NASA TV has field day with eclipse coverage

NASA TV created a large, outdoor setup for its “Eclipse Central” coverage of Monday’s total solar eclipse, which some viewers noted was oddly similar to a sports broadcast compound.

The coverage, which was also carried on C-SPAN, featured a framework of metal girders that supported printed graphics and an opening overlooking Charleston, South Carolina.

Five flat screens were also positioned behind the central host desk, which was fronted with a “Total Eclipse” logo.

The logo design featured a crescent moon shape in place of the “C” with the “arms” of the “E” “trimmed” off to match the curve.

The design also features a light gold bevel effect and the word “total” in all lowercase letters rotated 90 degrees on the far left side of the “E.” The lockup also includes a U.S. map with the path of totality indicated and the date. 

Two additional, lower desks were included for additional experts, which used the printed banners as backgrounds.

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One of the graphics featured a list of states in the path of the totality, along with a map above, while the other features social media icons and NASA’s eclipse website address.

NASA's eclipse coverage is the geeky version of College Gameday pic.twitter.com/ju9voZHKXM

— Joseph Lichterman (@ylichterman) August 21, 2017

In addition to the Charleston site, C-SPAN also originated some programming from the Goddard Space Flight Center’s visitor center in Maryland.