2. Historical Background

In 1968 / 69 10 solar physicists form seven European countries (France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland) created the "Joint Organization for Solar Observations". They published in 1970 a "Statement of Intentions". In this document they described a programme essentially consisting of the following steps :

1. Search for an " ideal " observatory site
2. Construction of a "Joint European Solar Observatory", equipped with medium-sized instruments
3. Construction of a "Large European Solar Telescope" ( LEST )
4. Along with these concrete aims it was "... furthermore hoped that the cooperation of European solar astronomers will stimulate and render more effective solar research in Europe"

Step (a) was accomplished in 1979/1980 when the Canary Islands of Tenerife and La Palma were found to offer excellent places for large telescope installations.

The aim of step (b) was achieved by international treaties permitting the construction of a Swedish Solar Telescope on La Palma, tow new German telescopes (Vacuum Tower Telescope, VTT, and Gregory Coudé Telescope, GCT), and a French Telescope (THEMIS) on Tenerife, all on the area and as component of the Spanish "Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias" (IAC). In 1992, three of these medium-sized telescopes are in operation; the fourth, THEMIS was constructed on Tenerife in 1993 - 1995.

The implementation of step (c) was formally started with the creation of the LEST Foundation at the Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1983. Meanwhile this foundation has taken over all activities necessary for planning, funding and building LEST. The site for the telescope has been chosen in the vicinity of the Swedish Solar Telescope on La Palma. The meaning of the acronym LEST was changed to "Large Earth-Based Solar Telescope".

to be continued...