This compendium on the design of large telescopes provides insights from a group of leading telescope designers active at the major observatories throughout the World. It includes discussions of all the basic scientific and engineering aspects of building large ground- or space-based telescopes, including: general specifications and the design process, siting and project management, construction and fabrication, active and adaptive optics, and operation and maintenance.

Inhalt
Astronomical Observations.- Instruments.- Design Methods and Project Management.- Telescope Optics.- Stray Light Control.- Telescope Structure and Mechanisms.- Pointing and Control.- Active and Adaptive Optics.- Thermal Control.- Integration and Verification.- Observatory Enclosure.- Observatory Sites.