BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) — As the total solar eclipse made its way through Bloomington this past weekend, excitement filled the air as the anticipation was building with each passing moment. 

Indiana University held an assortment of events, including a performance from Janelle Monae and a special visit from William Shatner. 

“I think it’s going to be, if not spiritual, emotional,” said Stewart Ogilvie, who traveled from Chicago. “You don’t see things like that very often, and here we go. I don’t know, I’m just feeling blessed that skies are clear.” 

Along with the scheduled events, people also brought their own equipment to view the eclipse. 

“People have taken a magnifying glass and burned ants and cigarettes,” said Mike Morgan, who has a Dobsonian Telescope to view the eclipse. “This will do the same thing you know except to your eyes if you’re not careful.” 

While there were far less people than expected to arrive in Bloomington for the eclipse, there were still individuals of a wide variety of ages that came from all over the country to see this celestial event. 

“I’ve seen an eclipse when I was very small, and when I saw an eclipse, I just started crying,” said Enzen Zaolizhu, an Illinois resident.  

“Well, we did it in 5th grade, and we made really cool shirts,” said Ellis Gregory, who traveled from Louisville. “Still have mine, and I’m excited to see it again for the second time.” 

An event as big as this is unpredictable in many ways, but one of the most powerful effects an eclipse can have is how it will make people feel. 

“Well, I don’t know what the emotions are going to be, but I’m sure I am going to be feeling them,” said William Ogilvie, another Chicago native.