Abstract: A portable telescope assembly comprising a telescope mounted on portable support means. The portable support means includes a polar axis shaft, means for aligning the polar axis shaft parallel to the polar axis of the earth, means for revolving the telescope about the polar axis shaft, and means for rotating the telescope about an axis normal to the polar axis shaft. In addition, the polar axis shaft is balanced both torsionally and longitudinally with the telescope supported at one end and to one side of the polar axis shaft, with a fulcrum intermediate the ends of the polar axis shaft, and counterweights supported at the other end and on the other side of the polar axis shaft. The portable support means includes an air suspension system so that the assembly can be transported between erection sites without substantial hazard of damage due to vibrations or shocks.