(Photo above The Jewelled Handle ~ Image by Derek Rowley)
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- The Jewel Handle or Golden Handle
The Moon’s Golden Handle is visible from the UK once each lunar month, roughly 2-4 days after First Quarter Moon, when the Sun grazes the Montes Jura and lights their peaks while Sinus Iridum is still in darkness ~ this creates the bright “handle” effect along the terminator.
o - After the First Quarter Moon (half-moonlit), the Moon increases towards the Full Moon in the waxing gibbous phase ~ the time when the Jewelled handle shines brightest.
o - This effect is only visible for a few days each month ~ roughly 2-4 days after the first quarter Moon.
o - Equipment
You will need a small telescope or binoculars (8×42 or 10×50) are enough to show the arc beautifully.
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