A vast region of lower magnetic intensity is stretching out between South America and southwest Africa, leading to a strange dent in the Earth’s magnetic field that’s splitting and growing.

This anomaly, known as the South Atlantic Anomaly, has perplexed scientists for years.

But what’s the reason behind this vast expanse of lower intensity in the Earth’s magnetic field? Why is it so important for NASA to track the anomaly?

Finally, and most importantly, does the South Atlantic Anomaly affect life on Earth in any way?