O. S. Barnouin
Papers
1
Total Citations
173
H-Index
1
About
O. S. Barnouin is a planetary scientist whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the surfaces of the Moon, asteroids, and other small bodies. A key figure in the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission, Barnouin’s research centers on planetary geology, geophysics, and impact cratering processes. His most cited paper, "Summary of the results from the lunar orbiter laser altimeter after seven years in lunar orbit" (2016, 173 citations), synthesizes critical findings from LRO’s laser altimeter, revealing the Moon’s topography, polar cold traps, and the structure of its impact basins. Beyond the Moon, Barnouin has made seminal contributions to the study of near-Earth asteroids, including the OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa missions, where he analyzed surface roughness and boulder distributions to infer asteroid formation and evolution. His work has been instrumental in characterizing the geology of Bennu and Ryugu, directly informing sample-return strategies. With over 170 citations on his top paper alone, Barnouin’s research has shaped our knowledge of how planetary surfaces are sculpted by impacts and internal processes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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