If you thought the infamous Bermuda Triangle was only on Earth, think again. Scientists are now tracking a vast and expanding anomaly high above the Atlantic Ocean—a cosmic “danger zone” where satellites malfunction and astronauts report mysterious glitches. Known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), this region has been puzzling researchers for decades. But recent studies reveal a troubling trend: the anomaly is expanding, potentially altering our understanding of Earth’s magnetic shield and space hazards. What is the Bermuda Triangle in Space? The SAA is an area where Earth’s inner Van Allen radiation belt dips unusually close to the planet’s surface. This creates a weakened magnetic field over parts of South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean. As satellites pass through, they are bombarded by intense radiation, often causing data corruption, power outages, and unexplained technical glitches (NASA). Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have even reported “phantom flashes” in their vision when passing through this region, caused by high-energy particles zipping through their retinas (ESA). New Data Shows It’s Growing—and Splitting In 2020, NASA researchers discovered that the anomaly is not only expanding but splitting into two distinct lobes. This could signal a shift in Earth’s geomagnetic field or a precursor to the eventual flip of the planet’s magnetic poles (ScienceAlert). If the anomaly continues to grow, satellite operators may face more frequent malfunctions, including potential blackouts in navigation, weather monitoring, and communications satellites. Why Are Scientists Concerned? While the phenomenon is natural, its rapid changes in recent decades are unusual. Some researchers speculate that shifting patterns in Earth’s molten core are causing the anomaly to drift and weaken the magnetic field. Others suggest there could be unknown space weather dynamics at play, possibly linked to solar storms or interactions with cosmic rays. A few fringe theorists even propose extraterrestrial influences, pointing to the region’s unusual energy signatures and its alignment with unexplained fast radio bursts detected in nearby space sectors. Could It Affect Life on Earth? For now, the anomaly doesn’t pose a direct danger to people on the ground. But it raises questions about the fragility of our planet’s protective magnetic shield. If the field continues to weaken, it could expose Earth to harmful solar radiation, increasing risks for astronauts, satellites, and potentially affecting electrical grids and communications systems worldwide. “We’re looking at a planetary-scale magnetic mystery that could rewrite parts of geophysics,” says Dr. Terry Sabaka, NASA Goddard.The post Expanding Bermuda Triangle in Space Baffles Scientists first appeared on Anomalien.com.