NASA is closely monitoring the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), a large region of weakened magnetic intensity above Earth, stretching between South America and southwest Africa.

This anomaly, which doesn’t impact life on Earth but poses a risk to satellites and spacecraft, can cause malfunctions due to exposure to charged particles from the Sun.

The SAA, likened to a “pothole in space,” weakens the magnetic field, potentially leading to data loss or damage to satellite components.

NASA is studying the anomaly to understand its origins and effects, Science Alert has reported.

The SAA is gradually drifting and appears to be splitting into two distinct regions, raising new questions about its long-term behavior and its potential link to Earth’s magnetic field.

written by B.C. Begley