomponents to the Oce of ings reect NASA’s unied focus and “roughout this year as I have visited Personnel Management’s annual Federal dedication to sending humans farther each of our centers, I have personally Employee Viewpoint Survey. is is into space than ever before and the witnessed their unparalleled commit- the 16th edition of the Best Places to agency’s highest employee satisfaction ment to accomplishing our mission. e Work rankings since the rst in 2003. results since this index was developed. daily devotion of our employees makes them well-deserving of this award. I For the complete list of rankings, visit: “NASA’s selection as the Best Place to am honored to lead such a dedicated https://bestplacestowork.org Work in Government for the eighth team. ey are what makes NASA the year in a row is a testament to the Best Place to Work in Government.”

NASA Selects Informal Learning Institutions to Engage Next Generation

NASA’s Teams Engaging Aliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) program has selected four informal education organizations to promote STEM learning and help inspire the next generation of explorers.

e projects provide students the opportunity to engage in NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach through science, technology, engineering, and math, and aim to reach populations that are historically underrepresented in STEM professions.

Approximately $3.5 million in total will be awarded through cooperative agreements, which provide more opportunities for interaction between recipients and NASA than the grants previously awarded through TEAM II.

e selected institutions and their projects are:

Bell Museum of Natural History Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh Science Museum and Planetarium, Minneapolis Blueprints to Blast O: Making of Minnesota, Saint Paul A Charge Forward: Activating the Our Way to the Moon to Mars Build a Mars Habitat Nation’s Planetariums to Excite – Survive and rive... the Public about Human Space Carnegie Institute will create dynamic Exploration of the Moon and Beyond programs for schools and muse- e Science Museum of Minnesota will ums where participants can act as provide a museum exhibit for visi- Bell Museum of Natural History will team members of NASA’s Artemis tors to construct their own imaginary provide a planetarium show and activity program by creating solutions to habitat for successful living on Mars. kit on long-duration spaceight with problems encountered in an imagi- the goal of reaching the hearing-im- nary space journey to the Moon. For more information on TEAM II, https:// paired community and participants informal.jpl.nasa.gov/museum/CP4SMP with disabilities. e show and activ- EcoExploratorio, Museo de ity kit will also highlight careers of Ciencias de Puerto Rico, San Juan such employees within NASA. Innovative Space Learning Activities (ISLA) Center

EcoExploratorio will provide STEM experiences around NASA’s Moon to Mars content to schools and community centers across Puerto Rico including a NASA Summer Exhibition and STEM Interactive Learning Center at Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping center in the Caribbean.

NASA Selects Minority-Serving Institutions to Advance Aerospace Manufacturing

e MUREP Aerospace High-Volume Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management: Workforce Alignment Management Cooperative will provide through Research and Training almost $1.5 million to fund curricu- lum-based learning, research, training, University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) internships, and apprenticeships at Southwest Alliance for Aerospace three institutions to meet the growing and Defense Manufacturing demand for expertise and techniques in and Talent Development high-volume aerospace manufacturing. Virginia State University During the next two years, these (VSU), Petersburg institutions will develop innovative Donor Materials Enabled High- Image credit: NASA opportunities for students to learn Volume Friction Welding of Blisks about designing and building aerospace e Minority University Research parts using high-volume manufac- To nd out more about the selected propos- and Education Project (MUREP) of turing practices, as well as supply als, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/ NASA’s Oce of STEM Engagement chain management of those parts. nasa-selects-minority-serving-institutions-to-ad- is partnering with the agency’s vance-aerospace-manufacturing Aeronautics Research Mission e selected institutions and Directorate to provide students at their proposals are: minority-serving institutions the education and experience needed to Tuskegee University (TU), Alabama help address manufacturing needs Impact of Additive Manufacturing in the U.S. aerospace sector. on Aerospace High-Volume

