Tonight, skywatchers will have the chance to witness a stunning and rare lunar phenomenon — the Golden Handle, a glowing arc that appears on the moon as sunlight hits the peaks of a mountain range at just the right angle.
What Is the Golden Handle?
The “Golden Handle” is a crescent-shaped glow that appears when sunlight strikes the tops of the Montes Jura mountain range, located around the Sinus Iridum (Latin for Bay of Rainbows) on the moon’s northwest surface. This occurs as the terminator — the line dividing night from day on the moon — passes just west of this region, creating the illusion of a glowing handle against the dark lunar shadow.
When and Where to Look
This rare event is visible on the evening of July 5, just after sunset. Look up to the southern sky for the waxing gibbous moon in the constellation Libra.
To find the Golden Handle:
- Spot the dark plains of Mare Imbrium, a massive lava-filled basin.
- Just above it, locate the Montes Jura range hugging Sinus Iridum’s north edge.
- The illuminated peaks along the terminator will form the Golden Handle.
Best Viewing Tools
- 15×70 binoculars on a tripod will give you a good look at the arc.
- A 6-inch or larger telescope will show fine detail, including nearby Bianchini Crater.
- While observing, also check out the dramatic Copernicus Crater, whose 93-kilometer-wide rim casts shadows and displays ejecta rays — remnants of a powerful impact from 800 million years ago.
A Treat for Stargazers and Lunar Lovers
This short-lived display is one of the moon’s most captivating visual tricks, visible for just a few hours as the lighting hits the mountains just right. If you’re into lunar exploration, don’t miss this. Be sure to check out our ultimate guides to:
- Exploring the lunar surface
- Top telescopes and binoculars for astronomy
- Best cameras and lenses for astrophotography
So tonight, step outside and look up — the moon has something magical to show.
