Source: RT For now, the effects of this anomaly are restricted to technical malfunctions aboard spacecraft and orbital satellites. However, because Earth”s magnetic field shields us from solar winds and cosmic radiation, it”s a critical part of our planetary defence system, along with our atmosphere, which protects us from daily asteroid bombardment. In an area stretching from Africa to South America, Earth”s magnetic field is gradually weakening. Scientists are using data from @esa_swarm to improve our understanding of this area known as the “South Atlantic Anomaly” ud83dudc49 https://t.co/ZqTBA9DmX4 pic.twitter.com/klc5SS7zYo – ESA (@esa) May 20, 2020 The European Space Agency (ESA) used its Swarm satellite constellation to study the phenomenon earlier this month, and the latest readings from the agency”s Data, Innovation and Science Cluster show a second anomaly is forming off West Africa. Researchers still don”t understand the risks associated with this more recent development. Main Image Credit: NASA / JSC 191 views