New Companies Join Growing Ranks of NASA Partners for Artemis Program

New Companies Join Growing Ranks of all sizes are joining the Artemis pro- Inc., Irvine, California NASA Partners for Artemis Program gram,” said NASA Administrator Jim e CLPS contracts are indenite-de- Bridenstine. “Expanding the group of livery/indenite-quantity contracts NASA has added ve American com- companies who are eligible to bid on with a combined maximum contract panies to the pool of vendors that will sending payloads to the Moon’s surface value of $2.6 billion through November be eligible to bid on proposals to provide drives innovation and reduces costs to 2028. e agency will look at a num- deliveries to the surface of the Moon NASA and American taxpayers. We ber of factors when comparing the through the agency’s Commercial Lunar anticipate opportunities to deliver a wide bids from all vendors, such as techni- Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. range of science and technology pay- cal feasibility, price and schedule. loads to help make our vision for lunar e additions, which increase the list of exploration a reality and advance our goal For more information on the delivery assign- CLPS participants on contract to 14, of sending humans to explore Mars.” ments to advance Artemis, visit: https://www. expand NASA’s work with U.S. industry nasa.gov/feature/rst-commercial-moon-de- to build a strong marketplace to deliver e selected companies are: livery-assignments-to-advance-artemis payloads between Earth and the Moon and broaden the network of partnerships • Blue Origin, Kent, Washington For more information about CLPS, that will enable the rst woman and next • Ceres Robotics, Palo Alto, California visit: https://www.nasa.gov/clps man to set foot on the Moon by 2024 as • Sierra Nevada Corporation, part of the agency’s Artemis program. Louisville, Colorado • SpaceX, Hawthorne, California “American aerospace companies of • Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems

NASA’s Planetary Protection Review Addresses Changing Reality of Space Exploration

NASA released a report with rec- the NASA Advisory Council. the PPIRB to conduct a thorough ommendations from the Planetary With NASA, international, and review of the agency’s policies. Protection Independent Review Board commercial entities planning bold Planetary protection establishes guide- (PPIRB) the agency established in missions to explore our solar sys- lines for missions to other solar system response to a recent National Academies tem and return samples to Earth, the bodies so they are not harmfully contam- of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine context for planetary protection is inated for scientic purposes by Earth report and a recommendation from rapidly changing. NASA established biology, and Earth, in turn, is protected

The bit carousel, which lies at the heart of Sample Caching System of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, is attached to the front end of the rover in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility’s High Bay 1 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The carousel contains all of the tools the coring drill uses to sample the Martian surface and is the gateway for the samples to move into the rover for assessment and processing. Credits: NASA

from harmful contamination from space. 43 recommendations from the PPIRB, national and commercial partners to which was chaired by planetary scientist help build a new chapter for conduct- e board’s report assesses a rap- Alan Stern of the Southwest Research ing planetary missions and planetary idly changing environment where Institute to address future NASA protection policies and procedures. more samples from other solar sys- missions and proposed missions by tem bodies will be returned to Earth. other nations and the private sector that For more information about planetary Commercial and international entities include Mars sample return, robotic mis- protection, visit: https://sma.nasa.gov/ are discussing new kinds of solar system sions to other bodies, eventual human sma-disciplines/planetary-protection missions, and NASA’s Artemis pro- missions to Mars, and the exploration of gram is planning human missions to ocean worlds in the outer solar system. the Moon and eventually to Mars. NASA plans to begin a dialogue about recommendation from the PPIRB e report discusses 34 ndings and report with stakeholders and inter-

EVOLVING THEORIES ON THE ORIGIN OF THE MOON By Warren D. Cummings Springer, 2019, 311 pp., Hardcover. $110.00. www.springer.com

is book follows the development of research on the origin of the Moon from the late 18th century to the present. By gathering together the major texts, papers, and events of the time, it provides a thorough chronicle of the paradigmatic shift in planetary science that arose from the notion that the Earth-Moon system was formed from two colliding planetary bodies. e book covers pre-Apollo ideas, the conceptual evolution during and subsequent to the Apollo explo- rations of the Moon, and the development of the Earth-Moon system consensus. A plethora of excerpts from key publications are included to demonstrate the shift in scientic focus over the centuries. rough its comprehensive review of lunar science research and literature, this book shows how new technologies and discoveries catalyzed the community and revolutionized our understanding of the Moon’s formation. Author Warren D. Cummings was the Chief Operating Ocer for the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) for thirty years and is currently USRA’s Senior Advisor and Historian. HOST STARS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES: An Introductory Overview By Jeffrey Linsky Springer, 2019, 273 pp., Paperback. $79.99. www.springer.com

