NASA study finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon

A NASA-led study published in Science Advances indicates that certain Earth-based microbes could survive for weeks or months in specific shaded regions of the Moon’s South Pole. Using environmental data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers modeled survival niches in areas such as the Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge, and De Gerlache Rim.

The study found that shaded nooks and permanent cold traps provide protection from intense ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperatures. Among the organisms tested, the fungus Aspergillus niger demonstrated the highest resilience, outperforming several bacterial species. Other organisms, including species of Fusarium, also showed significant survival capabilities.

These findings raise concerns regarding planetary contamination for upcoming crewed missions, such as the Artemis program. Scientists warn that microbes carried by astronauts on skin, clothing, or equipment could inadvertently colonize lunar environments, potentially complicating the future search for natural lunar organic matter or signs of past life.