NASA study finds Earth microbes could survive in lunar shadows

A NASA-led study published in Science Advances suggests that certain Earth-based microorganisms could potentially survive in sheltered areas of the Moon, specifically near the lunar South Pole. Researchers found that microbes hitching a ride on astronauts or equipment could find refuge in shadowed nooks, craters, or even within astronaut bootprints, where they are protected from intense ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations.

The study focused on the ability of organisms to survive in a dormant state known as cryptobiosis, rather than their ability to thrive or reproduce. Using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the team modeled survival potential for five microbial genera: Bacillus, Deinococcus, Staphylococcus, Aspergillus, and Fusarium. Notably, Aspergillus was identified as highly resilient to radiation.

These findings raise significant concerns regarding biological contamination. As human missions like the Artemis program establish a more sustained presence on the Moon, the presence of Earth-borne microbes could complicate scientific efforts to study the Moon’s pristine chemical environment and search for indigenous signs of life.