Like planets in our solar system, exoplanets form, evolve, and interact with their host stars in many ways. As exoplanets acquire material and grow to the nal size, their atmospheres are subjected to intense UV and X-radiation and high-energy particle bombardment from the young host star. Whether a planet can retain its atmosphere and the conditions for signicant mass loss both depend upon the strength of the host star’s high-energy radiation and wind, the distance of the exoplanet from its host star, the gravitational potential of the exoplanet, and the initial chemical composition of the exoplanet atmosphere. is introductory overview describes the physical processes responsible for the emission of radiation and acceleration of winds of host stars that together control the environment of an exoplanet, focusing on topics that are critically important for understanding exoplanetary atmospheres but are usually not posed from the perspective of host stars. is text is primarily for researchers and graduate students who are studying exoplanet atmospheres and habitability, but who may not have a background in the physics and phenomenology of host stars that provide the environment in which exoplanets evolve. It provides a comprehensive overview of this broad topic rather than going deeply into many technical aspects but includes a large list of references to guide those interested in pursuing these questions. Nonspecialists with a scientic background should also nd this text a valuable resource for understanding the critical issues of contemporary exoplanet research.

Note: Product descriptions are taken from publishers’ websites. LPI is not responsible for factual content. 38 Issue 159 January 2020 © Copyright 2020 Lunar and Planetary Insitute NEW AND NOTEWORTHY THE DELIVERY OF WATER TO PROTOPLANETS, PLANETS AND SATELLITES Edited by A. Morbidelli, M. Blanc, Y. Alibert, L. Elkins-Tanton, P. Estrada, K. Hamano, H. Lammer, S. Raymond, and M. Schönbächler Springer, 2019, 450 pp., Hardcover. $159.99. www.springer.com

Liquid water is essential for the emergence of life, at least as we know it on Earth. Written by recognized experts in the eld, this volume provides a complete inventory of water throughout the solar system and a comprehensive overview of the evolution of water from the interstellar medium to the nal planetesimals and planets. rough a series of up-to-date review papers, the book describes how water inuences the geophysical evolutions of bodies and how it is in turn aected by such evolutions. Processes like atmospheric escape under the eect of stellar irradiation and collisional impacts are discussed in detail, with specic emphasis on the consequences for the budgets of water and volatile elements in general. Specic papers on the emergence of life on Earth and the prospects of habitability on extrasolar planets are included. e papers take an interdisci- plinary approach to habitability, addressing it from the perspectives of astronomy, planetary science, geochemistry, geophysics, and biology. Comprehensive yet easy to read, this volume serves as an invaluable resource to scholarly, professional, and general audiences alike. THE WORLD AT NIGHT: Spectacular Photographs of the Night Sky By Babak Tafreshi White Lion Publishing, 2019, 240 pp., Hardcover. $45.00. www.quartoknows.com

See the full beauty of our night sky revealed as never before in over 200 photographs from around the world. Bringing together the images of over 40 photographers across 25 countries, be astounded by the lights of the night sky in some of the darkest places on Earth; discover the beauty of galaxies, planets, and stars; view great celestial events; and see some of the world’s most important landmarks against the backdrop of an incredible nightscape. Author Babak Tafreshi, founder of the international organization The World at Night, has curated the images in this collection — many of them previously unseen — to reveal the true splendor of the sky at night. This specialist guide to night-sky photography will help you capture your own gorgeous images of the heavens. Commentary on the science, astronomy, and photography accompany stunning images organized by theme: symbols of all nations and religions embraced by one sky of endless beauties; UNESCO World Heritage Sites at night; the universe revealed through constellations, sky motions, atmospheric phenomenon, auroras, and other wonders; images highlighting the beauty of dark skies away from light-polluted urban areas; celestial events, from great comets to spectacular eclipses; and astro-tourism destinations, like ancient astronomical monuments and modern observatories. ADVANCES IN IMAGING AND ELECTRON PHYSICS Edited by Peter W. Hawkes Elsevier, 2019, 376 pp., Hardcover. $245.00. www.elsevier.com

