High Momentum Probes of Nuclear Matter

We discuss how the chemical composition of QCD jets is altered by final state interactions in surrounding nuclear matter. We describe this process through conversions of leading jet particles. We find that conversions lead to an enhancement of kaons at high transverse momentum in Au+Au collisions at RHIC, while their azimuthal asymmetry v_2 is suppressed.Comment: Contribution to the 4th international workshop High-pT physics at LHC 09, Prague; 6 pages, 6 figure

The NetLander geophysical network on the surface of Mars: general mission description and technical design status

Simultaneous measurements collected by a network of landers spread over the surface of Mars will provide a unique leap forward in our knowledge of the planet. This is the objective of the NetLander (for Network Lander) project developed by CNES (French Space Agency), FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute), IfP (Institute für Planetologie Münster) in cooperation with a number of institutes in Europe and in the United States. The NetLander mission will deploy four identical landers on the surface of Mars. It satisfies many scientific objectives: each lander includes a science payload with instrumentation aimed at studying the interior of Mars, the atmosphere, the sub-surface, as well as the ionospheric structure and the geodesy. The European NetLander mission will be launched in 2007 with the orbiter developed by CNES in the frame of the French Mars exploration programme. After a cruise phase lasting several months, the Netlander probes will be separated from the orbiter and targeted to their landing sites. NetLander has successfully completed a phase A study. Its Entry, Descent and Landing System uses a front-shield, parachutes and air-bags. On the surface of Mars, NetLander will use solar arrays and batteries for its power supply. Particular attention is paid to the definition of this power supply system which should provide enough energy throughout the mission, with a duration objective of one Martian year. Telecommunications will be possible via data relay satellites in orbit around Mars

Action Spécifique Observatoires Virtuels France (France VO): status report

International audienceThe ``Action Spécifique" Observatoires Virtuels France (ASOV) was created by INSU in 2004, with the support of CNES, to organize the French participation to the development of the International Virtual Observatory in all disciplines covered by the CNRS Section 17. The paper summarizes the role and actions of ASOV during its first 1.5 year of existence