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Time Magazine Names MESSENGER One of the Best Inventions of 2009 Published: November 17, 2009 The MESSENGER spacecraft has been named one of Time magazine’s best 50 inventions of 2009. The NASA probe, built by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Md., came in at number 11. Onboard MESSENGER is the AOSS/SPRL built instrument, FIPS (Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer) which is part of the Engergetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer (EPPS). AOSS Faculty Thomas Zurbuchen is a Principal Investigator on the project. For more information on FIPS, visit the The Solar and Heliospheric Research Group's MESSENGER/FIPS website. For MESSENGER mission details, visit MESSENGER Mission @ JHUAPL.
U-M "Observer Organization" for UN Climate Change Conference Published: October 28, 2009 The University of Michigan has been granted "Observer Organization" status for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen December 7-18, 2009. As part of this official designation, a select group of U-M faculty, alumni, and students will be admitted to observe the sessions of the COP15 Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. (Sessions are not open to the public.) "This is one of the most important meetings in climate change and climate-change policy," says AOSS Prof. Richard B. Rood, who will be leading the U-M delegation to the global event, "and this is the first time the University of Michigan has had observer status." Please watch as news about the U-M Delegation to the COP15 Conference unfolds.
UofM's MRacing Team and Car to Appear on TV this Saturday Published: October 9, 2009 The University of Michigan Formula One SAE racing team, called MRacing, will be interviewed by Michigan AOSS alum Andrew Humphrey, CBM and their Formula One race car will be shown live on Local 4 News Morning tomorrow (Saturday). Here are the details: WHAT: MRacing Team and car to appear on live television, to be interviewed by Michigan AOSS Alum and Meteorologist and Reporter Andrew Humphrey WHEN: Between 6am and 8am, Saturday, October 10, 2009 WHERE: On Television, WDIV-TV Channel 4.1, Detroit Area Worldwide Livestreaming Online, http://bit.ly/13uvAb
Michigan Students and Alumni to be Highlighted on Television this Weekend Published: October 9, 2009 This Sunday morning Michigan AOSS Alum, Meteorologist and Reporter Andrew Humphrey will show pictures of University of Michigan students and alumni who received awards from the UofM African American Alumni Council. Here are the details: WHAT: Michigan Students and Alumni Featured By Michigan AOSS Alum, Meteorologist and Reporter Andrew Humphrey on WDIV-TV Local 4 WHEN: 6am - 9am, Sunday, October 11, 2009 WHERE: On Television, WDIV-TV Channel 4.1, Detroit Area Worldwide Livestreaming Online, http://bit.ly/13uvAb
Summer/Fall Daily Planet available online Published: September 16, 2009 The latest AOSS news is in the Summer/Fall issue of the Daily Planet. Some of the articles in this issue include: Michigan tops OSU in bomb-detection competition Alumni makes it 3—for—3 First direct evidence of lightning on Mars detected
Research Scientist Position Published: September 9, 2009 Job Title Assistant Research Scientist Job Duties Conduct model development, model usage, and data analysis of planetary upper atmospheres. Use numerical tools to understand and interpret observations of the upper atmospheres of planets. Assist with other research projects. Rate of Pay $70,000/year Position Requirements Ph.D. in Space Physics or related field + 2 years of post-Ph.D. experience to include planetary science, specifically numerical modeling of escape from planetary atmospheres. Ad Language Assistant Research Scientist for University of Michigan to conduct model devpmt/usage, data analysis of planetary upper atmospheres. Requires Ph.D. in Space Physics or related field + 2 yrs. post-Ph.D. exp. to inc. planetary science, specifically numerical modeling of escape from planetary atmospheres. Resume by mail: Susan Griffin, U-M Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Space Sciences, 2455 Hayward, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143.
Three Faculty Positions Open in Geological Sciences Published: September 8, 2009 The Department of Geological Sciences is searching for three assistant professors with expertise in climate change: Glaciology/Quaternary Geology, Climate Change Impacts, and Climatology/Oceanography. The three positions will work closely with AOSS atmospheric science faculty members Please click on this link for the postings: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/geo/positions/faculty
Greater need for meterologists and climatologists Published: September 2, 2009 Peter Monaghan discusses "what's happening" and "what's next" in meteorology and climatology. The fields are growing, especially in the private sector.
Follow the AOSS softball team! Published: July 31, 2009 Now in it's 6th season, the AOSS RedZeppelin softball team is off to its best season yet. Check out the team, the stats, the Hall of Fame and Webgems at: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/redzeppelin1/home
Spacecraft Ulysses' 18-year mission ends—AOSS involved from beginning Published: July 6, 2009 The joint NASA/European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft Ulysses has sent its last transmission to Earth after 18 years orbiting the sun. The mission was originally scheduled to last just five years. Read the ESA press release. Read a story in Discover magazine. Ulysses studied space weather and the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that fills the entire solar system. The information it provided helps scientists understand how the solar system interacts with intergalactic space. Read an ESA summary of Ulysses' legacy. Many AOSS faculty members, researchers and students have been involved in this mission, including research professor George Gloeckler; Thomas M. Donahue Distinguished University Professor Lennard Fisk; professor Thomas Zurbuchen; and assistant research scientist Susan Lepri, all members of the U-M Solar and Heliospheric Research Group. Gloeckler and others built the Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer (SWICS), an instrument aboard Ulysses designed to determine the elemental and ionic-charge composition, temperatures and mean speeds of all major solar-wind ions. "Ulysses has transformed our understanding of space," Zurbuchen said. "Its polar vantage point has provided unique and breakthrough insights into our understanding of the solar wind and its source, the solar atmosphere." The craft measured the cosmic interacion of the solar system with the Milky Way galaxy. It measured the inflowing gases and stellar dusts, as well as the high-energy radiation that is formed in this interaction. Most of these measurements were true firsts, Zurbuchen says. "Never before and not again in the near future will we have such a unique opportunity to view the three-dimensional nature of the heliosphere," Lepri said. "Ulysses played a monumental role in helping us understand the global nature of solar phenomena and the Sun's impact on our world."
Zurbuchen One of Three New MESSENGER Co-Investigators Published: June 26, 2009 AOSS Professor Thomas Zurbuchen has been appointed one of three new MESSENGER Co-Investigators by NASA Science Mission Directorate Associate Administrator Edward Weiler. Zurbuchen, is the Instrument Scientist for the Energetic Particle and Plasma Spectrometer. As a Co-Investigator, he will provide scientific direction to the operation of the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS) sensor in orbit, including calibration, data validation, science product generation, and coordination with the operation of and data returned from other instruments sensitive to the exosphere and magnetosphere. He will also lead aspects of the science analysis of data from FIPS and other instruments in understanding Mercury's charged particle environment, particularly the analysis of the distribution of plasma ions in Mercury's vicinity and the implications of their energies and compositions for magnetosphere-solar wind interaction at Mercury. “MESSENGER is one of the most important things I am working on and has accompanied me and my team for over 10 years,” Zurbuchen says. “We look forward to the next 10 years of science data and breakthroughs that will come from MESSENGER, and particularly from the Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer.”
Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences / Space Physics Research Laboratory: 1837 — 2003 Published: June 23, 2009 Did you know that in 1854 the first engineering faculty member purchased U-M’s original meteorological instruments? Did you know that engineering was part of LS&A until 1895? These are just a couple of the interesting historical facts about AOSS and SPRL that you’ll find in, “Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences / Space Physics Research Laboratory: 1837 — 2003”. This mini-history of AOSS and SPRL contains some little known facts in addition to well-known information.
Michigan tops OSU in bomb-detection competition Published: June 10, 2009 U-M students have found yet another way to manifest their rivalry with Ohio State: bomb detection. A team of U-M students, with team advisors AOSS Professor Nilton Renno and Space Physics Research Laboratory Lead Research Engineer Bruce Block, recently won an Air Force-sponsored contest in which they had to find simulated improvised explosive devices in a crowded public square. AOSS students Steve Boland and Ashwin Lalendran were part of the seven-member team. Suicide bombers carrying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) scatter through a crowded town square. Using technology and engineering principles, you must determine where they are hidden. That was the problem posed to undergraduate engineering students competing June 2-3 against counterparts from The Ohio State University in the inaugural Scarlet and Blue Design Challenge 2009. The competition was sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and presented at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. For the full story, written by Kevin Brown for the U-M Record Update, visit: http://www.ur.umich.edu/0809/Jun08_09/31.php
Electric Activity on Mars Reignites Challenging Discussion Published: June 8, 2009 Thirty years ago, with soil measurements from the Viking landers, the possibility that martian dust storms might be electrically active like Earth’s thunderstorms and thus, might be a source of reactive chemistry, was discussed and considered among planetary scientists. But the hypothesis was untestable. In 2006, using theoretical modeling, laboratory experiments and field studies on Earth, a group of planetary scientists suggested that, while oxidizing chemicals could be produced by martian dust storms, there was no direct evidence that lightning occurred during these events. However, a new study, the results of which will be published in an upcoming issue of the AGU journal Geophysical Research Letters, by University of Michigan faculty members Chris Ruf and Nilton Renno, along with recently graduated student Jasper Kok, Etienne Bandelier, lead research engineer Steve Gross, and their two JPL collaborators, may have turned the thinking back thirty years. The study found direct evidence that “non-thermal microwave radiation” was emitted by powerful electric discharges in a martian dust storm. “What we saw on Mars was a series of huge and sudden electrical discharges caused by a large dust storm,” said Chris Ruf. “On Earth this is sometimes called “dry lightning” because there is no rain associated with it. Clearly, there was no rain associated with the electrical discharges on Mars. However, the implied possibilities are exciting.” The findings are based on observations made using an innovative microwave detector developed at the U-M Space Physics Research Laboratory. The kurtosis detector, which is capable of differentiating between thermal and non-thermal radiation, took measurements of microwave emissions from Mars for approximately 5 hours/day for 12 days between May 22 and June 16, 2006. In the data collected on June 8, both an unusual pattern of non-thermal radiation and an intense Martian dust storm occurred, the only time that non-thermal radiation was detected. The data was reviewed as to the strength, duration and frequency of the non-thermal activity as well as the possibility of other sources. But each test led to the conclusion that the dust storm was probably the cause of the “dry lightning.” “Electric activity in martian dust storms has important implications for Mars science,” said Nilton Renno. “It affects atmospheric chemistry, habitability and preparations for human exploration. It might even have implications for the origin of life, as suggested by the Miller/Urey experiments in the 1950s.” Related links: “The Emission of Non-Thermal Microwave Radiation by a Martian Dust Storm” (PDF File) Christopher Ruf Nilton Renno Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL)
Spring Daily Planet Now Online Published: May 19, 2009 The latest AOSS news is in the Spring issue of the Daily Planet. Some of the articles in this issue include: Liquid Water on Mars? Students send Obama letter on climate change AOSS faculty receive high honors
Congratulations to the 2009 Weather Dance Winners! Published: May 14, 2009 Our grand prize winner is Monty Grover from Plainfield, IN. Congratulations to our other winners: Ellen Stibler Ossining NY Chris Jacobson Ossining NY Jonathan J. Rutz Wichita Falls TX Julie Gaddy New Market MD Michael Markisello Dayton VA Eric Puravs Ann Arbor MI Gary Pinkall Great Bend KS Angela Zalucha Cambridge MA Elizabeth Maroon Ballwin MO John O'Keefe Petersham MA Diana Duckworth Forest VA Mary Gasch St. Peters MO Todd Karaxim East Lansing MI Caroline Morel Battle Creek MI Eric Puravs Ann Arbor MI Anonymous San Diego CA Alessandro Gasparro Hamden CT Harry L. Jenter Sterling VA Christopher Johnson Chalmette LA Sean P. Luchs Norman OK Will MacDonald Brighton MI Sandra Schultz Detroit MI Cush Copeland Sanford FL Jack Geisel Palmyra NJ Charlene Golden Acton MA Jimmy Hazelwood Hudson NC Brad Kolano Clarkston MI Debbie Nyvall Pendleton SC Lauren Clemniak Sterling Hts MI Pamela Croydon Ann Arbor MI Tanya Gordon Boise ID
AOSS Tornado Camp Students Take Part in Vortex2 Published: May 11, 2009 VORTEX2, sponsored by NOAA and NSF, is the largest and most ambitious effort ever made to understand tornadoes. More than 100 scientists and crew in up to 40 science and support vehicles are participating in this unique, fully nomadic, field program in May/June 2009-2010. You can follow their progress at: http://www.wunderground.com/blog/Vortex2/. The Weather Underground sponsors the Michigan team’s blog. Pictured from left are: Alex Montgomery, Joe Merchant, Erin Kashawlic, Brad Charboneau, Mike Texter, AOSS Assoc. Chair Perry Samson, and Adam Davis. More information about Vortex2 can be found at: http://www.vortex2.org/home.
