Huge Holes Found in Earth's Magnetic Shield

Scientists have discovered two large and unexpected holes in the magnetic field that protects the Earth from solar winds, reports Space.com. The leaks won't pose any risk to health, but increased disruption to satellites and electrical systems can be expected when the cycle of solar storms reaches its next peak four years from now, experts say. The have no idea why the "leaks" occurred.

The holes in the magentosphere are much bigger than anything previously thought to exist, and scientists say the discovery has completely changed their understanding of how the bubble of magnetism works and how solar particles enter the atmosphere.  "What we observed was the breach in the levee," one physicist said. "This has taken us completely by surprise." (More magnetic field stories.)