How do observatories work?

[Generic Villain]

So I've Googled around, but can't seem to get the mechanics of it. I'm referring specifically to the dome aspect of modern observatories. Looking at them, they only open a side slit in a fixed location. Hard to explain in words, so here's a good picture.

Looking at those observatories, it looks like the telescope is in a fixed position and can only observe part of the sky. Can the entire dome spin to allow the telescope access to different quadrants of the sky? Or are observatories all fixed in place? Any explanation and/or links would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Andostre]

Most observatories' domes can rotate.

Quote:

In most cases, the entire upper portion of the telescope dome can be rotated to allow the instrument to observe different sections of the night sky.

[Generic Villain]

Andostre wrote:

Most observatories' domes can rotate.

In most cases, the entire upper portion of the telescope dome can be rotated to allow the instrument to observe different sections of the night sky.

Ah, that would make a lot more sense. Thanks.

[kaboom!]

Also, sometimes the entire observatory is in orbit around Earth. Some people call these "Space Telescopes".

I think these are a wonder plot element for any Modern RPG campaign.

[Tim Emrick]

Between one college astronomy course (eons ago) and my wife's parents being astronomy professors, I've spent a decent amount of time in observatories for a layperson. As Andostre said, most observatory domes rotate, and the telescope is mounted in such a way to allow it to turn with the dome, and to move up and down in a vertical arc. This allows the telescope to be aimed at nearly any point in the sky above the horizon. Most modern observatory domes are also outfitted with computers that allow the telescope to be programmed to track a point in the sky, to compensate for the earth's rotation while observing that point over time.

[Andostre]

I bet they're a bad place to have a rager, though.