Perry Samson Awarded Teaching Innovation Prize Published: April 28, 2009 Congratulations to Perry Samson, Arthur Thurnau Professor of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences in the College of Engineering, for being selected as one of five winners of the new U-M Teaching Innovation Prize. Professor Samson is recognized both for his web-based alternative to clickers (http://www.lecturetools.org) and his design for interactive on-line textbooks (http://www.xamprep.com). Students comments: “I completely forgot that I was in a large lecture. I felt like everyone interacted with each other and I could see what others were thinking through LectureTools.” “I rarely encounter a student who completes all of their assigned reading. However, in Professor Samson’s class, students do.” “Each of us finds ourselves wishing we had LectureTools andXamPREP in other courses. We would love to be able to jot notes next to the images our Art History professor flies through or read our 500 page chemistry books on our laptops, instead of killing trees and our backs.” Offered for the first time in 2009 by the Office of the Provost, CRLT, and the University Library, the TIP award is designed to recognize faculty who have developed innovative approaches to teaching that incorporate creative pedagogies, new ways to engage students in the learning process, and new approaches to student collaboration.
Weather Dance Game Attracts TV5 to UM Campus Published: March 23, 2009 TV5's Chris Glonginger visited the UM campus recently to find out all about the buzz around our own Perry Sampson's annual Weather Dance game. The Weather Dance game is based on the Final Four March Madness basketball tournament but round winners are based on the temperature of game cities. The game gives players a chance to predict the weather and see if they can beat their local meterologist. Watch the video \| Go to game website
Blobs in Photos of Mars Lander Stir a Debate: Are They Water? Published: March 17, 2009 Several photographs taken by NASA’s Phoenix Mars spacecraft show what look like water droplets clinging to one of its landing struts. Some of the scientists working on the mission are asserting that that is exactly what they were. They contend that there are pockets of liquid water just under the Martian surface even though the temperatures in the northern plains never warmed above minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit during the six months of Phoenix’s operations last year. The scientists believe that salts may have lowered the freezing temperature of the Martian water droplets to perhaps minus 90 degrees, or more than 120 degrees colder than the usual freezing temperature of 32 degrees for pure water. Nilton O. Renno, a professor of atmospheric, oceanic and space sciences at the University of Michigan who proposed the hypothesis, was careful to say, “This is not a proof, but the evidence is overwhelming. It’s not circumstantial evidence.” Read more
USRA Calls Attention to the Impact of Export Controls on Space Research and the Need for University-Class Missions That Allow Hands-On Training Published: March 13, 2009 Dr. Thomas H. Zurbuchen, Professor of Space Science and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan and Vice Chair of the Universities Space Research Association's (USRA) 102 member Council of Institutions, in testimony delivered during a recent Capitol Hill hearing organized by the Aerospace States Association (ASA), urged action on two pressing issues affecting space-related research at US universities and our nation's ability to remain a leader in space. Read more
Students' Medical Data Logger Enables National Clinical Drug Trial Published: February 10, 2009 Six engineering students have invented an electronic data logger kit that makes it easier for medical researchers to conduct clinical drug trials in ambulances. Medical researchers chose the students' prototype over a design from an engineering firm. Their solution was the most elegant, said Dr. Robert Silbergleit, principal investigator on this RAMPART study and associate professor of emergency medicine at the Medical School. RAMPART stands for Rapid Anticonvulsant Medication Prior to ARrival Trial. To read more, click here.
U-M Scientist to Create Global Maps of CO2 Using Orbiting Carbon Observatory Data Published: February 2, 2009 The first global maps of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels based on data from NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory will be created by AOSS assistant professor Anna Michalak and her colleagues. The team will use sophisticated mathematical techniques to fill information gaps between the satellite’s direct measurements, the closest of which will be 93 miles apart at the equator. OCO is scheduled to launch Feb. 23. As the first NASA satellite designed exclusively to study carbon dioxide, OCO’s data, along with Michalak’s maps, will provide unprecedented detail about this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. OCO will clarify how levels of carbon dioxide fluctuate across continents, oceans, and seasons. It will work to identify the sources and sinks of carbon across the globe. Natural sinks are places that soak up CO2, such as plants and some areas of the oceans. Understanding the Earth’s natural uptakes and emissions of carbon is critical to predicting the planet’s future climate. MORE http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6958
Professor Takes on Climate Change Skeptics in Upcoming Lecture Published: February 2, 2009 Despite scientific consensus to the contrary, a few climate change skeptics don’t believe humans are causing global warming. They blame the sun’s cycles, or they base a divergent theory on a tiny piece of the planet’s temperature history. At an upcoming Distinguished University Professor lecture, Joyce Penner will give evidence to support and refute some of the popular criticisms of the human-caused climate change theory. Penner is the Ralph J. Cicerone Distinguished University Professor of Atmospheric Science in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences. Her talk is titled “Climate Change Science: Can the Skeptics Ever Be Convinced?” It takes place at 4 p.m. February 16 in the Rackham Amphitheater. “I’ll go through some of the common arguments against climate change and what the scientific community has done to look at them,” Penner said. “I’ll discuss whether the skeptics’ arguments have validity, and some of them do. Some of the arguments are based in reality and provide future avenues for research that will eventually enable climate change science to rest on a firmer foundation.” For example, climate change critics have recently drawn ammunition from the World Meteorological Association’s data which show that temperatures appear to be falling since 1998. It’s true, Penner says, but it’s important to look at climate cycles more broadly. There’s also some truth in the skeptics’ claim that current computer models of climate change aren’t reliable, Penner says. She finds fault in particular with how the models predict aerosols in clouds will affect the climate. Aerosols are fine particles such as smoke and dust that affect cloud thickness. Current models say aerosols will make clouds thicker, exacerbating future warming. But Penner says this might not be the case, and that aerosols might in some circumstances thin clouds out. Penner’s research focuses on how atmospheric aerosols interact with clouds and the effects this has on climate change. She was the coordinating lead author for a chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report to the United Nations in 2001 and a co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. For more information: Joyce Penner: http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/people/penner
