Click image to zoom

Lunar Surface At Telescope

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Image was captured through a telescope using ''lucky imaging''. This astrophotography technique captures short-exposure frames or videos, extracting and combining the best frames with specialized software for a sharper, detailed final image during stable atmospheric conditions.) Golden Handle phenomenon on the moon is seen through a telescope from L'Aquila, Italy, on January 21st, 2024. The Golden Handle refers to a captivating visual phenomenon occurring at the lunar terminator. Roughly 10 to 11 days after the new moon, the valley of the Rainbow Bay, also known as Sinus Iridum, remains in shadow, while the mountain peaks of the nearby Montes Jura are already bathed in sunlight, thanks to their impressive height of up to 2700 meters. This formation, resembling a handle and illuminated by the Moon's yellowish light, has been dubbed the ''Golden Handle'' due to its distinctive shape and color. The Golden Handle is a transient spectacle, visible only once a month for a few hours. It can be observed using binoculars and captured by cameras equipped with telephoto lenses. (Photo by Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#10933881
Date Taken	21 January 2024
Location	N/A
Photographer	Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto
Category	Astrophotography
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Lorenzo Di Cola/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

moon surface space astronomy sky planet background universe science night astrology black satellite nature lunar light earth orbit dark crater abstract moonlight cosmos system celestial design world round bright travel landscape sun view detail texture art pattern color fantasy luna telescope lorenzo di cola nurphoto no people telescope lucky imaging astrophotography short-exposure frames specialized software atmospheric conditions Golden Handle phenomenon moon L'Aquila Italy January 21st 2024 lunar terminator Sinus Iridum Montes Jura sunlight mountain peaks shadow illuminated yellowish light distinctive shape transient spectacle visible once a month binoculars cameras telephoto lenses Lorenzo Di Cola NurPhoto Rainbow Bay new moon 2700 meters valley combining best frames sharper image detailed final image visual phenomenon lunar observation.

License This Photo

Digital Basic Editorial use on digital platforms only (websites, social media). Single use, up to 1 million monthly UVs. Worldwide distribution. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€35.00

Editorial Print & Digital For editorial use in print and digital publications such as newspapers, magazines, and textbooks. Single use, up to 10,000 copies or 1 million UVs. Worldwide distribution. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€99.00

Broadcast (TV & Digital) For editorial use in TV production or streaming platforms. Single use, all media rights excluding theatrical, with worldwide distribution in perpetuity. NO COMMERCIAL OR PROMOTIONAL USE

€399.00

Total Price

€35.00

Secure checkout

Need a custom license?

Contact Sales