New satellite measurements show the South Atlantic Anomaly in Earth’s magnetic field has expanded by roughly half the size of continental Europe since 2014. This growing weakness exposes satellites to increased radiation and charging hazards while revealing complex changes in Earth’s core dynamics. 
Earth’s magnetic field is developing a concerning weakness that continues to expand across the South Atlantic, according to the latest data from monitoring satellites. Known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), this vast region where Earth’s protective magnetic shield is significantly weaker has grown substantially since 2014, expanding by approximately half the size of continental Europe while its magnetic intensity continues to diminish. The European Space Agency’s Swarm mission, consisting of three specialized satellites, has provided the most detailed continuous monitoring of this phenomenon, revealing unexpected complexities in how the anomaly is evolving differently across various regions.
What Is the South Atlantic Anomaly?