ESA: South Atlantic magnetic anomaly expanding
The European Space Agency reports that the South Atlantic Anomaly — a weak spot in Earth’s magnetic field over the South Atlantic — has expanded by about 2 million square miles based on 2014–2025 measurements from its Swarm satellite constellation, with weakening accelerating since 2020 and varying by sub‑region. NASA notes satellites transiting the area are exposed to higher radiation that can cause glitches and blackouts; ESA also details shifts in other field anomalies, including a shrinkage near Canada (area ~India) and growth over Siberia (area ~Greenland), as monitoring continues beyond 2030.
Science
Space
📌 Key Facts
- ESA’s Swarm satellites measured Earth’s magnetic field from 2014 to 2025 and found the SAA expanded by ~2 million square miles.
- Weakening has sped up since 2020, with different rates toward Africa vs. South America, per lead author Prof. Chris Finlay.
- NASA warns satellites over the SAA face elevated radiation that can trigger technical issues or blackouts; ESA also reports a shrinking Canadian high‑field region and a growing Siberian one.