Announcement of JPL Graduate Fellowships Program (JPLGF) Published: January 19, 2009 In his Semiannual State of the Lab Address on 27 October, 2008, Dr. Charles Elachi announced a new program that will enable graduate students to spend substantial periods of time at JPL on research projects under the guidance of JPL advisors, possibly in collaboration with the students' academic advisors. A joint meeting of the Education Office and the Office of Chief Scientist was held on Thursday, 4 December, to describe the JPL Graduate Fellowships Program (JPLGF) to the community and to answer questions. A pdf version of this presentation may be viewed at http://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/newsandevents/announcements/. That document gives the rationale for the program, summarizes its key features and compares them with those of existing programs that bring graduate students to JPL, and outlines the procedures that would be followed by a JPL researcher in seeking and bringing on a student collaborator. The purpose of this message is to announce that JPLGF is now available for use, to highlight selected material from the presentation, and to call for Announcements of Opportunity from those JPL researchers wishing to take advantage of this new program. JPLGF is a program designed to give graduate students the opportunity to conduct research at JPL that is supportive of their graduate studies and at the same time is compatible with the task-order assignment of the JPL advisor. Ideally, a project will be of interest to the student's university graduate advisor as well, so the arrangement will permit three-way collaboration. JPLGF is not a "jobs" program. The student will be an affiliate, not an employee, and should not be brought here to support day-to-day JPL project and program activities other than research. Under JPLGF, initiative may be taken at any time of the year to bring on a student, so there is no pre-determined schedule and there will be no annual "call." The periods during which the student is at JPL may, however, be constrained by the requirements and characteristics of the academic schedule. Note that the length of the student's first stay at JPL must be ten weeks or more. Other arrangements may be made on a case-by-case basis for students attending local universities. The JPL research advisor is responsible for supplying funds to pay the graduate student's stipend, travel expenses, housing allowance, and other allowed costs under the program, and also for paying the JPL "charge-back" costs. All payments to the student under JPLGF will be made by transferring funds from the advisors account by means of a subcontract work order (SWO) to Coahoma College in Mississippi, the chosen subcontractor for handling the financial aspects of program administration. There are other means of transferring money to universities to pay students; they do not fall within the scope of JPLGF. JPLGF is more affordable than some alternative program options because of the use of an external entity to handle the financial transactions. (See Slide 11 in the presentation.) JPLGF is open to foreign nationals as well as to U. S. citizens and legal permanent residents. At this time, we require that the foreign national or LPR be attending a U. S. university. The JPL advisor is responsible for preparing and following through with host-hire package. JPLGF is implemented in cooperation with the National Space Grant College and Fellowships Program. Each student in the program must be registered with his or her local Space Grant consortium. Once the student has been identified and has registered on the JPL web site for the program (http://jplgf.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm - to be activated on 1/9/2009), the Education Office will, as for other Education Office programs, coordinate the procedures necessary to obtain badges, ensure that safety requirements are met, and provide an orientation. The procedures that a JPL researcher must follow to bring a graduate student on board are outlined on Slides 12-16 of the 4 December presentation. The process calls for the preparation of an Announcement of Opportunity. A template for the AO may be found at http://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/newsandevents/newsdetails/?NewsID=187. Note that, for some situations, an AO may not be required (e.g. see Slide 15 of the 12/4/2008 presentation). Linda Rodgers is the coordinator for JPLGF. She may be reached at 4-3274 or via Linda.L.Rodgers@jpl.nasa.gov. Questions may also be addressed to Bill Whitney, 4-4410 or William.M.Whitney@jpl.nasa.gov. Feedback and suggestions on programmatic aspects of JPLGF may be addressed to Cinzia Zuffada in the University Research Affairs Office, 4-0033.
AOSS 605 Letter to President-Elect Obama Published: January 19, 2009 We, the Student Council on Climate Change at the University of Michigan, would like to share our research, ideas and suggestions on how to take action for a positive effect on the Earth's climate. Throughout the past four months we have had brilliant minds, experts in the field of climate change from throughout the United States with substantive experience in health, economics, engineering and science, come to the University of Michigan to share with us what they have found through their research and to give us their ideas on subjects ranging from the health risks of the changing climate to geo-engineering with its benefits and risks for a changing climate. Download the PDF to read the entire 17-page letter.
Graduate Students Eligible for the LPI Career Development Award! Published: January 7, 2009 The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) is proud to announce its second LPI Career Development Award. This award will be given to graduate students who have submitted a first-author abstract for presentation at the 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2009 (LPSC). A travel stipend of $750.00 will be awarded to the top applicants to help cover their travel expenses for attending the LPSC in March. The application deadline for the LPI Career Development Award is February 2, 2009. Applications should be directed to: Dr. Stephen Mackwell c/o Claudia Quintana 3600 Bay Area Boulevard Houston TX 77058-1113 mailto:quintana@lpi.usra.edu Awards will be based on a review of the application materials by a panel of lunar and planetary scientists. Applications must include: Letter outlining why the applicant would like to participate at the LPSC and what he or she will contribute to the conference Letter of recommendation from his or her research advisor Copy of the first-author abstract Curriculum Vita for the applicant The 40th LPSC will be held at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in The Woodlands, Texas. An average of 1500 lunar and planetary scientists from all over the world gather each year for the annual meeting, which has gained the reputation of being the premiere gathering place for lunar and planetary scientists. The LPI maintains a highly focused education effort chartered to engage, excite, and educate the public about lunar and planetary science and invests in the development of future generations of scientists. The LPI Career Development Award has been provided from the generous endowments that the LPI has received over the past year from those in the community who are equally committed to the education of students in lunar and planetary science. The LPI is excited about the opportunities that these endowments will afford to students in the community. Contributions to the endowment fund are tax-deductible and accepted at any time. Anyone interested in contributing to this effort should contact: Dr. Stephen Mackwell LPI Director mackwell@lpi.usra.edu AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 2, 2009
Winter Daily Planet now online Published: December 19, 2008 The latest AOSS news is in the Winter issue of the Daily Planet. Some of the articles in this issue include: IMAGINE Africa: U-M students bring the Internet to Africa SPRL at 60 AOSS Outreach Espresso anyone? http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/dailyplanet
Elementary School State Champ Science Team and Natasha Andronova Published: December 10, 2008 This past fall, Natasha Andronova spent time working with the two teams of science students from the Huron Valley Oxbow Elementary School in White Lake Township preparing presentations for a State science competition. The girls visited AOSS prior to their regional competition, where they took first and second place. We’re just heard that one of the teams, picture attached, took first place in the state tournament. Science teacher, Chris McAuliffe, spoke about the win and Natasha’s mentoring of the girls. “We have some very exciting news for you. The girls competed last weekend at the state tournament in Novi and took first place. We would really like to thank you for all of your help. You inspired the girls and took the time to make them feel important. They told the judges that they couldn't believe somebody as important as you took the time to help them. You made a difference in their lives. I have included a pic for you. Thanks again and we will keep in touch.” Natasha is already talking about “adopting” the girls and of course, continuing to work with their teacher. This is a great example of how a small amount of outreach can reap huge benefits. Congratulations to the two teams, Mr. McAuliffe and Natasha.
Chris Ruf appointed Editor in Chief of the Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing Published: December 10, 2008 As of November 2008, Chris Ruf is now the Editor in Chief of the Transactions on Geosciene and Remote Sensing. TGARS publishes advances in sensing instruments and techniques used for the acquisition of geoscientific information as well as techniques for processing, enhancing and interpreting information derived from remote sensing instruments. Transactions on GRS is part of the basic service received with GRS membership or GRSS affiliation.
