In this image, the teardrop effect of Venus can be seen at second contact during its June 5, 2012 transit. Refraction and scattering effects can be seen to distort the shape of the planet's disk toward the solar limb. This image was made by stacking 1000 video frames taken with a Philips SPC900NC webcam (at 30 frames per second) at prime focus on a Celestron C8 f/10 telescope. Image taken in Acworth, GA by Robert Zaballa.
Note to Editor: Although a previous image was submitted this evening, the teardrop effect appears more pronounced in this second image. If only one image is to be posted, it is requested that this image be posted instead of the previous image. Thanks.