NASA spots strange 'dent' in Earth's magnetic field that could damage low orbit satellites

NASA scientists have found a small but growing dent in Earth’s magnetic field that could prove hazardous for low-orbit satellites. While weak spot in magnetic field over South America and sourn Atlantic Ocean has been re for deces, amaly has grually changed over time. 

magnetic field acts like a protective shield around Earth, repelling and trapping charged particles from Sun. However, South Atlantic Amaly (SAA) allows se particles to dip closer to surface of planet than rmal and riation in this region can disrupt computers onboard satellites passing overhe.   

NASA scientists monitor region to observe variations in magnetic field strength which can indicate changes happening at core of planet as well as those in atmosphere. Nasa's geomagnetic, geophysics, and heliophysics research groups observe and model week spot, to monitor and predict future changes that can help prepare for possible challenges to satellites and humans in .

So far, South Atlantic Amaly has visible impacts on surface. However, latest observations dete that region is expanding westward while weakening in intensity. Moreover, it has split into two lobes, creating ditional challenges for satellite missions.

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South Atlantic Amaly

amaly arises because of tilt in Earth's magnetic axis and flow of molten metals within its core. Invisible magnetic field lines encircle planet but core magnetic field is neir aligned through globe r perfectly stable. hot molten metal churning in Earth’s outer core acts as a massive generator, creating electric currents that produce magnetic field. As core motion changes over time, magnetic field fluctuates in and time too.

"Even though SAA (South Atlantic Amaly) is slow-moving, it is going through some change in morphology, so it's also important that we keep observing it by having continued missions," said Terry Sabaka, a geophysicist at NASA's Goddard Flight Center in Maryland.

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A pothole in

Although weak sport in magnetic field arises from processes at Earth's core, its effects reach far beyond planet's surface. If a satellite is hit by a high-energy particle over region, it can short-circuit and suffer permanent dams as well. To avoid losing vital satellite instruments, scientists usually shut down n-essential components onboard as y pass through South Atlantic Amaly. 

changing amaly in Earth's magnetic field provides scientists fresh opportunities to understand Earth's insides and how its dynamics influence or aspects of plant's system, said Weijia Kuang, a geophysicist with Goddard’s Geodesy and Geophysics Laboratory. With a vigilant eye on slowly evolving 'dent' in magnetic field, researchers can better understand how planet is changing and help prepare satellites for future challenges.

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