European Solar Telescope advances toward 2028 construction in La Palma

The European Solar Telescope (EST) has achieved ‘Landmark’ status from the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). This designation recognizes the project as a strategic research reference for Europe, placing it alongside other major astronomical facilities like the Extremely Large Telescope.

Coordinated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), the project involves more than 30 institutions from 18 countries. The telescope is planned for construction at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, with construction slated to begin in 2028. The IAC is currently finalizing civil engineering and environmental documentation to secure necessary building permits.

The EST is expected to be the largest solar telescope in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Researchers anticipate a ten-year construction period, aiming for the facility to see its first light by 2038.