Hundreds of people watched the solar eclipse from the shores of Lake Monroe Monday afternoon. The Department of Natural Resources hosted an eclipse watch party at Paynetown State Recreation Area for the rare event, which included several eclipse-themed activities.
People could make their own pinhole projectors, design bracelets that react to sunlight and create art using ultraviolet-sensitive paper. The DNR also handed out more than 300 eclipse glasses so people could watch the progression safely.
Caiden Spahr is one of several kids who got the day off school so he could spend the afternoon watching the eclipse with his family.
"We've got those glasses and you can see the sun being covered by the moon," he says.
As the beach got gradually darker, several people took their glasses into the lake and swam on their backs to watch the progression.
"We had our glasses on and then we were looking up at the solar eclipse and then I went underwater right after," says Ellie Patrick.
Bloomington experienced near totality, with 95 percent coverage. The DNR says Bloomington will experience a total eclipse in 2024.