Magnetic anomaly in Brazil is growing and worries NASA scientists

The South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly (SAA), the region where the Earth’s magnetic field is weakest, is growing. This is the natural shield that protects us from the Sun’s charged particles, according to recent reports from the US and UK governments. They are most vulnerable in the regional range, which covers mostly the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil.

The report prepared by the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the UK Defense Geography Center states that the anomaly increased by approximately 7% between 2020 and 2024 and continues to deepen and move westward.

Protecting the Earth’s magnetic field is very important in blocking solar radiation. which is currently increased due to solar maximum, During the period when the Sun is most active, the density of the protective shield in the AAS region is around one-third of the world average.

What are the risks of the anomaly in Brazil?

Although the magnetic anomaly is increasing, it does not pose a major risk to the protection of the Earth’s surface and does not have direct effects on daily activities or human health.

The biggest concern about this phenomenon is potential damage to space equipment. “This means that when satellites pass through this area, they sometimes have to standby, momentarily shutting down some components to avoid losing the satellite or burning out any equipment,” physicist Marcel Nogueira explains to O Globo newspaper. .

According to researchers at the National Observatory, the AAS is splitting into two, raising concerns about future space missions.

Why does the magnetic anomaly in Brazil worry NASA?

According to NASA, the main reason the North American space agency is constantly monitoring the magnetic anomaly over Brazil is because “particle radiation in this region could crash onboard computers and interfere with data collection from satellites passing through it.”

In addition to the damage to satellites, Problems may arise with the propagation of radio waves, may cause malfunctions in communication servicessuch as possible interference with mobile phones, FM/AM radio, satellite TV, as well as air navigation systems.

Brazil also monitors the AAS domestically through two magnetic observatories; one in Vassouras in Rio de Janeiro; and another with real-time monitoring of the anomaly at Tatuoca in the Amazon region.

In addition, the Brazilian NanosatC-BR2 satellite has been following the AAS since March 2021, collecting data on the intensity of the magnetic field, the precipitation of energetic particles and the conditions of the ionosphere.

Follow the latest developments in technology and science at TecMundo. If you wish, take the opportunity to understand the mysterious action detected in the Earth’s magnetic tail. To the next one!