A 105-year-old Texas resident, LaVerne Biser, is preparing to witness the total solar eclipse on April 8. His interest in astronomy dates back to his high school days in the 1930s, when he would admire the stars from his parent’s farmland in Troy, Ohio. The umbraphile, or eclipse chaser, had his first encounter with a total solar eclipse in 1963, which left him captivated. Since then, he has been eagerly seeking out opportunities to witness more eclipses, describing them as “beautiful.”
An engineer by profession, Biser obtained his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 1942, followed by a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He worked for General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, before retiring. Biser and his late wife, Marion, shared a love for traveling and watching eclipses together. They would often embark on road trips across the country to find the perfect spot to observe these celestial events, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands or the Black Sea.
Despite Marion’s passing in 2023 at the age of 97, Biser continues to pursue his passion for eclipses. He can still recall all the years he witnessed total solar eclipses, dating back to 1963. The last eclipse he experienced with his wife was in 2017, which he described as “a good one.” For the upcoming eclipse in 2024, Biser has meticulously planned his viewing location, opting to travel to Plano for a longer duration of totality. His daughter resides in Plano, providing him with a convenient base for the event.
As a precaution, Biser advises everyone to wear safety glasses when observing a partial eclipse. However, he notes that it is safe to remove them during a total solar eclipse. Despite his advanced age, Biser attributes his longevity and vitality to a healthy lifestyle, including abstaining from alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs. He credits his adherence to “good Christian living” as a key factor in maintaining his health and energy.
LaVerne Biser’s enduring fascination with eclipses highlights the timeless allure of astronomy and the wonders of the universe. His dedication to chasing these celestial events, even in his golden years, serves as an inspiration to others to pursue their passions with enthusiasm and perseverance. As he eagerly anticipates the upcoming total solar eclipse, Biser’s story exemplifies the joy and fulfillment that can be found in exploring the mysteries of the cosmos and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
