Study Finds Earthly Microbes Could Survive At The Moon's South Pole
Researchers found five tested microbes could survive for days in deeply shadowed lunar craters, though none could grow or reproduce.
- On Wednesday, a NASA study published in Science Advances revealed that common microbes could survive in specific, shadowed niches near the Moon's South Pole, challenging the long-held assumption that the lunar surface is uniformly lethal.
- Previous models relied on equatorial conditions where Apollo missions landed, but this analysis utilized Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter topography data to identify cold, shielded 'survivable niches' the earlier research had missed.
- Testing five specific organisms, the team found the fungus Aspergillus was most resilient, persisting in dormancy for up to a week, though the study notes these microbes cannot grow or reproduce on the Moon.
- This potential for contamination raises concerns regarding 'unintended life transfer,' as future Artemis missions targeting the South Pole could inadvertently deposit Earth organisms, potentially skewing lunar chemistry analysis.
- Researchers emphasize the need to characterize lunar chemistry before visits alter the environment, as understanding these microbial limits serves as a key testbed for future NASA exploration and eventual missions to Mars.
15 Articles
15 Articles
NASA finds some microbes could survive on moon, raising concerns over unintended life transfer
New research led by NASA scientists looking at five forms of fungi and bacteria indicates that some of them indeed could survive for a time under certain conditions on the lunar surface
A new NASA study offers intriguing insights into the ability of terrestrial fungi to survive near the Moon's south pole, raising concerns about potential contamination in future missions. NASA Study: Terrestrial Fungi May Live Up to 7 Days Near the Moon's South Pole. In short: NASA researchers have identified areas near the Moon's south pole where microbes from Earth can survive for several days, raising new concerns about contamination as futur…
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Human microbes might be able to survive on the Moon’s South Pole. Here’s what that means for Artemis missions
A new study from NASA says certain pockets of the lunar South Pole — where the United States is expected to establish a moon base — may be sustainable for certain microorganisms. It could be a foundation for new lunar research, but it does bring its own challenges to future studies.
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