🌘 Houston’s getting a blood moon—here’s when

August 19, 2026

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Good morning, Houston!

Get your telescopes ready because we’re in for a crimson red show on Aug. 27. Next week, a deep partial lunar eclipse will reveal a blood moon over Houston as the moon sinks into Earth’s shadow for three hours.

The next eclipse isn’t until February 2027, and will be much more difficult to see, so now’s the time to go stargazing.

Our normal telescope view of the moon from Houston will be cast in a deep red hue in just a few days. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

And Houston’s eyes are set on the moon in more ways than one. NASA recently unveiled plans to build a base for long-term human presence on the moon, with lunar missions beginning as soon as this year in preparation for humanity’s new home.

Let’s get into what else we should be looking up at the sky for this week.

Anna Raj

Newsletter Editor, Courier HTX

Your news roundup—a quick stop for stories happening across the state that deserve a little more attention.

✈️ Mayor Whitmire responded to Gov. Greg Abbott’s threat to withhold funding over a handwashing room at George Bush Intercontinental Airport intended for use by Muslim travelers. Watch what he had to say. (KHOU 11)

🥪 One of the founders of Houston staple Trill Burgers has died, further complicating a yearslong legal battle over the restaurant. Find out what happened. (Chron)

✝️ Over two dozen Texas families represented by the ACLU have petitioned the Supreme Court to hear their challenge regarding the posting of the 10 Commandments in school classrooms. Here’s what’s next for them. (Houston Public Media)

🐕 A Houston non-profit dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia is asking for the public’s help with a new play yard. See how you can make puppy playtime a reality. (Fox 26)

A story worth sharing with your neighbor

Crowned night herons are migratory birds that often stop in local green spaces like Hermann Park on their journey. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

Now is the time to look to the TX skies for the great fall bird migration

Because of its massive size and location within the US, our state is perfectly positioned at the crossroads of major bird flyways or migratory paths. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also the first stop for birds that have just crossed the Gulf of Mexico and are looking for a place to touch down and rest a bit.

So turn your eyes to the sky and watch as one of nature’s finest spectacles takes place: the great fall bird migration over Texas.

Houston is in a prime location for birdwatching during the migration season. It is nicely situated on the Central Flyway, and since many birds fly along the coast to reach South America, Houston offers incredible views, especially of shorebirds.

Best HTX spots for a view of the migration →