University of Michigan Tenure Track Faculty Positions in Global Change: Cryosphere and Sea-Level Impacts Published: October 30, 2008 The University of Michigan’s Departments of Geological Sciences (GS) and Atmospheric Oceanic and Space Sciences (AOSS) announce five tenure-track positions in the field of Global Change: Cryosphere and Sea-Level Impacts. Pending final approval, the objective of this cluster hire is to advance cross-disciplinary research in Global Change research as part of the University of Michigan’s interdisciplinary junior faculty initiative. Candidates are sought in the fields of: (1) Glaciology, (2) Climate and Ice Sheet Modeling, (3) Coastal Processes, (4) Physical Oceanography, and (5) Regional Climate Modeling. Candidates will be appointed at the assistant professor level with a university year appointment in either GS or AOSS, but will be expected to interact with the cluster cohorts in both departments, as well as existing faculty. Successful candidates are expected to establish independent research programs and contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching. A complete application will include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of present and future research plans, statement of teaching experience and interests, and names of at least five persons who can provide letters of recommendation. The applicant should identify in the cover letter the position being applied for. Additional information about the departments can be found at: http://www.geo.lsa.umich.edu and http://aoss.engin.umich.edu. Applications should be sent to: Global Change Search Committee (Re: Position 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) Department of Geological Sciences, University of Michigan 1100 N. University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1005 For full consideration applications should be received before November 1, 2008. Questions concerning these positions should be directed to glbch-search@umich.edu. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University is supportive of the needs of dual career couples.
President Coleman praises AOSS 583 class project Published: October 30, 2008 In her annual state-of-the-university address given to the 2008 Faculty Senate Assembly, U-M President Mary Sue Coleman used the AOSS 583 class project to bring the Internet to rural Africa as an example of the "Michigan Difference." AOSS 583 is taught each spring by Thomas Zurbuchen, AOSS professor and Director of the CoE Center for Entrepreneurship. Last spring project has garnered the interest of Google and recently three satellite stations have been shipped to Africa. For the complete text of President Coleman's address, visit the web at: http://annarborchronicle.com/2008/10/27/coleman-advancing-our-academic-excellence/
Cassini flyby of Saturn moon offers insight into solar system history Published: October 6, 2008 NASA's Cassini spacecraft is scheduled to fly within 16 miles of Saturn's moon Enceladus on Oct. 9 and measure molecules in its space environment that could give insight into the history of the solar system. AOSS Chair Tamas Gombosi is the interdisciplinary scientist for magnetosphere and plasma science on the Cassini mission. His role is to coordinate studies that involve multiple plasma instruments on the spacecraft. -more-
The Michigan Space Grant Announces Funding Opportunities for 2009-2010 Published: September 25, 2008 The MSGC announces funding opportunities for the 2009 - 2010 interval. The application and review processes are all online at www.umich.edu/~msgc. The deadline for the Michigan Space Grant Consortium's funding opportunities is no later than Monday, November 17, 2008 at midnight. Program categories are listed below: Fellowship Program Research Seed Grant Program Precollege Education Program Public Outreach Program Teacher Training Program *Women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply to all Michigan Space Grant Consortium funding opportunities.* Only US citizens may apply for a MSGC Fellowship. For Research Seed Grant applicants: Funding can be used for travel and to purchase supplies and services. Funding can also be used for faculty and student salaries if they are US citizens. Funding cannot be used to purchase equipment or to pay salaries, stipends, or travel to persons that are not US citizens. Undergraduate and Graduate Fellowship Program (this includes the Undergraduate - Underrepresented Minority Fellowship Program). Fellowship awards for undergraduate and graduate students are for $2,500 and $5,000, respectively. $500 for supplies and materials can be provided for mentors of underrepresented minority students that are awarded a MSGC Fellowship. The following funding opportunities require at least 1:1 cost matching (cash contributions or in-kind support) with non-federal funds. Maximum award in each category is $5,000. Research Seed Grant Program Program Funding Opportunities: Pre-College Education Program Public Outreach Program Teacher Training Program Additional support is available for Pre-College Education, Public Outreach, and Teacher Training proposals targeted toward the recruitment and retention of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities. Additional funding is limited to one proposal per applicant. Applicants can propose individual projects to any of the three programs (Pre-College Education, Public Outreach, or Teacher Training) or can propose one project to multiple programs simultaneously, depending on the scope and relevance of their project. A detailed budget specifically describing how the funds will be used is required. ---
Welcome to the Fall Semester Published: September 2, 2008 It’s my pleasure to welcome you to another academic year and hope that you are settling into a new routine. The 2008-09 year should prove to be high-paced and exciting with many events and activities already planned for the year. One of our more fun events is the AOSS Afternoon Tea. Everyday at 3:00 PM faculty, students and staff gather in the second floor lounge to enjoy espresso, tea, hot chocolate, biscotti, and, most of all, a time to talk and get to know each other. Please plan on joining us starting this afternoon. On Friday, September 26, AOSS is co-sponsoring a visit and lecture by a Hall of Fame Astronaut Jim McDivitt. The lecture, at 12:30 PM, will be held in the Boeing Auditorium in the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Building. On October 16-17, we will be celebrating the Space Physics Research Laboratory’s history with a two-day symposium, SPRL at 60: Universities and Space Exploration. These and other events and news can be found on the AOSS web site: http://aoss.engin.umich.edu. Be sure to check it often. Questions? Need assistance? Please ask your advisor, our student services coordinator Margaret Reid or any of the staff. I hope your year is exciting and educational. Tamas Gombosi AOSS Chair and Rollin M. Gerstacker Professor of Engineering
Newest Research Center launches web site Published: August 26, 2008 The Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics (CRASH), one of only five new predictive science research centers funded last spring, has launched its web site. Visitors to the site at http://aoss-research.engin.umich.edu/crash can learn more about the research team, the Center's science, the new doctoral program and administrative contact information. http://aoss-research.engin.umich.edu/crash
SPRL at 60 - Universities and Space Exploration Published: August 12, 2008 An open discussion on the role of universities in space exploration and engineering. As interests, funding and project structures change, how should institutions of higher education that are based in hard science research react; how do these changes affect the education of future scientists and engineers — what does the future hold? For 60 years SPRL has been a vital participant in space science and engineering. Join us on October 16 & 17, 2008 for an open discussion on the role of universities in space exploration and engineering. For more information and to register for this event , go to SPRL @ 60
Jablonowski a Primary Organizer for one of NCAR's Advanced Study Summer Colloquiums Published: August 12, 2008 The National Center for Atmospheric Research held An Advanced Study Program Summer Colloquium on Numerical Techniques for Global Atmospheric Models on June 1-13, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. The Primary Organizers were Peter H. Lauritzen (NCAR), Christiane Jablonowski (University of Michigan), Mark Taylor (Sandia National Laboratories) and Ramachandran D. Nair (NCAR) Additional support is provided by NASA and DOE. The colloquium surveyed the latest developments in numerical methods for the dynamical cores of Atmospheric General Circulation Models. This academic event attracted graduate students with backgrounds in atmospheric science, applied mathematics, and/or computer science, and it introduced them to the latest developments in weather and climate modeling. An elite group of lecturers, model developers, and mentors provided input and guidance for the two weeks of intensive work. A total of 38 students, 4 organizers, 13 modeling mentors, and 18 lecturers participated in this event that produced significant benefits for both the attendees and the atmospheric research community. The graduate students received education and experience in atmospheric science, modeling, and computer architectures, and they performed and archived more than 350 simulations from models that incorporated the 13 dynamical cores. Link to presentations and data.
