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[RIA] Solar flares, flight cancellations, and temporary internet outages are nothing compared to the ticking time bomb lurking beneath the Earth's surface. Scientists still don't know exactly when the explosion will occur. RIA Novosti reports on the dangers deep within the planet.

AN UNEXPECTED FIND
At first glance, our planet appears stable and predictable. But beneath its surface, processes are underway that could radically alter the situation. An example is the South Atlantic Anomaly: a weak magnetic field that has been rapidly increasing in recent years.

The European Space Agency ( ESA ) recently published the results of a study that has experts talking about a "worrying signal." According to data from the Swarm mission, a satellite monitoring the Earth's magnetic field, the anomaly's area has grown so large since 2014 that it now covers almost half the area of ​​continental Europe.

The zone's expansion is uneven. This creates additional risks not only for scientific missions but also for the entire technological infrastructure.

HOW DOES THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD WORK?
The magnetic field is a natural protective barrier formed by the movement of molten iron and nickel in the outer core. This invisible shield deflects charged particles from the solar wind, protecting Earth from radiation.
Geomagnetic field changes for the first half of 2014, according to data from the Swarm satellite array (in nanoteslas) - RIA Novosti, 1920, October 21, 2025

If we imagine the planet as a giant magnet, it seems to have lost its strength in the South Atlantic Anomaly—the field strength is significantly lower there. As a result, spacecraft flying over the South Atlantic find themselves in a zone of increased radiation.

Satellites in low orbits are forced to regularly cross this region. It is here that the most frequent electronic failures, data dumps, temporary sensor outages, and even chip burnouts are detected.

Geophysicist Chris Finley, who participated in the study, notes that "unique processes in the planet's inner core" are taking place in this area.
"We typically expect to see magnetic lines emanating from the core. But beneath the South Atlantic Anomaly, we see the opposite process," the scientist explains.

He compares this phenomenon to a "thin crack" in the Earth's protective shell through which radiation is leaking.

WHAT SATELLITES AND SCIENTISTS ARE ALREADY RECORDING
Over the past 11 years, ESA and NASA missions have repeatedly reported problems over the South Atlantic. Some spacecraft have temporarily lost contact with Earth.

Engineers are forced to program devices so that some systems automatically shut down when passing through an anomaly—this prevents damage.
However, the impact is felt not only in space. On Earth's surface, the Sun's influence on power grids and navigation systems is gradually increasing. During periods of powerful magnetic storms, short-term disruptions in radio communications and navigation systems are recorded, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.

GEOGRAPHIC SHIFT AND NEW DISTURBING TRENDS
The main problem is that the weakening of the magnetic field is occurring in several places around the planet at once—not only over the South Atlantic, but also over northern Canada, as well as in some areas of the Arctic.

Scientists cannot yet provide a definitive explanation. They only speculate that it is related to the dynamics of liquid iron flows in the Earth's core. This "metal river" moves at incredible speed, forming new magnetic centers and weakening old ones.

Some experts believe the observed changes could be a harbinger of a global restructuring—when the North and South Poles will swap positions. Such reversals have occurred before in history, most recently around 780,000 years ago.

CAN HUMANITY FEEL THE CONSEQUENCES?
For the average person, the weakening of the magnetic field remains unnoticeable, but at the technological level, the consequences are obvious. Modern civilization relies on satellite communications, aviation systems, navigation, and energy. All of these are sensitive to radiation fluctuations and electromagnetic disturbances.

With further declines, even weak solar flares could cause effects comparable to powerful geomagnetic storms. The result could be power grid outages, disruptions to aviation, and disruptions to communications systems and internet infrastructure.

Furthermore, in areas with weakened fields, radiation levels in the upper atmosphere increase. This makes high-altitude flights more dangerous. Astronauts in orbit are already undergoing additional screening and radiation protection when crossing the South Atlantic Anomaly.

WHAT ARE SCIENTISTS DOING?
The European Space Agency continues continuous monitoring using its Swarm satellites. These devices are equipped with highly accurate magnetometers that can detect even the slightest fluctuations in the magnetic field. Based on the data obtained, 3D models of the Earth's internal structure can be constructed, allowing changes in the core and mantle to be traced.

Professor Finley stresses that the anomaly is "growing at an unpredictable rate," making it crucial to monitor it in real time.

Some research centers are already discussing the possibility of developing an international geomagnetic hazard warning system—similar to those used for tsunamis and volcanic activity. But for now, this is all theoretical.
Scientists note that the South Atlantic Anomaly does not pose an immediate threat to human life. However, it serves as a reminder of how dynamic and vulnerable our planet is.