Τhe European Solar Telescope (EST), is a revolutionary 4-metre aperture telescope designed to investigate our active Sun at unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution. Equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, it will help scientists understand the magnetic coupling of the solar atmosphere. EST will be installed in the Canary Islands (Spain) to benefit from unique observing conditions. First light is planned for 2027.
The EST Preparatory Phase (PRE-EST) has been co-funded for 4 years (2017-2020) under the H2020 Framework Programme and national funding agencies through several projects. The main objective is to provide both the EST European consortium and the funding agencies with a detailed plan regarding the implementation of EST. Moreover, this will provide the necessary information for them to make decisions, addressing both organisational and technical issues as well as costs and risks. Additionally, under PRE-EST the detailed design of EST key elements to the required level of definition and validation for their final implementation will be carried out.
The construction and operation of EST is one of the goals of the European Association for Solar Telescopes (EAST), founded in 2006. EAST is currently formed by solar physicists from 17 European countries. The Institute of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) of the National Observatory of Athens has recently become member of this Association. National representative in the Association is Dr G. Tsiropoula, Research Director at IAASARS, who is also member of the Board of the EST Preparatory Phase (PRE-EST).
For more information: http://www.est-east.eu/est/index.php
The design concept of the European Solar Telescope
Countries participating in the European Association for Solar Telescopes