Call for Abstracts: Deadline September 2, 2008 Published: August 4, 2008 19th Annual Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics November 7-8, 2008 Argonne National Laboratory Argonne, Illinois The 19th Annual Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics invites undergraduate authors to submit papers on their research. The Symposium will be conducted Friday and Saturday, November 7-8, 2008, at Argonne National Laboratory. All Symposium presenters and attendees are required to pre-register and to pay a $60 registration fee. Authors should prepare a 10-minute presentation and allow an additional 5 minutes for questions from the audience. Abstracts will be categorized under one of the following session titles: Analytical Chemistry, Astrophysics and Geophysics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Computer Science, Condensed Matter Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science, General Biology, General Physics, Genetics, Genomics, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Materials Science, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Nuclear and Atomic Physics, Organometallic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Spectroscopy, and Structural Biology. All abstracts MUST be submitted electronically. No abstracts will be accepted in a non-electronic format. ABSTRACT SUBMISSION AND REGISTRATION Instructions for preparation of your abstract (see Abstract Format), abstract submission, and registration information are available online at http://www.dep.anl.gov/p_undergrad/ugsymp. The deadline for submission of abstracts and to register for the Symposium is September 2, 2008
AOSS Undergrad wins NWS Award Published: July 30, 2008 Amanda Mims (AOSS undergrad) was recently awarded the annual National Weather Association Meteorological Applications Award for 2008 for the paper "WindSat Ocean Surface Emissivity Dependence on Wind Speed in Tropical Cyclones". She has been invited to present the paper at their annual meeting October 12-16 in Louisville, KY, and to be presented with a certificate and monetary award at their Awards Luncheon that week. The paper reports results from a project she and Prof. Chris Ruf are working on together.
AOSS Student Meteorologist for the 2008 UM Solar Car Team Published: July 15, 2008 The 2008 North American Solar Challenge started July 13th from Plano, Texas and AOSS student, Brad Charboneau, is this year's meteorologist for the University of Michigan Solar Car Team. The UM solar car, Continuum, will compete against nearly twenty teams from both sides of the Atlantic. As they travel across North America, check the daily updates for team times at the team blog at http://www.umsolar.com/blog/. Official updates will also be available on the NASC site at http://www.americansolarchallenge.org/. The pre-race edition of SolEx newsletter is found online at http://www.engin.umich.edu/solarcar/multimedia/solex_july2008.pdf.
Nilton Renno on Detroit Today - Monday, July 14th Published: July 11, 2008 Nilton Renno will be on WDET Detroit Public Radio’s “Detroit Today” Monday, 11:30 AM discussing the new equation for predicting intensity of severe storms. You can listen on the web at: http://www.wdetfm.org or at 101.9 FM on your radio. The release about the model is available at: http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6639
Help for Students in finding off-campus housing Published: July 11, 2008 CampusRoost is a University funded student startup focused on streamlining every aspect of off-campus living. Their primary goal is to help UofM students easily find a place to live, and this summer we're catering to incoming graduate and international students. CampusRoost also features a roomate posting board and a Leasing and Living in Ann Arbor Guide written by students, for students.
AOSS Research Position Published: July 10, 2008 Job Title:Assistant Research Scientist Job Duties:Perform basic research in the development and application of gas kinetic theory and computational fluid dynamics methods to a number of tenuous planetary atmosphere problems in space science. These include the dusty-gas tenuous atmospheres of comets, the upper atmosphere of Mars, as well as the recently escaping gas plumes from Saturn’s inner icy moon, Enceladus. The research involves analysis of ground-based telescopic observations, as well as the analysis and planning for in situ spacecraft measurements by the Cassini spacecraft now in its main mission orbiting Saturn and the ESA / NASA Rosetta spacecraft on its way to the comet 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko. A range of computational modeling tools will be used and developed, which include our Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model, as well as future developments using the Center for space Environment Model code BATS-R-US. Codes will be run on the Columbia massively parallel computer system at NASA Ames. Rate of Pay: $68,391/year Position Requirements: Ph.D. in Space Sciences to include large scale simulation of tenuous planetary atmospheres for ground-based telescope observations and spacecraft mission planning, as well as rarefied gas dynamics in a parallel computing environment. Resume to Susan Griffin, HR Coordinator, U-M Space Research Building, 2455 Hayward, Rm. 2207, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143.
AOSS/SPRL instrument shows what planet Mercury is made of Published: July 3, 2008 By measuring the charged particles in the planet Mercury's magnetic field, a University of Michigan sensor enabled the first observations about the surface and atmospheric composition of the closest world to the sun. "We now know more about what Mercury's made of than ever before," said Thomas Zurbuchen, a professor in the departments of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences and Aerospace Engineering. "Holy cow, we found way more than we expected!" —more—
17th Annual US/Canada Great Lakes Operational Meteorology Workship Abstract Deadline Published: July 1, 2008 The 17th Annual U.S./Canada Great Lakes Operational Meteorology Workshop, October 8-10, 2008, offers an excellent opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and research findings related to all aspects of Great Lakes meteorology. Abstracts will be accepted through September 1, 2008. Please submit in MS Word format via email to: Greg.Mann@noaa.gov. Specifics regarding the workshop location, hotel accommodations, abstract submission, agenda and registration information will be made available at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dtx/?n=glom. The workshop is co-sponsored by NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) and the Meteorological Service of Canada. This year's workshop is co-hosted by NWS Detroit-Pontiac and the University of Michigan - Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences.
2008 Weather Dance Winners Announced! Published: June 26, 2008 With more than 2000 particpants, this year's Weather Dance winners had some stiff competition. See the winners: http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/2008weatherdancewinners Be sure to check back next March and join the fun for the 2009 Weather Dance Web site at: www.weatherdance.org <http://www.weatherdance.org/> .
