Europlanet Society

Meet Johanna Bürger, a doctoral candidate in physics at the Institute of Geophysics and Extraterrestrial Physics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany. Johanna's research focuses on the physical properties of lunar regolith using remote sensing data. She has been active in Europlanet's early career group EPEC since early 2023 and co-chairs the EPEC@EPSC group, which organizes activities for early career researchers at the annual Europlanet Science Congress EPSC. Check out what to expect from them at EPSC 2024: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eKEiMnid Recently, Johanna received the prestigious 2024 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship! Find out more about Johanna Bürger at her EPEC profile here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eNMyQpeJ #Europlanet #EPEC #PlanetaryScience #EarlyCareerResearchers

Researchers have found a previously unknown access to the #moon's subsurface in a shaft around 130 meters deep in the lunar soil. It apparently is the entrance to a system of #caves: “There is an opening at the bottom that provides access to a conduit,” Lorenzo Bruzzone, an expert in remote sensing at the University of Trento in Italy, explained to me in an interview. For decades, experts have been writing about the possible existence of such entrances to the lunar underworld, which could have been formed when lava cooled underground. On Earth, such formations are known from Hawaii, US states such as Idaho (in the picture below I am climbing through such a lava tunnel in the Craters of the Moon National Monument, National Park Service) or the Canary Islands. Together with colleagues, Lorenzo has just published an article in the journal "Nature Astronomy". The team analyzed old radar data from the “Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter” probe. The discovery is likely to be the first of many. No fewer than 200 holes in the lunar surface are known to date, many of which could be the entrance to a cave. “Many concepts for exploring lunar caves have been developed. But until now, this was only a theoretical possibility.” Now we have proof that such formations exist, says Lorenzo's colleague Leonardo Carrer. “This will accelerate these projects.” “The research team's argument is convincing and is supported by observations and modeling as well as comparable examples on Earth,” Angelo Pio Rossi, geologist and Vice President of the Europlanet Society research network, explained to me. He was not involved in the team's current work but knows members of the group from previous projects. And he worked on the concept for the cave exploration robot #Daedalus. The caves on the moon are not only a scientific curiosity but could also be of interest to people who want to explore the Earth's satellite. The tubes and conduits could one day be used to provide accommodation for astronauts, who could live here far away from dangerous radiation and the temperature extremes on the lunar surface. My report for DER SPIEGEL (€, in German): https://lnkd.in/e8m4Dks4

The Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) is back with its 4th edition of "EPSC Goes Live for Schools" during the week of 7-13 September 2024 in Berlin! This initiative connects planetary scientists with classrooms in Berlin and beyond, enhancing science outreach and education. 🎓 For Educators and Students: - Live Classroom Visits: If you're a school in Berlin, don't miss the chance to have a scientist visit your classroom. - Creative Workshops: Participate in art workshops where students can create stop-motion movies about planetary science with artist Carolina Boettner. - Interactive Webinars and Q&As: Engage with early career researchers through live webinars and asynchronous online chats. - Art Contest: Enter the #Inspiredbyotherworlds contest to express your creativity inspired by the wonders of our solar system. 🔬 For Scientists: - Interested? Indicate your interest when submitting your abstract for EPSC2024. - This year, we're excited to collaborate with Lecturers Without Borders (LeWiBo), EPEC, DLR_School_Lab Berlin, the MINToring program, and Freie Universität Berlin to make science accessible and exciting. 📅 Dates to Remember: Activities are scheduled from 9-20 September 2024. 🌐 Languages: Events will be conducted in German and English. Ready to join us?: https://lnkd.in/e-jFtw8N #Europlanet #EPSC2024 #PlanetaryScience #STEMEducation #ScienceOutreach #BerlinEvents

Our Soapbox Science Brussels 2024 event went very well this weekend! We take this opportunity to say a very warm thank you to our sponsors: Fonds Ernest Solvay managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, BELSPO, Royal Observatory of Belgium, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy and Europlanet Society Benelux. You are making this event possible!!