Advances in Imaging and Electron Physics merges two long-running serials, Advances in Electronics and Electron Physics and Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy. e series features extended articles on the physics of electron devices (especially semiconductor devices), particle optics at high and low energies, microlithography, image science, digital image processing, electro- magnetic wave propagation, electron microscopy, and the computing methods used in all these domains. Sections in this new release cover electron energy loss spectroscopy at high energy losses, examination of two-dimensional hexagonal band structure from a nanoscale perspective for use in electronic transport devices, and more. is title is of interest to physicists, electrical engineers, and applied mathematicians in all branches of image processing and microscopy, as well as electron physics in general. Note: Product descriptions are taken from publishers’ websites. LPI is not responsible for factual content. 39 Issue 159 January 2020 © Copyright 2020 Lunar and Planetary Insitute NEW AND NOTEWORTHY HEAT TRANSPORT AND ENERGETICS OF THE EARTH AND ROCKY PLANETS By Anne Hofmeister Elsevier, 2019, 366 pp., Paperback, $115.00. www.elsevier.com

Heat Transport and Energetics of the Earth and Rocky Planets provides a better understanding of the interior of Earth by addressing the processes related to the motion of heat in large bodies. By addressing issues such as the e ect of self-gravitation on the thermal state of Earth, the e ect of length-scales on heat transport, important observations of Earth, and a comparison to the behavior of other rocky bodies, readers will nd clearly delineated discussions on the thermal state and evolution of our planet. Using a combination of fundamentals, new developments, and scienti c and mathematical principles, the book summarizes the state of the art. is timely reference is an important resource for geophysicists, planetary scientists, geologists, geochemists, and seismologists to gain a better understanding of the interior, formation, and evolution of planetary bodies. SPACE EXPLORATION: A History in 100 Objects By Sten Odenwald Workman Publishing, 2019, 224 pp., Hardcover. $25.00. www.innovatoys.com/space

is is no ordinary space book. Within the pages of this eclectic pop-history, scientist and educator Sten Odenwald examines 100 objects that forever altered what we know and how we think about the cosmos. From Sputnik to Skylab and Galileo’s telescope to the Curiosity rover, some objects are iconic and some obscure — but all are incredibly important. e objects include the Nebra sky disk (1600 BCE) that features the rst realistic depiction of the Sun, Moon, and stars; the Lunar Laser Ranging Retrore ector that in 1969 showed us how far we are from the Moon; the humble, rubber O-ring that doomed the space shuttle Challenger; and the Event Horizon Telescope that gave us our rst glimpse of a black hole in 2019. is book showcases the tools and technologies that have altered the course of space history. METAL EARTH SPACE 3D METAL MODEL KITS Produced by Metal Earth Various models with prices from $6.95 to $16.95. www.innovatoys.com/space

Metal Earth metal model kits come unassembled, packed in an envelope with easy to follow instructions. Parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets, and no glue or solder is needed. Pop out the pieces and connect using tabs and holes. Kits include illustrated instructions. Tweezers are recommended for bending and twisting the connection tabs. Models of the InSight Mars Lander, the Hubble Telescope, the Apollo Lunar Rover, the Kepler spacecraft, and many more are available. Collect and build them all. For ages 14 and up. THE BOOK OF FLYING MACHINES By Neil Clark QEB Publishing, 2019, 24 pp., Hardcover. $14.95. www.quartoknows.com

Cogz the Robot Dog and his mice sidekicks, Nutty and Bolt, are up in the sky, looking at di erent ying machines. But how do they work? Discover all about forces, learn about wings, nd out about the fastest planes in the world, and much more! Covering key STEM themes of engineering, physics, and inventions, and with a fun quiz to test your knowledge, this book will get children engaged and hands-on with learning. e books covers helicopters, airplanes, jet engines, ghter jets, hot air balloons, jumbo jets, drones, and jet packs. Bite-sized text and colorful, informative illustrations introduce the transport topics in a simple, engaging way for young readers with a passion for machines. For ages 5 to 7.

