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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