Nasa has broadcasted live coverage of the total solar eclipse that swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous US starting from Lincoln Beach, Oregon; to Charleston, South Carolina; on 21 August.

During the coverage, viewers of Nasa Television watched various images captured before, during and after the eclipse, which occurred for the first time in 99 years.

The broadcast was supported by 11 spacecraft, three Nasa aircraft, more than 50 high-altitude balloons and the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

It also included live reports from various locations in the US, including Idaho, Nebraska, Missouri and Tennessee.

"The eclipse lasted for 100min, and 14 states across the US experienced more than two minutes of darkness in the middle of the day."

Nasa has streamed live coverage using various platforms such as the agency’s iOS and Android apps, as well as social media.

According to Nasa, the eclipse lasted for 100min, and 14 states across the US experienced more than two minutes of darkness in the middle of the day.

A partial solar eclipse was also visible throughout North America, along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe.

The orbiting space station has crossed the path of the eclipse three times as it orbited above the continental US at an altitude of 250 miles.

Six people currently staying inside the ISS have witnessed the umbra from space during the celestial event.

Furthermore, Nasa photo editors Joel Kowsky captured the image of ISS from the ground of Banner, Wyoming, US, when it was passing in front of a crescent sun, reported Business Insider.


Image: A total solar eclipse is seen on 21 August 2017, above Madras, Oregon, US. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.