Main Focus
My current research interests focus on the tidal response of planetary surfaces. I am also working on the composition of comets and asteroids, as they provide a unique window into the past of the Solar System. Planning observations, operating a scientific instrument in space, and calibrating data has been a major part of my scientific career. My training as an atmospheric scientist has also given me an interest in planetary atmospheres, which played a major role in my early career.
Curriculum Vitae
Education and Employment:
Since 2019: Project scientist for BELA/BepiColombo, MPS
2014-2019: Project scientist and operations for COSIMA/Rosetta, COSIMA Co-I, MPS
2008-2014: Project scientist HRSC/MarsExpress, MPS
2004-2008: Scientist DFG Priority Program Mars and the terrestrial planets, Mars Climate Simulator, MPS
2000-2004: PhD at Hamburg University
Selected Publications:
(1) Hornung, K. et al. [includ. Stenzel, O.], On structural properties of Comet 67/P dust particles collected in situ by ROSETTA/COSIMA from observations of electrical fragmentation. Planetary and Space Science 236, 105747 (2023).
(2) Kimura, H., Hilchenbach, M., Merouane, S., Paquette, J. & Stenzel, O., The morphological, elastic, and electric properties of dust aggregates in comets: A close look at COSIMA/Rosetta’s data on dust in comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Planetary and Space Science 181, 104825 (2020).
(3) Stenzel, O. J. et al. [includ. Stenzel, O.], Similarities in element content between comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko coma dust and selected meteorite samples. Mon Not R Astron Soc 469, S492–S505 (2017).
(4) Fray, N. et al. [includ. Stenzel, O.], High-molecular-weight organic matter in the particles of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Nature 538, 72–74 (2016).
(5) Schulz, R. et al. [includ. Stenzel, O.], Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko sheds dust coat accumulated over the past four years. Nature 518, 216–218 (2015).