105-year-old Texas man gears up for his 13th total solar eclipse

LaVerne Biser, aged 105, is all set to experience a total solar eclipse for the 13th time
The image is a snapshot from a Fox 4 News video. — Fox 4
The image is a snapshot from a Fox 4 News video. — Fox 4

Witnessing a total solar eclipse is an extraordinary experience, often considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. However, as the nation anticipates the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, LaVerne Biser, aged 105, is gearing up to experience this celestial phenomenon for the 13th time.

In a heartfelt video message to ABC News, Biser expressed his awe for this natural spectacle, remarking, "That's a beautiful sight to see." Residing in Texas, Biser is ideally located in the path of totality for the upcoming eclipse.

Biser, sharing his enthusiasm, encourages those near the path of totality to seize the opportunity and witness this stunning event. His first eclipse encounter dates back to 1963, when he embarked on a 2,000-mile journey from Texas to Maine with his wife to view an eclipse. Over the past six decades, Biser has dedicatedly rearranged his travel plans to chase as many eclipses as possible.

"1963, 1972, 79, 84, 88, 91, 94, 98, 99, 2012, 2017, 2023," he was quoted as saying.

His eclipse-chasing adventures have led him across the United States, from Nebraska to New Mexico and North Dakota, among other places, culminating in witnessing 12 eclipses to date.

This year's eclipse holds a bittersweet note for Biser, as it will be the first since his beloved wife passed away last year, as reported by ABC affiliate WFAA. Biser shared his sentiments with WFAA, stating, "I miss her a lot. We were always together."

As an amateur astronomer and a mechanical engineer by profession, Biser’s passion for celestial events is deeply ingrained. This year's eclipse, passing from Texas to Maine, will be a momentous event, drawing millions to the path of totality, according to reports.

A total solar eclipse, as defined by NASA, occurs when the moon positions itself between the sun and Earth, momentarily obscuring the sun's face, and casting a shadow over select regions on Earth.