EXPERIMENT WITH HYDROPHOBIC SAND SCIENCE KIT Produced by Surprise Ride $24.95. www.surpriseride.com

Send your imagination on a mission to Mars! For as long as we’ve been gazing at the Red Planet through our telescopes, humans have been imagining and wondering just what visiting Mars would really be like. With this kit, kids can pretend they’re on a mission to Mars as they experiment with the out-of-this-world properties of hydrophobic sand. e kit comes with a book that is packed with amazing martian facts, pro les of famous astronauts and cosmo- nauts, plus plenty of planetary jokes to share with friends. ere’s even a little green martian to befriend! Send your young space cadet’s imagination rocketing into orbit with this kit. It encourages exploration, experimentation, and an interest in space, geology, and astronomy, and provides a fascinating adventure for future astronomers. is kit includes all required supplies plus a custom book, bendable martian gurine, parent guide, and kid-friendly learning materials. For ages 5 to 10.

NEVER STOP WONDERING By Emily Morgan National Science Teachers Association, 2019, 32 pp., Hardcover. $18.95. www.nsta.org/store

is colorful book celebrates our sense of wonder and shows how curiosity is key to cracking the mysteries of the universe. Packed with lively rhymes and fun illustrations, Never Stop Wondering demonstrates how the need to know can lead to great scienti c discoveries. And the activities at the end of the book will prompt readers to do exactly what scientists do: study their surroundings, come up with questions, test ideas, and then question some more. Ready, set, wonder! For ages 5 to 9.

PLAYFUL PLANETS CLASSIC CARD GAMES Produced by Playful Planets $14.95. Available on Amazon.com

is set of ten classic kids’ card games has a planetary twist. Playful Planets has turned card games like Old Maid ( e Lonely Astronaut), Go Fish (Fly to the Sky!), and Slap Jack (Slap Jupiter) into fun educational games that teach kids about our solar system. Did you know that kids tend to retain more information when they are having fun learning? Discovering the secrets of the sky has never been more fun! ese ten card games teach kids fun facts about our planets, galaxies, Sun, the Moon, and astronauts. e set packs into one small box that ts easily into a purse, backpack, travel bag, even a back pocket. Playful Planet is a fun way to develop critical skills like pairing, matching, and memory retention while encouraging healthy competition, cooperation, creativity, imagination, and con dence. For ages 5 and up.

February

Tackling the Complexities of Substellar Objects: From Brown Dwarfs to (Exo-)Planets February 10–14 Leiden, Netherlands https://lorentzcenter.nl/lc/web/2020/1193/info.php3?wsid=1193&venue=Oort

The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Exploration Februar y 11–13 Houston, Texas https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lunardust2020/

3rd International Planetary Caves Conference February 18–21 San Antonio, Texas https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/3rdcaves2020/

PERC International Symposium on Dust and Parent Bodies (IDP2020) February 25–27 Tokyo, Japan http://www.perc.it-chiba.ac.jp/meetings/IDP2020/

8th Virtual MEPAG Meeting (VM8) February 28 Virtual https://jpl.webex.com/jpl/j.php?MTID=m4938f1c9b2c74d9923980c97e0eafa20

March

Next Generation Suborbital Researchers Conference (NSRC-2020) March 2–4 Broomfield, Colorado http://nsrc.swri.org

Ground and Space Observatories: A Joint Venture to Planetary Sciences (PLANETS2020) March 2–6 Santiago, Chile https://conference.almaobservatory.org/planets2020

36th International Geological Congress (IGC) March 2–8 New Delhi, India https://www.36igc.org/

51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference March 16–20 The Woodlands, Texas https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2020/

Astronomy from the Moon: The Next Decades March 18–19 London, United Kingdom https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2020/03/astronomy-moon/

2020 International Conference and Exhibition on Catalysis and Chemical Science March 26–27 Madrid, Spain https://researchlake.com/conferences/catalysis/

Thermal Infrared Astronomy-Past, Present and Future March 30 – April 3 Garching, Germany https://www.eso.org/sci/meetings/2020/IR2020.html

16th Spacecraft Charging and Technology Conference March 30 – April 3 Cocoa Beach, Florida https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/sctc2020/

Preventing Harassment in Science: Building a Community of Practice Toward Meaningful Change (#PreventScienceHarassment2020) March 31 – April 2 Phoenix, Arizona https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/anti-harassment2020/

