NASA finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon

NASA researchers have discovered that some Earth microbes could potentially survive in certain areas near the Moon's South Pole, according to a study published in Science Advances. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how Earth microbes could contaminate the Moon as human exploration increases.

Prabal Saxena, a planetary scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, explained that humans carry around 1 million bacteria on their skin, some of which can escape into their surroundings. This poses a challenge for scientists studying ancient lunar geology or potential biological signs on the Moon, as human microbes could interfere with their findings. However, the study suggests that the Moon could also serve as a valuable natural laboratory for testing the limits of microbial survival under extreme conditions.

The researchers focused on shadowed regions near the lunar South Pole, where sunlight barely reaches and conditions are extremely cold, humid, and protected from radiation. Using simulations based on data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, they identified specific niches where certain microbes, including Aspergillus niger, could potentially survive.

Aspergillus niger, known for its resilience in spaceflight conditions, was found to be especially tolerant to UV radiation, making it possible for the fungus to survive even in slightly sunlit areas.

The study also emphasized the need to establish a baseline understanding of human contaminants before any future missions to Mars, to ensure that any signs of life found are not due to human introduction. While rigorous sterilization methods cannot eliminate all microbes, Aspergillus niger and other hardy organisms like Bacillus subtilis and Deinococcus radiodurans were selected for this study due to their demonstrated resilience.

The findings underscore the significance of carefully monitoring microbial hitchhikers as humans prepare to explore the Moon's south polar region.