EUFAR Chair Dr. Thomas Ruhtz Participates in ESF's 50th Anniversary Conference Chair of the EUFAR Executive Board, Thomas Ruhtz Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin), participated in the European Science Foundation (ESF) 50th anniversary celebrations as a roundtable speaker. Dr. Ruhtz contributed to a panel discussion titled “Sustained Infrastructures for European Research” alongside Jana Kolar, Executive Director of CERIC ERIC (Central European Research Infrastructure Consortium), and Nigel Mason, Coordinator of the Europlanet Society.   In the roundtable, the panellists shared their insights and experiences in navigating the sustainability challenges in the new era of research infrastructure (RI) policy in Europe. They discussed strategies for maintaining and enhancing the value of smaller scientific infrastructures and networks amid an evolving policy landscape. Dr. Ruhtz's delivered his talk on how the non-profit association form (AISBL) has helped EUFAR community to remain in collaboration and to address its sustainability challenges. He further emphasized the need for alternative funding sources to maintain the transnational access towards EUFAR facilities. The discussion was moderated by Oguz Ozkan, ESF’s RI Cluster lead.   The roundtable discussion offered a chance to underline EUFAR's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in European research infrastructures.

That's a wrap on EPEC Annual Week 2024! After a fantastic week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in Padua and online! Your enthusiasm, insightful discussions, and vibrant participation truly made this event a success. A special thank you to our speakers, organizers, and the Università degli Studi di Padova (UNIPD) / University of Padua's Department of Geosciences for hosting us. 📸 Check out some of the highlights from the week! #EPEC #Europlanet #PlanetaryScience #AnnualWeek #ScienceCommunity #EPECAnnualWeek2024

Read this exciting interview with Enrica Bonato about the setup of the Sample Analysis Laboratory German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the Technologiepark Adlershof in the Europlanet Society Newsletter #SampleReturn #WomeninSTEM https://lnkd.in/e3c5dwhb

Participating in the Communicating Astronomy to the Public (CAP) conference of The International Astronomical Union, presenting the "EPSC Goes live for schools" project this afternoon. My surprize is when I saw that I am at simultaneous slots with Prof. Chris Impey, THE Professor Impey, whose live streamings I am looking forward to every month. They are usually scheduled at the end of a long working day in Europe time and always refresh my curiosity and enthusiasm for the field. It is where he answers with clarity all kinds of questions from the public, be it #astronomy, #exoplanets, #cosmology, or #particle physics. Truly humbled to be presenting "virtually alongside" such great science communicators and scientists! #CAP2024 Solmaz Adeli Anita Heward Ulysse Pedreira-Segade Victoria Pearson Dr. Seda Ozdemir-Fritz Eugenia Covernton Emmanuel Chaniotakis Lecturers Without Borders (LeWiBo) Europlanet Society

Let the experiments begin! 🚀🔬 Our KAIROS Research team had a tough afternoon planning the next astrochemistry measurements at Atomki in Debrecen, Hungary. 😄🍻 In the photo, Nigel Mason and Heidy M. Quitián-Lara, together with ALEJANDRO GUERRERO CAICEDO from Universidad Libre Seccional Cali and Universidad del Valle in Colombia, and Daly Davis from Somaiya Vidyavihar University in India. Heidy and Alejandro will spend the week investigating astrophysical ice analogues using the Europlanet Society facilities at Atomki! Good luck to the team! 🌌✨ #Astrochemistry #SpaceScience #KAIROS #Kent #Atomki #Debrecen #Europlanet #ScientificResearch #TeamWork #Innovation #GlobalCollaboration

We’re offering mentorship opportunities at EPSC 2024!   The Europlanet Early Career Network (EPEC) is thrilled to announce the sixth edition of the Mentoring@EPSC programme, coinciding with EPSC 2024. This initiative opens doors for aspiring scientists to connect, learn and grow. EPSC 2024 is our planetary science conference taking place in Berlin, Germany from September 8-13, 2024.   For Mentees: If you’re a student or an early career professional (last degree was obtained a maximum of 7 years ago) attending EPSC 2024 in person, here is your chance to gain insights and navigate the event like a pro! Engage with established researchers and receive personal guidance.   For Mentors: Are you an experienced researcher with a wealth of knowledge from attending international conferences? Share your wisdom and networking tips with the next generation of planetary scientists. Be a beacon for those at the beginning of their exciting journey!   Programme highlights: -       One-to-one meetings between mentees and mentors. -       Informal and enriching conversations. -       Unique networking opportunities. -       Support for in-person attendees at EPSC 2024.   Deadline to sign-up: August 12th, 2024.   For more details and to sign up, visit our website https://lnkd.in/eKEiMnid   Become part of a tradition that bridges the gap between the present and the future of planetary science. #EPEC #EPSC #EPSC24 #EPSC2024 #EarlyCareers #PlanetaryScience