NASA monitors mysterious magnetic anomaly threatening satellites

For years, NASA has been studying the mysterious magnetic anomaly known as the South Atlantic Anomaly, occurring in the region between South America and southwestern Africa. It is an area where Earth's magnetic field is weaker.

Although the anomaly does not pose a threat to life on our planet, it presents challenges for satellites and spacecraft passing through it. The weakened magnetic field can lead to possible damage to the technological systems of these satellites.

High-energy protons from the Sun can cause short circuits and other malfunctions, forcing operators to switch off equipment during flights through this zone. NASA considers research on the anomaly both a technological challenge and an opportunity to explore the processes that generate Earth's magnetic field.

Geophysicist Terry Sabaka from NASA explains that Earth's magnetic field is mainly generated by the movement of liquid iron in the planet's outer core, and the anomaly may result from disturbances caused by dense rocks beneath Africa. Interestingly, research suggests that the South Atlantic Anomaly is not only slowly shifting but could also split into two parts. Evidence indicates that similar phenomena happened millions of years ago.

Although the anomaly does not indicate a reversal of the magnetic poles, scientists are examining its impact on the auroras. The portal sciencealert.com highlights the need for continuous observation of this phenomenon. Terry Sabaka notes that ongoing research missions aid in developing models and better predicting future changes in Earth's magnetic field, which is crucial for understanding this fascinating phenomenon.