The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) has an absolute pointing accuracy of about one arc second RMS, which is considerably better than that of other telescopes. This paper discusses the characteristics of the telescope and pointing control system which may be of interest to telescope designers. Examination of known problems indicates that further improvements are possible. The MMT is exposed to large thermal radiation and wind loads because of the exposure allowed by the compact enclosure design. A theoretical analysis of the mount tracking servo system has been used to optimize the resistance to wind buffeting. The combination of mechanical and electronic servo system improvements and small, fixed wind baffles covering the yoke arms has obviated the need for a conventional wind-screen.

Date Published: 4 November 1982
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 0332, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes I, (4 November 1982); doi: 10.1117/12.933501

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0332:
Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes I
Lawrence D. Barr; Geoffrey Burbidge, Editor(s)