NASA monitors expanding South Atlantic magnetic anomaly

NASA is monitoring the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region where Earth's magnetic field weakens significantly. Recent data indicates that this anomaly is expanding and splitting into two distinct cores.

The phenomenon, first detected in 1958, occurs between South America and Southwest Africa. In this area, the Van Allen radiation belts dip closer to the Earth's surface, exposing satellites and the International Space Station to higher levels of radiation than usual. While there is no threat to people on the ground, the increased radiation poses a risk of electronic failure for orbital technology, including communications and Earth observation infrastructure.

Scientists believe the anomaly is caused by a dense structure approximately 3,000 kilometers beneath Africa, known as the African Low Shear Velocity Province. This structure distorts the flow of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's outer core, which generates the planet's magnetic shield.