The National Astronomic and Space Administration (NASA) noticed an unusual weak spot in the form of a small dent seen on the Earth's magnetic field surface that functions as a filter to the Sun's many potentially harmful particles.
The space company notes that a magnetic field is a form of protection that shields the planet from harmful particles emitted by the Solar System's giant star. Not only that, but the field also helps in repelling and trapping the charged particles to protect the planet.
This weak spot is seen in the northern part of South America and the southern part of the Atlantic. NASA refers to this as the Southern Atlantic Anomaly or SAA. This abnormality causes particles from the Sun to enter the planet and draws closer to the surface compared to its normal situation.
Satellites, especially those in the low-Earth orbit, are said to be the main cause of concern for NASA. The charged particles contribute to the damaging of computer circuits installed in said satellites and may hinder in the data gathering process of these devices.
Over the southern Atlantic Ocean, the magnetic field has a dent — an unusually weak spot that allows some charged particles to dip closer to Earth. It doesn’t pose a hazard to life on the planet’s surface. pic.twitter.com/faJ6RgCyEZ — NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) August 17, 2020
High-energy protons brought by the Sun's particles may cause satellites to short-circuit and go haywire. This may hinder in NASA's ability to collect information and intelligence gathered by the orbiting spacecraft. The phenomenon is called a single-event upset or SEU that may shut down only one component of the satellite but may lead to more significant consequences and problems. Scientists shut down critical components as it passes by the SAA.
Threats to Astronauts?
Currently, NASA is studying this anomaly carefully, together with a group of geomagnetic, geophysics, and heliophysics research scientists to ensure its threat potential that may even transition to humans in space.
The Anomaly Expanding and Threats to Earth's interior
The dent has caused a split into two lobes that are currently expanding, according to scientists. This poses additional problems for the satellites and their missions.
However, another cause of concern by scientists also includes the Earth's magnetic tilt axis and the flow of molten metal in its outer core. These elements are directly influenced by magnetic fields and may be threatened by the dent.
The study for the magnetic fields also enables scientists to learn more of the planet's core and what causes the events that occur below. The Earth's magnetic field is produced by the movement of the metals in the molten core that generates the so-called geodynamo.
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Written by Isaiah Alonzo
