Laverne Biser’s remarkable journey as a solar eclipse chaser has captivated the world, especially as he gears up for his 13th eclipse at the age of 105. Born just years after the Titanic’s tragic sinking, Biser has defied the odds of longevity and embraced his passion for astronomy with fervor. From his first eclipse in 1963 to traversing continents to witness these celestial events, Biser’s love for the cosmos has taken him on adventures spanning decades. Armed with a keen eye for photography, he immortalizes these breathtaking moments, including a cherished snapshot from the 1979 eclipse in Williston, South Dakota. Beyond his eclipse pursuits, Biser’s craftsmanship shines through his handmade telescopes, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the stars.

As the anticipation for the Great American Eclipse on April 8, 2024, builds, Biser shares invaluable advice garnered from a century of experience. Emphasizing the unparalleled beauty of totality, he urges spectators to savor every moment, reminding them of the importance of eye protection throughout the event. Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Biser attributes his longevity to a simple yet disciplined lifestyle devoid of vices, punctuated with plenty of chocolate milk-induced laughter. His story resonates deeply, inspiring discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users marvel at his resilience and zest for life, sparking conversations about chasing dreams and embracing passions regardless of age.

The anticipation surrounding the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse is palpable, and the event has become a focal point for sky enthusiasts and curious onlookers alike. What sets this eclipse apart is its exceptional accessibility, casting its shadow over a broader stretch of the United States compared to its predecessor in 2017. NASA notes that the path of totality, where observers can witness the complete darkness as the moon covers the sun, is significantly wider this time. This rarity contributes to the widespread interest, with millions of people planning trips to experience this astronomical phenomenon. Moreover, the 2024 eclipse promises a more awe-inspiring spectacle than other types of eclipses. Unlike annular eclipses, where the moon leaves a “ring of fire” around the sun, and lunar eclipses, which result in a red moon, a total solar eclipse plunges the Earth into a profound darkness akin to night.

NASA emphasizes that differences in the path, timing, and scientific research make the 2024 event even more exciting for observers. The emotional impact of such occurrences is evident from past experiences, as people who witnessed the 2017 eclipse reported a sense of collective connection, and similar reactions are expected this time. Looking ahead, the rarity of total solar eclipses over the U.S. adds to the significance of the April 8 event. The next visible total solar eclipse is not projected to occur until August 23, 2044, and it will only touch a limited number of states. This emphasizes the unique accessibility of the 2024 eclipse and underscores the importance of seizing the opportunity to witness this breathtaking celestial display. The emotional reactions, cultural interpretations, and the collective sense of wonder that accompany such events make them not just astronomical occurrences but profound shared experiences that resonate across time and cultures.

Some natural phenomena are hard to forget, and for a photographer to captures these essential moments can be truly uplifting and a boost of confidence.
For Elias Chasiotis the wonders of the sky and universe, have always presented more interest than for others. Even since childhood, the amateur astronomer has been interested in knowing more about the vastness of the sky above us.
One of his favorite solar activity are eclipses and he recently traveled to Qatar to witness and catch one on camera.
The day of the eclipse was a cloudy one, but Chasiotis managed to capture a stunning picture of an optical illusion, called the Etruscan Vase effect, which made the ocean look as if it has large horns rising from it on the horizon.

NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day feature Chasiotis’ picture and explained that the dark circle seen in the photo near the red Sun is the Moon. Chasiotis knew that if he positioned himself in a strategic place he would be able to catch this amazing moment on camera. He states that what he felt during that moment cannot be put into words, knowing that he might never again witness such a unique moment in time.

Elias Chasiotis: Facebook