Get ready for a spectacular sight on the moon! This Saturday night offers a special chance to spot something astronomers call the “Golden Handle,” a beautiful arc of light created by sunlight hitting lunar mountains just right. It’s a fleeting moment that transforms a part of the moon into a glowing handle shape. Seeing it is easy if you know where and when to look.
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This dazzling display happens when the line between lunar day and night perfectly illuminates a mountain range on the moon’s edge. On July 5, conditions will be just right to see this “handle” shining brightly.
What is the Lunar ‘Golden Handle’?
The “Golden Handle” isn’t a physical object on the moon, but a stunning visual effect. It occurs around a large, circular area on the moon’s northwest side called Sinus Iridum, which means ‘Bay of Rainbows’ in Latin.
Sinus Iridum is actually a vast plain, likely formed by ancient lava flows, similar to the larger, dark patches you see on the moon. Bordering its northern edge is a mountain range known as Montes Jura.
When the sun is at a specific low angle, its rays just catch the very tops of the Montes Jura peaks, making them glow like a crescent while the lower parts and the plain itself are still in shadow. This illuminated curve resembles a shining handle reaching out into the dark.
Golden Handle light effect on the moon's Montes Jura mountain range.
How to Spot the Lunar ‘Golden Handle’ on July 5th
Catching the Golden Handle requires timing and knowing where to aim your gaze.
When and Where to Look
Look towards the moon on the evening of Saturday, July 5th. At this time, the moon will be a waxing gibbous phase, meaning it’s more than half-lit and growing fuller each night. As the sun sets, find the moon hanging above the southern horizon. You’ll find it shining among the stars of the constellation Libra.
To find the Golden Handle itself, focus on the edge of the moon where the lit part meets the dark part – this is called the “terminator.” The Golden Handle will appear just to the west of the Sinus Iridum (‘Bay of Rainbows’) area in the moon’s northwest quadrant.
Look for the Montes Jura mountain range near the terminator, situated above the dark, vast plain of Mare Imbrium (the ‘Sea of Showers’), another large area of solidified ancient lava. There, near the terminator line, you should see that distinctive crescent-shaped curve of light – the Golden Handle. Understanding how Earth’s moon and the sun interact at different angles helps explain this phenomenon.
Annotated map showing the location of Sinus Iridum and Montes Jura on the moon for skywatchers.
What You’ll Need
While you might glimpse the illuminated region with just your eyes, you’ll need a little help to see the Golden Handle clearly and appreciate its form.
- Binoculars: A good pair of binoculars, especially around 15×70 magnification and mounted on a tripod for stability, will significantly enhance the view, revealing the sweeping curve of the handle. Check out our guide to the best binoculars for exploring the solar system for recommendations.
- Telescope: For a more detailed look at the Montes Jura range and the features nearby, like the Bianchini Crater, a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches or larger is ideal. If you’re new to telescopes, our guide to the best telescopes for beginners can help.
Explore More: Checking Out Copernicus Crater
While you’re observing the moon on July 5th, don’t miss the chance to swing your binoculars or telescope over to one of the moon’s most famous impact sites: Copernicus Crater.
Located elsewhere on the moon’s face, Copernicus is a massive crater, roughly 57 miles (93 kilometers) wide. On July 5th, the sun’s angle will be low over Copernicus too, casting dramatic, long shadows along its eastern rim. This low light also highlights the bright streaks of material, called ejecta rays, that were blasted outwards when the crater was formed around 800 million years ago. It’s a fantastic target that showcases the moon’s violent history.
Don’t Miss This Lunar Light Show
Seeing the “Golden Handle” is a unique opportunity that depends on the precise alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth. On July 5th, these celestial bodies line up to create this beautiful, temporary feature on the lunar surface.
Gather your binoculars or telescope and head outside after sunset to witness this special light show. It’s a wonderful way to connect with our closest celestial neighbor. For more tips on exploring the moon, check out our ultimate guide to exploring the lunar surface. And if you’re thinking about capturing the moment, take a look at the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
