C. W. Hergenrother
Papers
2
Total Citations
158
H-Index
2
About
C. W. Hergenrother is a leading planetary scientist whose work centers on the physical characterization of near-Earth asteroids, with a particular focus on those targeted by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. His major contributions include pioneering thermal infrared observations and thermophysical modeling of asteroid (101955) Bennu, the mission’s primary target. His 2014 paper on Bennu’s thermal properties, cited over 130 times, provided critical data on its surface roughness, thermal inertia, and regolith properties—key inputs for mission planning and sample site selection. Hergenrother also developed photometric models of Bennu’s disk-integrated brightness variations, enabling precise shape and rotation state constraints. Beyond Bennu, his work has advanced our understanding of asteroid surface processes and the Yarkovsky effect. With over 130 citations on his most influential paper alone, Hergenrother’s research has directly shaped the scientific foundation of one of NASA’s most ambitious asteroid sample-return missions, cementing his reputation as a key figure in asteroid science and planetary defense.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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