AOSS simulations predicted Mars lander would hit sub-surface Published: June 2, 2008 Simulations by AOSS Professor Nilton Renno and doctoral candidate Manish Mehta correctly predicted that the pulsed jets of the Mars Phoenix lander would strip the soil to the subsurface ice or rock as the craft touched down. Photos of the area beneath the craft on Friday revealed a hard surface that scientists say may be ice. It could also be rock, and researchers won’t know until the Phoenix can dig into the dirt. But it’s clear the craft cleared away soil as it landed. — more —
Weather Underground Scholarship Announcement Published: May 2, 2008 Applications are now being accepted for the 2008-09 Weather Underground Scholarship. The $5,000 award is for AOSS undergraduates and the application process is simple and easy. The Weather Underground is pleased to announce the following scholarship opportunity for College of Engineering students who are preparing for careers in the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences industry: 1 scholarship of $5,000 for an undergraduate who will be of Sophomore, Junior or Senior standing in September 2008. This scholarship will be awarded for use during the 2008-2009 academic year.
Spring Daily Planet now online Published: April 14, 2008 The latest AOSS news is in the Spring issue of the Daily Planet. Some of the articles in this issue include: Drake director of new $17M Center Colene Haffke receives first Claudia Alexander Scholarship AOSS Students travel to AMS Conference SPRL at 60 — Universities and Space Exploration; October 16-17, 2008 http://aoss.engin.umich.edu/pages/dailyplanet
Annual AOSS WeatherDance is Ready to Rumble Published: March 12, 2008 The AOSS WeatherDance game during the NCAA college basketball tournaments gives armchair forecasters a chance to shine. Weather Dance, based on teams in the men's and women's tournaments, lets players predict which team's city will be hotter or colder on game day in each round of the Big Dance. Beginning March 17, players can make their forecasts at the Weather Dance Web site at: www.weatherdance.org. The site will be updated with cities promptly after NCAA seeding announcements. Team selection occurs March 16 for men and March 17 for women. First round Weather Dance selections must be entered by 11:59 p.m. EST March 19. Players can register now and receive periodic reminders as the game progresses. "Officially, Weather Dance began as a class project to get students involved in weather forecasting, but we kept it around because it got popular. People think they can do better forecasting than the meteorologists. Well, here's their shot!" said Perry Samson, Weather Dance creator and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences. This is the third year for the game. Last year more than 2,000 people played. Most play merely for the thrill. But many science teachers involve their classes as part of meteorology units. The winning teacher will receive an invitation and $500 to join the Texas Tech/University of Michigan Storm Chasing team this spring for a day of tornado chasing. Other winners will receive an umbrella or a copy of the book "Extreme Weather," by Christopher C. Burt.
$17 million grant supports predictive science and supernovae research Published: March 7, 2008 AOSS Professor Paul Drake will be director of the new Center for Radiative Shock Hydrodynamics, which is funded primarily by a $17-million, five-year cooperative agreement from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Advanced Simulation and Computing. The grant will also fund a doctoral program for predictive science and engineering at U-M. “The research at this Center has the potential to contribute to solving major problems facing humanity,” said David Munson, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. “The work there will improve scientists’ abilities to understand and model the world and the universe around us.” -more-
Study the Atmosphere and Climate in the Rockies Published: February 21, 2008 Get hands-on experience making meteorological measurements and analyzing climate data in the beautiful Teton Mountains! In AOSS 441, you’ll be introduced to principles of atmospheric and environmental science — with the Rockies as your field laboratory. With its diverse geological and climatic variations, this is an ideal location to develop and apply an understanding of meteorological processes to define micro-climate variations in the mountains and to grasp the importance of mountainous regions on Earth’s climate. The class will spend a couple of days at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to learn from NCAR scientists how to make boundary layer measurements using advanced sounding systems and to learn about career opportunities in the Atmospheric and Climate Sciences. AOSS 441: Mountain Meteorology and Climate of the Rockies 3 Credits June 17 – July 8, 2008 U-M Camp Davis, Wyoming The course is designed for majors in: • Atmospheric Science • Geological Science • Environmental Science If you’re interested in learning more about a meteorology summer course at Camp Davis, contact: Professor Jerry Keeler jkeeler@umich.edu Or Lynne Gratz, AOSS 441 GSI lgratz@umich.edu
Storm Chasing 2008 Published: February 14, 2008 Planning for the AOSS 2008 Tornado Camp is underway! The tentative dates are early May, for 2-3 weeks. This year Tornado Campers wil sign up for AOSS 498 for spring semester. Additional information: You will need to submit a current resume and transcript with the application and health forms. Selections will be made based on academic progress, experience and initiative. This experience is limited to AOSS undergraduate majors with priority to juniors and seniors who have not previously participated. Other AOSS majors will be accepted as space permits. You will sign up for AOSS 498 for the spring semester (the tuition will help defray expedition costs). The course will be 2 hours. In addition to tuition you will need to cover your own meals and a fee to cover lodging. Transportation will be provided via University vehicles. This year's expedition is likely to be in early May and will probably include spending several days at Texas Tech to integrate our teams and provide training. Total duration will be 2-3 weeks.
NCAR Advanced Study Summer Program Published: January 24, 2008 Numerical Techniques for Global Atmospheric Models June 1-13, 2008 Boulder, Colorado Hosted by: The Advanced Study Program (ASP) of the Societal-Environmental Research and Education Laboratory (SERE); Climate and Global Dynamics Division of the Earth & Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL); and Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) at NCAR Application deadline: March 1, 2008 See web site: www.asp.ucar.edu/colloquium/2008
More News from Mercury Published: January 23, 2008 In January, the MESSENGER spacecraft, with the SPRL built FIPS instrument onboard, transmitted to Earth the first high-resolution image of Mercury by a spacecraft in over 30 years since the three Mercury flybys of Mariner 10 in 1974 and 1975. At the same time, FIPS began analyzing particles from Mercury's atmosphere to determine its composition. —more—
Research Experience for Undergraduates in the Space Physics Research Laboratory Published: January 8, 2008 The Space Physics Research Laboratory within the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences at the University of Michigan has a limited number of research assistant positions openings for undergraduate students enrolled in programs at accredited schools. This program is partially funded by the Department of Defense ASSURE program, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation REU program and the GEO/ATM Aeronomy section. More information about the REU program REU Application
MESSENGER Only Days From Mercury Published: January 7, 2008 The MESSENGER spacecraft, with the SPRL built FIPS instrument onboard, is set for its first flyby of the planet Mercury on January 14. This is the first return by NASA to Mercury in 33 years. (more)
The Winter '07 issue of the Daily Planet is now available Published: November 26, 2007 Some of the articles in this issue include: First AOSS Undergraduate Scholarships Awarded AOSS is pleased to announce the first recipients of two new undergraduate scholarships. Rachael Kroodsma, received the Paul B. and Ruth A. Hays Scholarship and Ilissa Ocko was awarded the Weather Underground Undergraduate Scholarship. What exactly is soaring? AOSS Associate Professor Nilton Renno is an avid plane glider. This past year, he came back from soaring in the Swiss Alps and shared some pictures. We asked him to tell us more about this seemingly serene sport. Here, in his own words, is a story of soaring — with some science thrown in of course. Wind Power in Michigan Though it’s been predicted that this will be a relatively mild winter in Michigan, most people will still complain that energy prices are too high. But what alternative do we have but to pay or freeze? Students of the Wind Energy Class run by AOSS Professor Jerry Keeler and Associate Research Scientist Dr. Frank Marsik are trying to find out.
