South Atlantic Anomaly

New satellite data from the European Space Agency (ESA) reveal that the magnetic field of the Earth between Africa and South America is weakening, causing problems for satellites and spacecraft.

  • Scientists have dubbed this phenomenon as the South Atlantic Anomaly. The South Atlantic Anomaly is a vast expanse of reduced magnetic intensity in Earth’s magnetic field, extending all the way from South America to southwest Africa.
  • The Earth’s magnetic field acts as a kind of shield – protecting it from solar winds and cosmic radiation, in addition to determining the location of the magnetic poles.
  • Any reduction in its strength is an important event we need to monitor closely, as these changes could ultimately have significant implications for our planet.

Source: Nature

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