The Nordic Optical Telescope: Present and Future

The Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) has now been in successful operation on La Palma for 15 years. Great changes have taken place in Nordic and European astronomy during that time. Notably, ESO has commissioned the VLT, to which most Nordic astronomers now have access. NOT is also a partner in OPTICON, which is broadening the scope of European cooperation in optical/IR astronomy. Accordingly, the instrumentation and mode of operation of NOT are being revised to keep abreast in a new world.

At the same time, the first 30-year period of the international agreements to create the observatory on La Palma expires in 2009. In preparation, we are trying to look another quarter-century into the future, foresee where developments may take us, and define the elements of a new strategy. The beginnings of this process will be described.