R. M. Killen

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About

R. M. Killen is a leading figure in planetary science, renowned for pioneering studies of the lunar exosphere and its interaction with the space environment. Her research focuses on the composition, dynamics, and sources of tenuous atmospheres around airless bodies, particularly the Moon, using both ground-based and space-based observations. Killen’s major contributions include designing and deploying a robotic coronagraph at Winer Observatory, enabling the first systematic, long-term monitoring of the lunar sodium exosphere. This work, detailed in her highly cited 2019 paper (17 citations), revealed critical insights into how solar radiation and micrometeoroid impacts drive exospheric variability. Her broader impact is reflected in over 2,500 total citations, with seminal papers on sodium and potassium exospheres informing models of surface–exosphere interactions. Killen also contributed to NASA’s LADEE mission, advancing understanding of lunar dust and volatile transport. Her innovative observational techniques and interdisciplinary approach have shaped modern exospheric science, making her a key mentor for students exploring planetary atmospheres and remote sensing.