Blood Moon 2025: Watch the Texas Skies for a Total Lunar Eclipse

HOUSTON, Texas (KPEL News) - If you’re in Texas and love skywatching, you won’t want to miss this.

A total lunar eclipse, often called a Blood Moon, will take place on the night of March 13 into the early hours of March 14, 2025. And the best part? It will be fully visible across the Lone Star State—from Houston to Dallas and beyond.

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This is a rare total lunar eclipse, meaning the Moon will be completely covered by Earth’s shadow, turning it a deep red color for over an hour. Here’s everything you need to know to catch this stunning celestial event in Texas.

When Will the Eclipse Happen in Texas?

The eclipse will last over six hours, with the total eclipse phase lasting about 1 hour and 5 minutes. If you want to see the Blood Moon at its peak, here are the key times for Dallas and Houston:

Lunar Eclipse Times (Central Time - CDT)

Dallas, TX

• Partial Eclipse Begins: 12:09 AM (March 14)
• Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
• Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
• Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM
• Partial Eclipse Ends: 3:47 AM

Houston, TX

• Partial Eclipse Begins: 12:09 AM
• Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
• Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
• Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM
• Partial Eclipse Ends: 3:47 AM

San Antonio, TX

• Partial Eclipse Begins: 12:09 AM
• Total Eclipse Begins: 1:26 AM
• Maximum Eclipse (Blood Moon Peak): 1:58 AM
• Total Eclipse Ends: 2:31 AM
• Partial Eclipse Ends: 3:47 AM

Wherever you are in Texas, you’ll be able to see the entire eclipse from start to finish, as long as cloud cover doesn’t get in the way.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from hitting the Moon’s surface. Instead of turning completely dark, the Moon takes on a deep red or orange hue, creating what’s known as a Blood Moon.

This happens because Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light (like blue and green), while red and orange light pass through and reach the Moon, giving it that eerie, reddish glow.

Where’s the Best Place to Watch?

To get the best view of the Blood Moon, you’ll want to find a dark, open area away from city lights. Here are some of the best spots in Texas to watch the eclipse:

• Enchanted Rock (Fredericksburg) – One of the best dark-sky locations in Texas.
• Big Bend National Park – Offers stunning, unobstructed views of the night sky.
• Sam Houston National Forest – A great spot for viewing away from urban lights.
• Texas Hill Country – Known for low light pollution and expansive views.
• Local parks and backyards – If you’re in a city, try to find a spot with minimal streetlights.

No telescope? No problem. The lunar eclipse is visible to the naked eye, so all you need to do is look up.

Will the Weather Cooperate?

It depends on where you are. Houston will see partially cloudy skies in the region overnight on Thursday which may obscure the Blood Moon. It'll be mostly clear in Dallas, however, with very few (if any) clouds lingering.

Why This Eclipse Is Special

This total lunar eclipse is the first of two happening in 2025, and it will be fully visible across Texas. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur until March 3, 2026, so this is your best chance to see a Blood Moon for a while.

How to Capture the Eclipse on Camera

If you want to snap the perfect Blood Moon photo, here are a few quick tips:

📸 Use a tripod – Helps keep your shots steady for clear, sharp images.
📸 Adjust exposure settings – Lower brightness to avoid overexposure.
📸 Try night mode – Most modern smartphones have a low-light setting that can enhance details.
📸 Shoot during totality – The deepest red color will be visible between 1:26 AM and 2:31 AM.

Don’t Miss Texas’ Best Night Sky Event of 2025

A total lunar eclipse is a rare and breathtaking sight, and this one is perfectly timed for Texans to see it in full. Whether you’re an experienced skywatcher, a photographer, or just someone who loves witnessing nature’s wonders, this Blood Moon is an event worth staying up for.

So set an alarm, grab a blanket, and find a good viewing spot—because Texas is getting a front-row seat to one of the best sky events of the year.