Don’t Miss the Stunning ‘Golden Handle’ on the Moon Tonight: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide!

Saturday night is a great time to catch a glimpse of the “Golden Handle” on the moon. This temporary feature appears when sunlight hits the peaks of the moon’s mountains just right.

On July 5, the moon’s terminator—the line between night and day—will be positioned west of Sinus Iridum, also called the ‘Bay of Rainbows’. The sun will shine on the eastern peaks of the Montes Jura mountain range, highlighting a lovely golden arc that we call the “Golden Handle.”

To see this spectacle, look for the waxing gibbous moon in the southern sky. It will be shining near the constellation Libra. Focus on the Montes Jura mountain range above the dark Mare Imbrium, a large area created by ancient lava flows. There, near the terminator, you’ll find the crescent-shaped curve that forms the Golden Handle.

Using binoculars, like 15×70 ones on a tripod, will help you see the Golden Handle’s profile better. If you have a telescope with a 6-inch aperture or more, you can view not only the Golden Handle but also the Montes Jura and the nearby Bianchini Crater in detail.

While you’re stargazing, don’t forget to check out Copernicus Crater. It’s about 57 miles wide and presents a stunning image under the low-angle sunlight on July 5. This lighting will create long shadows along its eastern rim, revealing ejecta rays—debris scattered when the crater was formed around 800 million years ago.

Stargazers today enjoy easy access to resources that can enhance their experience. According to a recent survey by the American Astronomical Society, over 60% of amateur astronomers are using digital platforms to access tips and guides for moon watching. Some even turn to social media to share their findings and connect with others passionate about astronomy.

If you’re looking to learn more about the moon and other celestial bodies, check out this NASA lunar guide. It’s packed with information about the lunar surface and how to observe it. Whether you’re using a professional telescope or just your eyes, there’s so much to discover up there!

So grab your binoculars, find a dark spot away from city lights, and enjoy the wonder of the night sky. The universe is waiting for you!

Source link