April

Titan Through Time Workshop V April 14–16 https://titanthroughtime.org/

European Conference on Laboratory Astrophysics ECLA 2020: Linking Dust, Ice and Gas in Space April 19–24 Anacapri, Capri Island, Italy http://frcongressi.net/ecla2020.meet

Hera Workshop April 20–22 Nice, France https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/hera-community-workshop

The Sharpest Eyes on the Skies April 20–24 Exeter, United Kingdom http://sites.exeter.ac.uk/sharpesteyes2020/

Apophis T-9 Years: Knowledge Opportunities for the Science of Planetary Defense April 23–24 Nice, France https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/apophis2020/

Lunar Surface Science Workshop April 28–30 Denver, Colorado Area https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lunarsurface2020/

In Situ Science and Instrumentation Workshop for the Exploration of Europa and Ocean Worlds April 28–30 Pasadena, California https://www.europa-insitu.caltech.edu/

May

Atmospheres and Exospheres of Terrestrial Planets, Satellites, and Exoplanets May 3–8 Vienna, Austria https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2020/abstractsubmission/36525

Planet Mars V May 3–8 Les Houches, France https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/planet-mars-5/home

Women in Space Conference May 6–8 Saint-Hubert, Quebec https://www.womeninspacecon.com/

17th AIP Thinkshop on Protoplanetary Disk Chemodynamics May 11–15 Potsdam, Germany https://thinkshop.aip.de/17

8th European Lunar Symposium May 12–14 Padua, Italy https://els2020.arc.nasa.gov/

Sixth International Planetary Dunes Workshop May 12–15 Alamosa, Colorado https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/dunes2020/

Workshop on Observatory for the Outer Heliosphere, Heliosheath, and Interstellar Space May 21–22 Boulder, Colorado http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/mop/resources/hosted-meetings/outer-heliosphere-workshop/

June

Towards Other Earths III: From Solar System to Exoplanets June 1–5 Lamego, Portugal http://www.iastro.pt/toe3/

Planet Formation: From Dust Coagulation to Final Orbit Assembly June 1–26 Garching, Germany http://www.munich-iapp.de/planetformation

Mercury: Current and Future Science of the Innermost Planet June 2–4 Orléans, France https://mercury2020.ias.u-psud.fr/main_1st.php

7th Mars Atmosphere Modelling and Observations Conference June 8–11 Paris, France http://www-mars.lmd.jussieu.fr/paris2020/

Asteroids, Comets, Meteors Conference June 14–19 Flagstaff, Arizona https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/acm2020/

2020 Annual Meeting of Planetary Geologic Mappers June 16–18 Denver, Colorado https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/pgm2020/

European Astronomical Society Annual Meeting June 29 – July 3 Leiden, the Netherlands https://eas.unige.ch//EAS_meeting/

Exoplanets III July 27–31 Heidelberg, Germany https://hdconfsys.zah.uni-heidelberg.de/exoplanets3/index.php

August

11th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting August 5–7 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/crater2020/

83rd Annual Meeting of The Meteoritical Society August 9–14 Glasgow, Scotland https://www.metsoc2020.com/

43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly August 15–23 Sydney, Australia https://www.cospar-assembly.org

September

Planetary Science: The Young Solar System September 6–12 Quy Nhon, Vietnam https://www.icisequynhon.com/conferences/2020/planetary_science

Europlanet Science Congress September 27 – October 2 Granada, Spain https://www.epsc2020.eu/

From Clouds to Planets II: The Astrochemical Link September 28 – October 2 Berlin, Germany https://events.mpe.mpg.de/event/12/

October

Martian Geological Enigmas: From the Late Noachian Epoch to the Present Day (#marsenigmas2020) October 5–8 Houston, Texas https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/martianenigmas2020/

GSA Annual Meeting October 25–28 Montreal, Quebec, Canada https://community.geosociety.org/gsa2020/home

52nd Meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society October 25-30 Spokane, Washington https://dps.aas.org/meetings/current

November

Magnetism and Accretion November 16–20 Cape Town, South Africa http://ma2020.saao.ac.za/

5th International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions 2020 November 18–20 Tokyo, Japan https://www2.rikkyo.ac.jp/web/ipm2020/

December

AGU Fall Meeting December 7–11 San Francisco, California https://www.agu.org/