Abstract

Telescope operation is exceptionally complex, generally with respect to specialized control and monitoring systems. World-class astronomical facilities usually choose tailored control solutions to meet their specific needs. However, many of these telescopes share a common control architecture composed of a three-layer architecture: a top level for services and communication between software components, an intermediate level for coordination and execution of tasks in real-time, and a low level where the end hardware devices live. The first generations of telescopes also implemented centralized and customized solutions, which later evolved to highly decentralized components based on industrial standards, middleware, and open protocols. This paper reviews control and monitoring technologies used in modern world-class terrestrial observatories.