Pictured here is the Sun Funnel, a simple device for safe viewing of the sun by a small group. With solar activity on the rise and the increasing frequency of sunspots, this is a handy device for the solar observer -- and especially for public outreach. It will be particularly handy this coming June for observing the Transit of Venus, which for the Philadelphia area, begins at 6:04 pm EDT on June 5, 2012, and is visible until 8:25 pm when Venus sets while still in transit across the solar disc. Instructions (and some background theory) for making a Sun Funnel are available here. Many of the parts are available at your local auto supply store and the special DA-LITE fabric for the viewing surface is available here. (Originally posted on 3-25-2012)