NASA study finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon

NASA researchers have determined through simulations that Earth-based microbes could potentially survive in the cold, shaded regions of the Moon’s South Pole for at least one terrestrial day. The study, published in Science Advances, highlights the risk of unintentional biological contamination brought by astronauts, spacesuits, and habitats.

Using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the team modeled survival niches in areas such as Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge, and De Gerlache Rim. The research evaluated several microorganisms common to human environments, including Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Deinococcus radiodurans, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. Notably, Aspergillus niger showed high resilience due to its tolerance of ultraviolet radiation.

While the microbes would remain in a latent state rather than multiplying due to the lack of liquid water and atmosphere, their presence poses a significant challenge for planetary protection. This persistence could complicate the scientific search for primordial lunar chemical signatures and future efforts to detect life on Mars, as researchers must distinguish between original lunar chemistry and terrestrial biological traces.