  The status of the solar axion search with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope
(CAST) will be presented. Recent results obtained by the use of $^3$He as a
buffer gas has allowed us to extend our sensitivity to higher axion masses than
our previous measurements with $^4$He. With about 1 h of data taking at each of
252 different pressure settings we have scanned the axion mass range 0.39 eV$
\le m_{a} \le $ 0.64 eV. From the absence of an excess of x rays when the
magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon
coupling of g$_{a\gamma} \le 2.3\times 10^{-10}$ GeV$^{-1}$ at 95% C.L., the
exact value depending on the pressure setting. CAST published results represent
the best experimental limit on the photon couplings to axions and other similar
exotic particles dubbed WISPs (Weakly Interacting Slim Particles) in the
considered mass range and for the first time the limit enters the region
favored by QCD axion models. Preliminary sensitivities for axion masses up to
1.16 eV will also be shown reaching mean upper limits on the axion-photon
coupling of g$_{a\gamma} \le 3.5\times 10^{-10}$ GeV$^{-1}$ at 95% C.L.
Expected sensibilities for the extension of the CAST program up to 2014 will be
presented. Moreover long term options for a new helioscope experiment will be
evoked.

High Energy Physics - Experiment;Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics