If you’ve stepped outside lately in Texas, you know the nights are getting that crisp, clear quality that makes you want to stare at the sky until your neck cramps. Naturally, everyone is asking the same question: what time is the lunar eclipse in Texas tonight?
There is a lot of chatter. Social media is buzzing with "blood moon" alerts. But here is the cold, hard truth that might bum you out: there is no lunar eclipse happening in Texas tonight, January 16, 2026.
I know, I know. It’s annoying to hear when you've already got your lawn chair ready. But the internet has a way of recycling old news or getting dates mixed up until everyone thinks a celestial event is happening every other Tuesday. If you look at the sky tonight, you’re going to see a beautiful moon, but it won’t be turning red or disappearing into a shadow.
The moon tonight is actually a waning crescent. It’s only about 7% illuminated. Basically, it’s a little sliver of light hanging out near the horizon. It’s pretty, sure, but it’s definitely not an eclipse.
When is the Next Real Lunar Eclipse in Texas?
Since you're clearly in the mood for some space magic, let’s talk about when the real show actually starts. You don't have to wait that long, but you do need to mark your calendar for March.
The next major event is a Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026.
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This is the big one. This is the "Blood Moon" everyone keeps talking about. In Texas, we are actually in a pretty decent spot to see a good chunk of it, though the timing is a bit of a "night owl" or "early bird" situation depending on how you look at it.
The March 3, 2026 Schedule for Texas
If you are in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or anywhere in the Central Time Zone, here is the breakdown of what that night will actually look like:
- Penumbral Phase Begins: 2:44 AM CST. This is subtle. You probably won't even notice anything is happening unless you're a hardcore observer.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 3:50 AM CST. This is when the moon starts looking like something took a bite out of it.
- Totality Starts: 5:04 AM CST. This is the "Blood Moon" phase. The moon turns a deep, dusty red.
- Maximum Eclipse: 5:33 AM CST. The deepest part of the shadow.
- Moonset in Texas: Around 6:45 AM to 7:00 AM CST.
Here’s the catch for us Texans: the moon is going to be setting right as the eclipse is finishing up. By the time the sun starts peeking over the horizon, the moon will be dropping below the skyline. If you have a bunch of tall trees or buildings to your west, you might miss the very end of it. You’ll want a clear view of the western horizon to see the "setting blood moon," which, honestly, makes for a killer photo.
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Why Do People Think There Is an Eclipse Tonight?
Honestly, it’s usually the "supermoon" or "full moon" hype that gets people confused. We just had a Full Wolf Moon back on January 3rd. That was a supermoon, meaning it was a bit closer to Earth and looked extra chunky and bright.
When a big moon event happens, the "eclipse" searches skyrocket for the next three weeks because people get the terminology mixed up. Or, someone shares a TikTok from 2024 or 2021, and suddenly it’s viral again. It happens to the best of us.
Also, there was a lot of talk about a "gravity anomaly" rumor for 2026—some nonsense about Earth losing gravity for 7 seconds. It’s totally fake, but it’s linked to eclipse dates in people’s minds. Don't buy into the "Project Anchor" or "gravity loss" hoaxes. Physics is still working. Your coffee won't float away.
Don't Forget the Partial Eclipse in August
If you miss the one in March (or if it’s cloudy, which, let’s be real, is a Texas tradition for astronomical events), you get a second chance later in the year.
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On August 28, 2026, there is a Partial Lunar Eclipse.
It’s not quite as dramatic as the total eclipse in March, but it’s much more convenient. It’ll happen late at night on August 27th going into the 28th. The moon will enter the Earth's dark shadow (the umbra) around 10:33 PM and stay there until nearly 2:00 AM. It’s a perfect "backyard and a beer" kind of event.
How to Actually Watch an Eclipse in Texas
Since we’ve established that asking "what time is the lunar eclipse in Texas tonight" results in a big "not tonight," let's prepare for when it actually happens. Watching a lunar eclipse is way easier than a solar one. You don't need those cardboard glasses. You won't go blind.
- Find a Dark Spot: Even though you can see a lunar eclipse from a city, the colors pop way more if you get away from the streetlights. If you can head out to somewhere like Enchanted Rock or Dripping Springs, do it.
- Use Binoculars: You don't need a $2,000 telescope. A simple pair of bird-watching binoculars will let you see the craters as the shadow creeps across the surface. It looks 3D and it’s hauntingly cool.
- Check the Clouds: Use an app like Astrospheric or Clear Outside. Standard weather apps are "kinda" okay, but they don't always tell you about high-altitude transparency.
Actionable Next Steps for Texas Stargazers
Since tonight is a bust for eclipses, don't let the night go to waste. The sky is still doing cool stuff.
- Look for Venus: It’s been super bright in the evening sky lately. Look west right after sunset. You can’t miss it; it looks like a plane that isn’t moving.
- Set a Calendar Alert: Open your phone right now. Go to March 3, 2026. Set an alarm for 4:30 AM. Title it "Blood Moon - Look West."
- Visit a Star Party: If you’re near Tyler State Park or Galveston Island, check the local park schedules. They often host "Star Parties" on Friday nights where people bring big telescopes and let you look at Saturn or nebulae for free.
Bottom line: No eclipse tonight, January 16. But the March "Blood Moon" is going to be worth the wait. Get your sleep tonight so you can pull that all-nighter in a few weeks.