European Solar Telescope

EST
EST
Diameter
Ø 400.00 cm
Responsible scientist

    The European Solar Telescope (EST) is a next generation large-aperture solar telescope. This 4-metre telescope will be optimised for studies of the magnetic coupling between the deep photosphere and upper chromosphere. This will require diagnostics of the thermal, dynamic and magnetic properties of the plasma over many scale heights, by using multiple wavelength imaging, spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry. To achieve these goals, the EST will specialize in high spatial and temporal resolution using various instruments simultaneously that can efficiently produce 2D spectral information. EST will be located in Canary Islands, one of the first-class locations for astronomical observations.

    European solar physicists unanimously share the view that a large aperture new generation solar telescope is needed to further understanding of the fundamental processes of plasma physics in the Sun’s upper layers. The construction of a ground-based large aperture solar telescope equipped, with adaptive optics and integral field spectropolarimeters for observing astrophysical processes at their intrinsic scale, would allow interaction between magnetic fields and plasma in the solar atmosphere to be observed.Building EST will guarantee European Solar Physics access to an essential tool for ground-based solar research that will bring in scientific benefits not only in quantity but also of the highest quality. EST covers the gap as such large-scale telescopes for solar physics do not exist in Europe. It is not only a key reinforcement in the strategy of developing the European research area in this field but also in the development and internationalisation for the Canary Islands' Astrophysics Observatories. Moreover EST will give European industry, which is very well equipped for this type of project, a unique opportunity to make returns on its expertise in the field. 

    • The European Solar Telescope (EST) will be the largest solar telescope ever built in Europe, pursuing unique observations of the activity processes taking place on the Sun.
    • EST will have a 4-m primary mirror and the most advance technology available, giving astronomers the most powerful tool ever conceived for observing the Sun.
    • EST will be deployed in Canary Islands, a first-class location thanks to the sky quality and excellent conditions for astronomical observations.
    • The European Association for Solar Telescopes (EAST), currently formed by solar physicist of 17 European countries, fully supports the project and intends to develop, construct and operate EST.

    Related Projects

    • EST Render
      IACTEC Large Telescopes: The European Solar Telescope - EST

      The European Solar Telescope (EST) (http://www.est-east.eu) is a European solar physics initiative involving more than 30 institutions from 18 countries, under the coordination of the IAC, representing the largest infrastructure of European research projected in the field of solar physics from Earth.

    Related Conferences

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