The Earth's protective shield is weakening: The danger zone is expanding

The core at the center of the Earth, about 3,000 kilometers below the surface, creates our planet's magnetic field.

This invisible shield protects life by deflecting charged particles and cosmic radiation from the Sun. However, according to scientists, this protective field is rapidly weakening, especially in the region over the South Atlantic.

Geomagnetism Professor Chris Finlay stated that the data obtained from the European Space Agency's (ESA) Swarm satellites are worrying.

"The region towards Africa is changing differently than the region over South America. There's a specific process going on in this region that's causing the field to weaken more intensely," Finlay said.

"SOUTH ATLANTIC ANOMALY"

This region, known as the “South Atlantic Anomaly” (SAA), causes satellites to encounter high radiation levels, especially during their passage.

As GPS, communication and weather forecast satellites pass through this area, they may face the risk of malfunction, data corruption or permanent damage to electronic systems.

According to NASA, this anomaly is caused by the fluctuation of the magnetic field caused by the irregular movements of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's core.

This dynamic structure, combined with the tilt of the planet's magnetic axis, leads to the formation of the SAA.

THE CONTINUOUSLY EXPANDING ANOMALY

As weak magnetic fields beneath Africa shift westward, similar regions in the mid-Atlantic are trending eastward. This movement transforms the anomaly from a stationary to an expanding structure.

"The South Atlantic Anomaly is a warning from the Earth's core," Finlay said, adding, "Our planet's protective shield has a dynamic structure. Changes occurring deep below the surface can extend into space and impact our daily lives."

HOW IS THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD MONITORED?

ESA's Swarm satellites, which have been monitoring the Earth's magnetic field since 2013, shed light on understanding these processes by analysing magnetic signals from different layers, from the core to the ionosphere.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Scientists emphasize that people on Earth are not in direct danger, but the risk to astronauts, high-altitude flights and satellites in space increases with each passing year.

This weakening shield is seen as a sign that the delicate balance in the Earth's magnetic field is beginning to be disrupted and that this change could seriously affect technological systems in the future.