Earth’s Magnetic Field Weakness Over South Atlantic Accelerates, Posing Growing Risk to Satellites and astronauts
A significant and expanding weakness in Earth’s magnetic field over the South Atlantic Ocean is raising concerns for satellite operations and astronaut safety, according to recent research. The anomaly, known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), is growing and intensifying, perhaps impacting crucial space infrastructure.
The study, utilizing data from the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellites, indicates that shifts in subterranean flows within Earth’s core may be contributing to the magnetic imbalance, though the exact mechanisms are still unknown.(Finlay, C.C. et al.,2025).
“The main consequence is for our low-Earth-orbit satellite infrastructure,” explained researcher Chris Finlay. “These satellites experience higher rates of charged particles when they pass through the weak field region, which can cause problems for the electronics.”
Spacecraft traversing the SAA are exposed to increased levels of energetic solar particles, normally deflected by a stronger magnetic field. This bombardment can led to temporary system glitches,data corruption,and even complete system failures. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station, which periodically passes through the SAA, face a heightened risk of DNA damage and potential long-term cancer development due to the increased radiation.
Finlay warns that the situation is worsening. “Since the weakness is growing, the satellites will experience such effects over a larger area, [so] this should be taken into account when designing future missions.”
As a result, engineers are being urged to “harden” spacecraft systems to better withstand higher radiation doses, anticipating further expansion of the SAA in the coming decades.
Despite the concerning trend, scientists emphasize that Earth’s magnetic field is not on the verge of a full reversal – a phenomenon that has occurred numerous times throughout geological history. Instead, the current situation appears to be a long-term fluctuation driven by the dynamic movement of molten iron within earth’s core.
Data from the Swarm satellites - described as providing the most precise measurements of the geomagnetic field ever recorded – reveal a complex picture.While the South Atlantic field weakens, regions over northern Canada and Siberia are simultaneously showing signs of strengthening or contraction, indicating a constantly shifting balance within the planet’s magnetic structure. Further research, building on data from the Swarm satellites (discussed in a related article: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/01/swarm-satellites-hidden-ocean-mysteries/), is crucial for understanding these processes and forecasting space-weather risks. Continuous, high-quality data collection will be essential for improving the design of both Earth-orbiting and deep-space exploration missions.
