Saturday 22nd August 2026

The Moon’s Jewelled Handle

(Photo above The Jewelled Handle ~ Image by Derek Rowley)
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• The Jewelled 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.
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• 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.
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• This effect is only visible for a few days each month ~ roughly 2-4 days after the first quarter Moon.
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• 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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• Moonrise & Moonset
  – Date: Saturday 22nd August 2026
  – Moonlit (illumination): 79% (Waxing Gibbous)
  – Constellation: Capricorn (The Sea Goat)
  – Moonrise: 16:36 / 4.36pm (BST)
  – Moonset: 23:11 / 11.11pm (BST)
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• The next the Jewelled Handle will be visible on Monday 21st September 2026.
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