Zurbuchen to direct new CoE entrepreneurship center Published: October 19, 2007 After chairing the College of Engineering Committee on Entrepreneurial Environment and Programs for Students and working with students in this area for a year, AOSS Associate Professor Thomas Zurbuchen has been selected as the first Director of the new Center for Entrepreneurial Programs at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. —more—
Two AOSS faculty and two AOSS students part of IPCC, co-winner of '07 Nobel Peace Prize Published: October 12, 2007 Congratulations to AOSS faculty members Joyce Penner and Natasha Andronova and AOSS students Minghuai Wang and Li Xu — part of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that was a co-winner with Al Gore of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Joyce was one of the 7 lead authors, Natasha one of 25 contributing authors and Minghuai and Li were contributors to the Fourth Assessment Report chapter, Understanding and Attributing Climate Change. Professor Penner is the Ralph J. Cicerone Distinguished University Professor of Atmospheric Science and Dr. Andronova is a research scientist in AOSS. Both Wang and Xu are doctoral students in the Department. Information about the IPCC and the Fourth Assessment Report is available at: http://www.ipcc.ch
Faculty Position in Atmospheric and Space Sciences Published: October 2, 2007 The Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences (AOSS) at the University of Michigan is seeking applications for a tenured or tenure-track faculty position.
Summer/Fall Daily Planet now online Published: September 11, 2007 The latest AOSS news is in the Summer/Falll issue of the Daily Planet. Some of the articles in this issue include: Sending Bill Kuhn off in Style Rollin M. Gerstacker Professor Engineering “AOSS Paid Off!” Student-industry Partnership Sends Local Company into Orbit
AOSS Undergraduate Poster Wins Regional Award Published: September 10, 2007 AOSS undergraduate student Amanda Mims took second place in the student poster competition at the Great Midwestern Regional Space Grant Meeting. The poster, entitled "WindSat Emissivity Sensitivity to Near Surface Wind Field in a Tropical Cyclone", was co-authored by AOSS Professor Chris Ruf and Chris Hennon, assistant professor of atmospheric science, University of North Carolina Asheville. The meeting was held September 6-7 at Purdue University.
Prof. Chris Ruf discusses effects of decrease in number of US earth observation satellites Published: August 13, 2007 The cuts in NASA's operating budget could seriously undermine the ability to track climate changes as the number of earth observation satellites could be decreased by half by 2015. As an expert on remote sensing, AOSS Professor and SPRL Director Chris Ruf was sought out for his comments by BBC News, The New York Times and The Scientist.
Industry Experience in AOSS Published: July 16, 2007 Student-industry partnership sends local company into orbit It is a match made in innovation heaven, backers say, when small companies that struggle with manpower and funding issues are matched with graduate students who hunger for practical application of their education and talents. MORE
Penner Quoted in Newsweek Published: June 29, 2007 The new issue of Newsweek (July 2-9, 2007) called on Joyce Penner, Aksel Wiin-Nielsen Collegiate Professor of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, to comment on climate change in the article "Which of These Is Not Causing Global Warming Today?" MORE
Early data from MESSENGER'S Venus flyby Published: June 14, 2007 On June 5, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft, with CoE’s Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS) aboard, performed flawlessly as it skimmed the cloud tops of Venus at 30,000 miles per hour, passing within 210 miles of the surface of the planet. FIPS, built by the Space Physics Research Laboratory, captured superb data; results from these exciting measurements are forthcoming. Read more at the homepage of the Solar-Heliospheric Research Group.
Research Experience for Undergraduates in the Space Physics Research Laboratory Published: December 31, 1969 The Space Physics Research Laboratory within the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences at the University of Michigan has a limited number of research assistant positions openings for undergraduate students enrolled in programs at accredited schools. This program is partially funded by the Department of Defense ASSURE program, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation REU program and the GEO/ATM Aeronomy section. More information about the REU program REU Application
Research Experience for Undergraduates in the Space Physics Research Laboratory Published: December 31, 1969 The Space Physics Research Laboratory within the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences at the University of Michigan has a limited number of research assistant positions openings for undergraduate students enrolled in programs at accredited schools. This program is partially funded by the Department of Defense ASSURE program, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation REU program and the GEO/ATM Aeronomy section. More information about the REU program REU Application
test Published: December 31, 1969
More News from Mercury Published: December 31, 1969 One week ago, the MESSENGER spacecraft, with the SPRL built FIPS instrument onboard, transmitted to Earth the first high-resolution image of Mercury by a spacecraft in over 30 years since the three Mercury flybys of Mariner 10 in 1974 and 1975. At the same time, FIPS began analyzing particles from Mercury's atmosphere to determine its composition. —more—
NCAR Advanced Study Summer Program Published: December 31, 1969 Numerical Techniques for Global Atmospheric Models June 1-13, 2008 Boulder, Colorado Hosted by: The Advanced Study Program (ASP) of the Societal-Environmental Research and Education Laboratory (SERE); Climate and Global Dynamics Division of the Earth & Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL); and Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) at NCAR Application deadline: March 1, 2008 See web site: www.asp.ucar.edu/colloquium/2008
AOSS simulations predicted Mars lander would hit sub-surface Published: December 31, 1969 Simulations by AOSS Professor Nilton Renno and doctoral candidate Manish Mehta correctly predicted that the pulsed jets of the Mars Phoenix lander would strip the soil to the subsurface ice or rock as the craft touched down. Photos of the area beneath the craft on Friday revealed a hard surface that scientists say may be ice. It could also be rock, and researchers won’t know until the Phoenix can dig into the dirt. But it’s clear the craft cleared away soil as it landed. — more —
AOSS simulations predicted Mars lander would hit sub-surface Published: December 31, 1969 Simulations by AOSS Professor Nilton Renno and doctoral candidate Manish Mehta correctly predicted that the pulsed jets of the Mars Phoenix lander would strip the soil to the subsurface ice or rock as the craft touched down. Photos of the area beneath the craft on Friday revealed a hard surface that scientists say may be ice. It could also be rock, and researchers won’t know until the Phoenix can dig into the dirt. But it’s clear the craft cleared away soil as it landed. — more —

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Student-industry partnership sends local company into orbit