LaVerne Biser, a 105-year-old Texas resident, is eagerly preparing to see the total solar eclipse on April 8. Biser’s fascination with astronomy dates back to his high school years in the 1930s, and he has been an umbraphile, someone who chases eclipses, since childhood. Growing up on his parents’ farm in Troy, Ohio, Biser spent his early years stargazing and remains fond of constellations like Orion’s shield and the Big Dipper. His interest in eclipses was sparked when he witnessed his first total solar eclipse in 1963, and he has been captivated ever since, describing them as “beautiful.”
An engineer by profession, Biser earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in 1942, followed by a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. He later worked for General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company. Alongside his late wife Marion, who shared his passion for traveling and witnessing eclipses, Biser has seen multiple solar eclipses throughout the years. He can still list the years of the eclipses he has viewed, with the most recent being in 2023. The 2017 eclipse was particularly memorable for Biser, as it was the last one he saw with his wife before her passing.
Despite his age, Biser remains active and enthusiastic about observing the upcoming solar eclipse. He plans to travel from Fort Worth to Plano to witness the event, as he believes it will last longer there compared to his current location. Biser emphasizes the importance of wearing safety glasses when viewing a partial eclipse but notes that it is safe to remove them during a total solar eclipse. His dedication to a healthy lifestyle, including abstaining from alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, as well as attributing his energy and longevity to “good Christian living,” reflects his disciplined approach to maintaining his well-being.
As an experienced umbraphile who has been chasing eclipses for decades, Biser’s passion for astronomy and celestial events is evident in his meticulous planning and fond recollection of past experiences. His lifelong interest in astronomy, nurtured since childhood, has remained a significant part of his life well into his centenarian years. By continuing to pursue his hobby and travel to optimal locations for viewing solar eclipses, Biser exemplifies an enduring curiosity and appreciation for the wonders of the universe.
Biser’s dedication to witnessing celestial events like solar eclipses underscores his enduring passion for astronomy and serves as a reminder of the beauty and awe-inspiring nature of such occurrences. His ability to recall years in which he saw eclipses, as well as his continued enthusiasm for planning and traveling for optimal viewing experiences, showcases a deep-seated love for stargazing and celestial phenomena. With his upcoming trip to Plano to observe the total solar eclipse, Biser exemplifies a lifelong commitment to exploring the wonders of the night sky and sharing the joy of astronomical events with others.
As a testament to the timeless appeal of astronomy and the enduring wonder of celestial events, Biser’s story serves as an inspiration for all those who share his fascination with the cosmos. His dedication to witnessing solar eclipses over the years, coupled with his disciplined lifestyle and unwavering enthusiasm for skywatching, highlights the profound impact that astronomy can have on individuals of all ages. In preparing to view the upcoming total solar eclipse, Biser exemplifies the spirit of exploration and discovery that drives umbraphiles and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing a lifelong passion for the wonders of the universe.
