Founded in 1842, the National Observatory of Athens (NOA) is the oldest research centre in Greece. It has three research institutes, one of which is the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS).

The Solar and Heliospheric Physics Research Group of NOA/IAASARS has extensive experience in the analysis and interpretation of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) measurements from various ESA/NASA missions (Ulysses, ACE, Wind, STEREO). It is participating in the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) consortium of the Solar Orbiter Cosmic Vision mission (in preparation). It has been largely involved in SEP studies such as the origin, acceleration and transport of SEPs in the Interplanetary medium and the 3-dimensional Heliosphere and the energetic particle signatures within Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs) and their implications for the magnetic field topology and large-scale connectivity. In collaboration with European and American partners it has implemented the first European Space Weather Alert System.

NOA is the Coordinating Partner of HESPERIA.