At Wilco Imaging, we pride ourselves on delivering advanced imaging solutions that empower professionals in science, industry, and beyond. One recent project by the Acquerra Astronomy Team offers a stunning example of how our thermal imaging cameras—optimized with cover glass removal—can deliver exceptional scientific results under extreme conditions.

Capturing the Thermal Glow of Venus

The Acquerra team is using Wilco Imaging cameras to capture thermal emissions from the night side of Venus, a feat rarely achieved due to the planet’s dense, reflective atmosphere. Venus’ surface temperature reaches a scorching 450°C at its lowest elevations, making it a challenging yet fascinating target for infrared astronomy.

Using a 20" aperture telescope and narrowband filters tuned to 1000–1020nm, the team exploits a rare infrared “window” that allows surface heat to escape into space. This unique wavelength band makes it possible to see through the thick atmosphere of Venus and detect the faint thermal signals emitted by its terrain.

Why Cover Glass Removal Matters

A critical factor in the success of these observations was removing the cover glass from the camera. In traditional imaging setups, the cover glass can cause internal reflections, especially when imaging high-contrast scenes like the overexposed crescent of sunlit Venus. These reflections create ghosting artifacts that degrade image quality and obscure delicate thermal signals.

By eliminating the cover glass, the Acquerra team reduced these internal reflections, achieving a cleaner, more accurate image—critical when working at the limits of sensitivity and resolution.

"The cover glass needed to be removed to prevent internal reflections from the over-exposed dayside crescent that would otherwise be very intrusive and ruin the images."
— Acquerra Astronomy Team

High-Precision Imaging That Aligns with NASA Data

The processed images reveal terrain silhouettes based on temperature variations, with cooler high-altitude regions appearing darker. In one remarkable animation, these features are compared to terrain maps created by orbiting spacecraft, confirming the accuracy and scientific value of the captured data.

 View the Venus thermal imaging gallery

Optimizing for Scientific Imaging: A Collaborative Approach

At Wilco Imaging, we work closely with our customers to customize cameras for demanding applications. Whether it's removing cover glass for astrophotography, optimizing thermal sensitivity, or selecting specialized filters, our goal is to support precision imaging solutions that deliver results.

Final Thoughts

This Venus project showcases the critical performance gains enabled by thoughtful camera customization—like cover glass removal—when paired with scientific expertise. If you're pushing the boundaries of what can be seen and measured, Wilco Imaging is here to help you see further and clearer.