The European Solar Telescope (EST) will be a revolutionary Research Infrastructure that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern Solar Physics.
This 4-meter class solar telescope, to be located in the Canary Islands, will provide solar physicists with the most advanced state-of-the-art observing tools to transform our understanding of the complex phenomena that drive the solar magnetic activity.
Under acronym PRE-EST -Preparatory Phase of the European Solar Telescope- has been proposed a project with the specific objectives of: (1) to explore possible legal frameworks and related governance schemes; (2) to explore funding schemes and funding sources for EST; (3) to compare the two possible sites for EST in the Canary Islands Astronomical Observatories and prepare final site agreements; (4) to engage funding agencies and policy makers for a long-term commitment which guarantees the construction and operation phases of the Telescope; (5) to involve industry in the design of EST key elements to the required level of definition and validation for their final production; (6) to enhance and intensify outreach activities and strategic links with national agencies and the user communities of EST.
This 4-years project is promoted by the European Association for Solar Telescopes (EAST). The project consortium involves 23 research institutions from 16 countries.
*Call: H2020-INFRADEV-2016-2017 Development and long-term sustainability of new pan-European research infrastructures; Topic: INFRADEV-02-2016; Type of action: Coordination and Support Actions