SAC-7b Images (Early Images)

(Please be patient while the images load)
(Adjust brightness and contrast on your monitor for best viewing)


The images that follow were obtained with a prototype SAC-7b CCD imager.  The SAC-7 was probably the first commercially produced CCD imager that is based upon a webcam. It is an 8-bit, peltier cooled, one-shot-color imager that is capable of some deep-space imaging. It excels on the moon and planets. Some images may appear more than once. If this is the case, they were taken with different telescopes, different CCD imager settings, or processed differently.
The Beginning:

The images of Jupiter and Saturn below are the first images I had ever taken with a digital device (a webcam). Even though they are not very good, I was thrilled to see them appear on the computer screen.


Getting Better:

More early efforts on some planets. Although most of our imaging now involves deep space targets, the planets were a good starting point for learning imaging techniques. While the images below are an improvement and may be "adequate", there are several people who are experts in hi-resolution lunar and planetary imaging. It is well worth searching the web to find pages of individuals who specialize in lunar and planetary imaging because some of their photos are absolutely amazing.




The Moon:

Click here or on the image below to see a much larger image of the moon taken as a mosaic using the SAC-7b.



And Finally, Our First Attempts at Deep Space:


You have to start somewhere...






Return to Deep Space Imaging and Astrophotography Main Page

All images copyright (c) Tim Tasto and Becky Tasto
SAC7, SAC-7, SAC-7b