CS3-Palmer Divide Station
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
CS3-Palmer Divide Station is one of the robotic telescope stations of the Center for Solar System Studies (CS3), located near Landers, California.
About CS3-Palmer Divide Station
The station is dedicated to asteroid lightcurve analysis and photometric observations, work used to model the spin axis and shape of minor planets. Its observations have contributed to published research spanning multiple years, coordinated with other CS3 stations that together form a broader solar-system research network.
Telescopes & research
As part of CS3's photometry programme, Palmer Divide Station's data feeds into studies of asteroid rotation and shape, a niche but scientifically valuable corner of solar system astronomy that relies on repeated, precise brightness measurements over time.
Location & getting there
The site is located near Landers, in the High Desert of California, an area chosen by CS3 for its dark skies and suitability for continuous robotic observing.
Visiting CS3-Palmer Divide Station
As a robotic research station rather than a public visitor site, check the Center for Solar System Studies' official channels for any current access or outreach information before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
Photometric research stations like this one work from exact sky coordinates — the same kind of precise data included with every star named through Star Register. Name a star or explore the catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
