First things first. Venus has a transit of the sun in 2012. Obviously one would need a filter to observe it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transit_of_Venus,_2012

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

By then I hope to have my own Coronado PST or some equivalent. I once looked at the Sun directly thru the eyepiece of a 6 or 7 inch refractor at an astronomy shop in Tucson. A surreal experience to say the least. Of course it had a filter on the end of it that cost more than the telescope. I still had to overcome the natural aversion to going near the eyepiece. The sight was mindblowing. The sun was quite active and to actually watch solar prominences performing in real time and with my own eyes was absolutely incredible.

- Peter.

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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

You can buy a cheap solar filter (just for viewing the surface and sunspots..any of course transits) for ~$100. I have one for the 14" reflector in the observatory. I can't see any prominences or flares but I can look directly at the sun! In fact I just had a class do it a couple hours ago.

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD

Here is the best I have seen. It is a Windows Media clip. It shows the actual occultation. Click on the link and it will load automatically. http://spaceweather.com/submissions/pics/j/John-McNair-Moon-and-Venus_1240454378.wmv

This pic shows the stages as well (mirror image)-

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD